Why does Corfu look like Italy?

November 9, 2023 By Blog Posts Comments Off
Why does Corfu look like Italy

Corfu looks like Italy because of its long history of Venetian occupation. The Republic of Venice ruled Corfu for over 400 years, from 1386 to 1797. During this time, the Venetians left a significant imprint on the island’s culture, architecture, and language.

One of the most obvious ways in which Venetian influence can be seen in Corfu is in its architecture. The Old Town of Corfu is full of Venetian buildings, with their characteristic red-tiled roofs, narrow streets, and colonnaded squares. The island is also home to several Venetian fortresses, including the Old Fortress and the New Fortress.

In addition to its architecture, Corfu also has a number of other features that are reminiscent of Italy. For example, the island’s cuisine is heavily influenced by Italian cuisine, and many Corfiots speak Italian as well as Greek.

Here are some specific examples of Venetian influence on Corfu:

  • Architecture: The Old Town of Corfu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its Venetian-style buildings, including the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, the Liston, and the Church of St. Spyridon.
  • Language: Corfiot Greek is a dialect of Greek that is heavily influenced by Italian. Many Corfiots also speak Italian fluently.
  • Food: Corfiot cuisine is heavily influenced by Italian cuisine. Popular dishes include pastitsio, moussaka, and souvlaki.
  • Culture: Corfiot culture is also influenced by Italian culture. For example, the island celebrates Carnival in a similar way to Italy.

While Corfu is now part of Greece, its long history of Venetian occupation has left a lasting impression on the island. This is why Corfu often looks and feels more like Italy than Greece.

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The Old Town of Corfu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island. It is located on a peninsula on the east coast of Corfu and is surrounded by water on three sides.

The Old Town is known for its Venetian architecture, narrow streets, and charming squares. Some of the most notable landmarks in the Old Town include:

  • The Palace of St. Michael and St. George: This former royal palace is now a museum and art gallery
  • The Liston: This elegant promenade is lined with cafes and restaurants.
  • The Church of St. Spyridon: This Byzantine church is the patron saint of Corfu.
  • The Old Fortress: This Venetian fortress offers stunning views of the Old Town and the surrounding area.
  • The New Fortress: This Venetian fortress is also known for its beautiful gardens.

    In addition to its historical and architectural significance, the Old Town of Corfu is also a vibrant and lively place. There are many shops, restaurants, and bars to choose from, and the streets are always full of people. The Old Town is a great place to wander around and soak up the atmosphere.