2 - UNESCO: World Heritage

DESCRIPTION
Just as in the buildings of the Venetian period, the kind of structure determined the wealth of morphological
details and the cost of the materials used for the construction of the exteriors. In general the use of orders in
the design of dwelling facades is discreet or minimal (the only exception is the Capodistrias mansion where the
influence of Palladianism is obvious), whereas in the design of official buildings it is a basic element
(Commissioners Palace, Ionian Bank etc.). Elements associated with orders (almost always Tuscan in
dwellings) are used mainly in pilasters, pillars, cornices (of doorways, quoins, finials, arcades etc.).
The facades are almost flat, exactly as in the Venetian period (they continue to be formed in association with
the successive arrangement of buildings alongside the streets) with a tendency to horizontal configuration.
Great importance is laid on symmetrical organisation and rhythmical regularity, without necessarily setting
emphasis on the central axis. Broad-fronted arrangements, in particular, are characterised by a tripartite
division with a slightly projecting sculptural element on the edge of each part, which draws attention to the
central section. The axes appear generally in equal intervals, while openings are not arranged into groups. The
large number of storeys provides a great space for morphological expression, allowing the application of order
solutions that are repeated on the vertical axis. In later examples the design organisation is based on the use
of balconies in various arrangements.
The tendency towards horizontal configuration (typical of early Classicism as well as Renaissance style), is
illustrated by the rhythmical rows of windows, porticoes and arcades, by horizontal zones between stories,
usually under window sills and rarely at floor level. In relatively late structures these horizontal zones - originally
a main element of ordinary dwellings’ facades - are largely abandoned, something that can be associated with
the extensive use of the balcony. Nevertheless they are preserved as an element distinguishing the ground
floor from the rest of the structure, in the form of a zone decorated with mouldings, usually at the level of the
main entrance cornice. In other examples the cornice is combined with a band running right under the window
sills of the first floor, thus forming a wider zone which sets off the division between the ground floor and the rest
of the building. This zone is often interrupted by balustrades placed directly underneath the windows, creating a
kind of parapet. The horizontal tripartite division of buildings into base, main body and crown is rather rare
(except for the Capodistrias mansion). Nevertheless the ground floor of certain buildings is constructed in a
way that resembles a base (dressed masonry structure). The use of the arch is widely applied to ground floors,
doorways, windows or rows of arched openings typical for shop entrances along commercial streets.
♦ Construction materials and techniques
The basic construction materials used in the buildings of Corfu are stone, brick and wood.
The quarries are located mainly on the eastern side of Mount Pantokrator in the northern part of the island
(Sinies, Nisaki etc.). They produce a hard white or reddish limestone, suitable for dressed masonry,
pavements, frames etc. (used mainly during the Venetian period), as well as limestone suitable for the
production of lime. Some other quarries located on the central part of the island produce a yellowish sandy
stone while others further south produce reddish tufa. Sand, clay and other materials used to produce bricks
and tiles are also available in large quantities on the island. The brick factories of Manduki were known since
as early as the Venetian period.
The Old Town of Corfu Nomination for inclusion on the World Heritage List 14
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