2 CORFU PANORAMA English_1

Old Town
Nature has been generous to Corfu and gave her her infinite
beauty. But people also respected these gifts and their
creations were adapted to a perfect degree with these
beauties.
A simple stroll in the area persuades even the most
demanding visitor that Nature and tradition are “blended”
perfectly here.
Campiello
Campiello is the oldest settlement in Corfu. It was created
during the Anjou rule in about 1267-1386, when the
overpopulation of the city and the pressures of the Catholics
forced many residents to spread out and around the city.
And, therefore, Xopoli was created - today’s Old Town.
The first Sephardim Jews arrived during that period, who
were expelled from Spain and settled in Corfu, in Ovriovouni.
The typical image of the square is composed by the church,
the mansions, upscale residences and sometimes the well,
which is actually the mouth of a cistern.
In the background it can be discerned the famous “Arch of
Kokkinis”, a picturesque arched passage, the “Kantouni of
Bizis” (alley) etc.
Campiello is of global interest and is enlisted in the World
Heritage Sites of Unesco. The narrow alleys, kantounia,
usually end up in unanticipated small squares after which
the region is named. (Campiello in Italian means small
square). Clotheslines with spread out laundries are hanging
from facing balconies, which are separated by such short
distance that the neighbors could easily exchange handshakes
from their... porch!
The mansions (and not only them) are famous for their
architecture. Μetzalounes (arches) create very beautiful
shapes above the doors. Batidoura (the knockers on the
door for the visitor) on the front doors have special, strange
shapes.
“Piteria” (pots) add colors. Tsantsaminia (Jasmines) in
kantounia are flooding the area with their scent.
The narrow and shadowy kanizeles (the alleys) and the
rambling, also narrow streets complement the breathtaking
image of the Old Town.
Esplanade (Spianada), the Moat and the Old Fort.
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