2 CORFU PANORAMA English_1

Southwest Corfu
And here the greenery reaches the sea.
And here the beaches are one better than the other.
Manor houses, alleys, traditional houses, monuments,
museums adorn and the southwest side of Corfu.
Let’s take a look at all this in more detail.
Kokkini was named after Kokkínis, to whom the area was
given by the Venetians, for his participation, as governor of
a galley in the battle of Lepanto. The mansion Kokkinis, built
on a hill in the early 17 th century, presents an outstanding
architectural interest, is preserved in excellent condition and
is inhabited.
Vatos is built on the mountain of Ai-Giorgis, hidden from
the sea because of the fear of pirates. Here are located two
interesting churches: Agios Nikolaos with Byzantine frescoes
of the 13 th century and Agios Georgios, at the top of the hill
with frescoes of the 14 th and 15 th century.
Rocks covered with pine trees sloping almost vertically on
a gorgeous limpid sea, when there are no waves, is the
amazing landscape of Mirtiotissa.
It was named after the monastery of Panagia Mirtidiotissa
because her icon was found in the myrtles. The monastery is
located on a green rock at the brink of a cliff and was founded
in the 14 th century. from a Christianized Turkish monk.
Glyfada beach is also very nice, popular in youth.
Tall hills with olive trees and pines are “embracing” the bay,
located at the foot of the hill of Pelekas.
Pelekas is a traditional village with its churches, narrow
streets and the “hidden” courtyards. Built on top of an
overgrown with olive trees, pine and cypress trees hill, is
best known for the Kaiser’s Observatory, or else the “Kaiser’s
Throne”, a site with panoramic views of the valley, but also
the most famous sunset of the island. The Emperor William II
used to gaze at the view from here.
Here is located the traditional Museum of Greek Costumes
and Corfiot Music. Local costumes, photographs and parts
of costumes (buckles, sashes, etc.) of the 19 th century are
exhibited.
Also there is file with recordings of traditional songs, hymns
and chants related to the local tradition.
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