corfu

Prehistoric settlements uncovered on the west coast near Kephali, Aphiona and Ermones lead us to presume that the inhabitants lived in a closed agricultural society and maintained few contacts with the Mycenaean culture centers of Southern Greece.  Instead, they traded with the people of Epirus, to whom they were related. 

Corinthian settlements dating to 734 BC are the first historical records and show an active sea trade across the Ionion Sea to Italy, with a powerful sea fleet leading to an eventual break with Corinth (about 660 BC).  Corfu remained independent until Corinth again subjugated the island for the next 80 years or so, until the death of the Corinthian ruler Periander.  During those years, however, the most important temples and public buildings were constructed on the island.

After about 100 years, Corfu (called Corcyra at that time) turned toward Athens for trade and together the two powers hoped to destroy the Corinthian trading monopoly.  However, Corfu received no help from Athens in its war with Corinth; it plunged into civil war due to internal political disagreements; recovering finally in 400 BC, it soon found itself again involved in other conflicts until about 229 BC, when it turned to Rome for help.  It remained under Roman protection until 31 BC when it chose to back the wrong side in the civil war between Octavian (Augustus) and Antony; supporting Antony resulted in the destruction of the island and most of the ancient buildings.  This period of desolation lasted 200 years.

There followed the advent of Christianity; persecution of Christians; hundreds of years of rule by the Byzantine Empire; landing of the Crusaders’ fleet in 1203; alternate rule for the next 175 years among Epirus, the Venetians, the counts of Anjou and finally the Venetians again from 1386 to 1797.  Again the island came under the control of various foreign powers:  French, Russian and Turks together (forming the Seven Islands/Eptanissos Politeia), lastly England until 1864 when Queen Victoria ceded the Ionion Islands to the Greek nation.

Though heavily bombarded during World War II and with many of its buildings destroyed, many structures in the old quarters of the capital somehow survived.  Among those of interest are the medieval fortress, Palaio Phrourio; the palace built for the English Lord High Commissioner in 1816; the Metropolitan Church; the Catholic cathedral in the Town Hall square, as well as the Town Hall itself.

 Corfu Sightseeing Photos