CORFU
The princess of the Ionian Sea
The island of the Phaeacians
The town of Corfu, is the capital of Corfu island and one of the most spectacular towns in Greece, due to the strong influence mostly of the Venetians who ruled the island for over four centuries.
The Old Town of Corfu, between the two dominant Venetian fortresses, is full of narrow streets, traditional buildings and pedestrian areas, which UNESCO declared a protected heritage site.
The Old Town of Corfu
Mysterious and enchantic, the Old Town seems like it has sprung up from the Middle Ages.
An atmospheric labyrinth leads unexpectedly to the narrowest whirling streets, secret plateaus and old churches that add little more mystery. Particular feature of this is the old tall buildings that preserve the architecture of the island.
One of them houses the favorite secret of Corfu: “Caro Segreto.” In a building of the beginning of the last century, restoration was not easy. It was done with great respect in the island’s heavy history, culture and city tradition.
The island of the Phaeacians
The town of Corfu, is the capital of Corfu island and one of the most spectacular towns in Greece, due to the strong influence mostly of the Venetians who ruled the island for over four centuries.
The Old Town of Corfu, between the two dominant Venetian fortresses, is full of narrow streets, traditional buildings and pedestrian areas, which UNESCO declared a protected heritage site.
The Old Town of Corfu
Mysterious and enchantic, the Old Town seems like it has sprung up from the Middle Ages.
An atmospheric labyrinth leads unexpectedly to the narrowest whirling streets, secret plateaus and old churches that add little more mystery. Particular feature of this is the old tall buildings that preserve the architecture of the island.
One of them houses the favorite secret of Corfu: “Caro Segreto.” In a building of the beginning of the last century, restoration was not easy. It was done with great respect in the island’s heavy history, culture and city tradition.
View from the Old Fortress
The history of Corfu is connected with the sea and the naval forces of every age, from antiquity to the Middle Ages and the 19th century.
The Maitland Rotunda
Built to honour Sir Thomas Maitland, Governor of Malta, and Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands. It is located at the Spianada, the largest square in the Balkans.
The Garitsa Moorage
View from the Old Fortress towards the Garitsa Moorage, where today many big private yachts and sailing boats are docked. The "Douglas' Obelisk" is on the left.
The New Fortress
View of the New Fortress from the Mantouki district. The Old Harbor is in the background.
History of Corfu
Rich and troubled, the history of Corfu is bound with the history of mainland Greece.
- 12th century BC: Mythology
The island is believed to be inhabited by the Phaeacians, an advanced civilization with strong naval tradition.
- 8th century BC: Settlement
The first settlers from mainland Greece, first from Eretria then from Corinth, arrive on the island.
- 100 AD: Christianity
After two disciples of Saint Paul, Jason of Tarsus and Sosipatrus of Patras, taught the Gospel, Corfu begun converting to Christianity.
- 6th-13th centuries AD: Dark Ages
Corfu goes through the Dark Ages, suffering constant invasions by pirates and barbarians.
- 1386 AD: Under Venetian rule
Corfu falls under the Venetian rule, and becomes the “Door of Venice.” During that time suffers several unsuccessful Ottoman sieges.
- 1797 AD: Under French rule
Corfu is ceded to the French with the treaty of Campo Formio.
- 1815 AD: Under British rule
The Ionian Islands became a protectorate of the United Kingdom as the United States of the Ionian Islands. The period of British rule is considered a beneficial one for Corfu. During this period the Greek language became official.
- 1864 AD: Unification with Greece
As a gift from Britain for the coronation of Prince Wilhelm (William) of Denmark, who took the name George I as king of Greece, the sovereignty of the Ionian Islands was transfered to Greece.
- 2007 AD: World Heritage List
In 2007, the city’s old town was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- 12th century BC: Mythology
The island is believed to be inhabited by the Phaeacians, an advanced civilization with strong naval tradition.
- 8th century BC: Settlement
The first settlers from mainland Greece, first from Eretria then from Corinth, arrive on the island.
- 100 AD: Christianity
After two disciples of Saint Paul, Jason of Tarsus and Sosipatrus of Patras, taught the Gospel, Corfu begun converting to Christianity.
- 6th-13th centuries AD: Dark Ages
Corfu goes through the Dark Ages, suffering constant invasions by pirates and barbarians.
- 1386 AD: Under Venetian rule
Corfu falls under the Venetian rule, and becomes the “Door of Venice.” During that time suffers several unsuccessful Ottoman sieges.
- 1797 AD: Under French rule
Corfu is ceded to the French with the treaty of Campo Formio.
- 1815 AD: Under British rule
The Ionian Islands became a protectorate of the United Kingdom as the United States of the Ionian Islands. The period of British rule is considered a beneficial one for Corfu. During this period the Greek language became official.
- 1864 AD: Unification with Greece
As a gift from Britain for the coronation of Prince Wilhelm (William) of Denmark, who took the name George I as king of Greece, the sovereignty of the Ionian Islands was transfered to Greece.
- 2007 AD: World Heritage List
In 2007, the city’s old town was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
MEET THE TRUE FACE OF CORFU
In our residence, Caro Segreto, you will have the chance to live in two unique boutique apartments, that will travel you back to the Corfu of times long gone. Furnished and decorated with the intent to recreate the style of old times, you will experience in Mio Amore and Mio Caro the true spirit of Corfu.
