2 - UNESCO: World Heritage

DESCRIPTION
♦ OLD FORTRESS
One of the town’s most distinctive features is formed by the two peaks of the rocky end at the eastern side that
create an ‘island on the island’ and allow a wide prospect over the sea passage. One can distinguish the
imposing, well-preserved Venetian fortifications from the later simple and massive buildings of the British
period built on three landscaped levels. (Annex, Exhibit 3).
Access to the town is via a 60 metre long iron bridge that replaced the old drawbridge over the sea moat
(contra-fossa), and is located on the symmetrical axis of the west side, between the salients known as
Martinengo (left) and Savorgnan (right). The entrance is composed of a central vaulted passageway and two
vaulted halls, one on either side, while the single, arched doorway with its monumental exterior construction,
still preserves the old wooden, nail-studded door as well as the slits for the chains that operated the
drawbridge.
Along the external sea canal runs a 22 metre wide dry moat, bridged by an arched stone bridge (1603),
whence the walls of the main part of the Fortress begin. Today this position is occupied by an imposing, oblong
building with exposed brick masonry, dating from the British period, while access to the remaining spaces is
through three vaulted passages located at the base of the building. Perpendicular to the passage runs the
supporting wall of the upper level in whose successive vaulted niches coats of arms belonging to eminent
citizens of the Venetian Republic were displayed. Two stone staircases flank the passage and lead to the
higher level. To the right is the open space known as the Versiada at the far end of which is the Doric style
Church of Agios Georgios.
On the left side a sloping corridor leads down to the dry moat, while above visitors are directed through
successive platforms, small ramps and a vaulted arcade towards a small gate in the perimeter walls to the Port
of Mandraki, which currently functions as a marina. An underground passage that begins at this point leads to
the fortified Cape Kavosidero.
The highest level of the citadel comprises the two fortified peaks, the Land Tower and the Sea Tower, as well
as the intermediate area, the Cittadella. Still surviving are buildings that housed the Venetian Prisons with an
additional storey constructed by the British, as well as a large barracks from the period of British rule, which
presents a very interesting penthouse arrangement. From this point on, a narrow uphill path skirts the rock
leading to the entrance of a curving tunnel, formerly secret, and offers access to the top of the rock and
magnificent views of both the town and the Fortress itself.
All parts of the Fortress are currently accessible (except for the interiors of the two entrance ramparts), thus
allowing an extremely interesting tour over both open air and covered areas of different construction periods,
through narrow arcades and passages, revealing the greatness of the past. The carved Venetian emblems
with the marble winged lions of St. Mark, the various inscriptions, the coats of arms and the scattered canons
enhance the overall picture.
The Old Town of Corfu Nomination for inclusion on the World Heritage List 4
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