2 CORFU PANORAMA English_1

Old Fortress
The Old Fortress (Fortezza or Agios Nikolaos Fortress) is
built on a rocky peninsula with two characteristic peaks on
the eastern edge of the city, from which it is separated by an
artificial moat (contra-fossa). This particular location is ideal
as a defensive option, since it allows easy access to maritime
space and full control over the neighboring coasts.
History
The site was fortified for the first time after the 6 th century
when it obtained its first inhabitants, probably survivors
of previous disasters. The fortification of the fortress lasted
about fifteen centuries.
During this period, three historical phases stand out:
The Byzantine period, during which the eastern hill (Castello
Vecchio) was fortified, the early Venetian period, when the
peninsula was turned into an island and the western hill
(Castello Nuovo) was fortified, and the Late Venetian period,
when the fortifications were completed and received their
present form.
During the 16 th century, the Venetians strengthened the
fortifications and the subsequent construction of moats
around the fort. They grinded the surface of the rocks to
prevent possible attempts of climbing by enemies.
During this phase, the buildings in front of the fort were
demolished and the imposing square of “Spianada” was built.
Till the 17 th century, the gradual restoration of the city inside
the fortress with the district (borgo) was completed, which
evolved into the newer and encircled by the wall city of
Corfu.
Structural, Architectural, Fortification elements
Over the centuries, the fortress underwent several transformations,
so little remained in its original form.
The statue in honor of Marshal Schulenburg (made by the
Venetians because the Constable helped the Corfiots to
repulse the Turks) has now been transferred in front of the
arched entrance of the fortress.
From there, through a gallery, a corridor leads to the center
of the acropolis.
Another corridor, on the left, leads to the northern rampart
of the fort.
There are various buildings in the interior of
the fort, including a jail constructed in 1786
by the Venetians, the military chapel, two
barracks constructed by the British around
1850 and a military hospital which is now a
music school.
The church of Agios Georgios is a project of
the British in 1840, which 20 years later was
converted into a Catholic Church and was
decorated with icons from the church of St.
Spyridon.
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