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John's Corfu Blog (100)

• Κέρκυρα, 30.08.2010
• 13:00

  An old wall and a garden at the heart of the town

   »  John's Corfu Blog
    The modern part of Corfu Town looks like any other provincial town of the mainland Greece. It is full of those cheap and nasty 50s-60s apartment blocks which offended the landscape of many greek towns. During those year many beautiful old buildings were torn down to make way for those awful blocks.
     Hopefully, there are some survivors which remind us how the area looked half a century ago. One example is that old wall and garden at Linou Kogevina street, near Sarocco square. The garden has two orange trees which when blossomed, they produce a very pleasant smell.
  
  
    Looking at the right side of the wall we can notice an window filled with stone bricks. I suspect that this part of the wall belonged actually to a building which is long gone now. 
  
    The left side, was built with local stone. Most of the old buildings found in the oldest part of Corfu Town have been built using this type of stone.
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 26.08.2010
• 19:50

  Few images from Kontogialos beach - one of the cleanest and most popular

   »  John's Corfu Blog
    Among the most popular beaches in Corfu is Kontogialos, or Pelekas beach. It is very close to Pelekas village, which is actually situated uphill. It is a beach certified with the "blue flag", which suggest that the water is clean and pure. It has a big hotel at its southern end and some tavernas scattered along its width. It deserves a visit and it is an alternative to the busiest neighbour, Glyfada beach, which can be very crowded and noisy.
  

  Panorama under the palm tree

  Panorama towards the north

  Panorama towards the south

  Flags - the greek, the municipal, the european and the "blue" flag

  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 25.08.2010
• 16:31

  A row of terraced houses off Alexandras Avenue

   »  John's Corfu Blog
    Alexandras Avenue is one of the most important throughfares in Corfu Town. It looks like a Parisian Haussmann boulevard with the trees and its wide pavements. It is lined mostly with apartment blocks but some old buildings survive scattered around their modern neighbours, suggesting that the Avenue someday was a neighbourhood of the noble ones.
    One of those is a row of terraced houses near the Sarocco square end which maybe be over a hundred years old. It used to house nannies. Those days, the area was far from the then centre of the town and extensive fields could be found around (the last of those survived till the early 90s when the "Gualinos Pyrgos" building was built).
  
  
    These terraced houses look like those found in british towns. They form a row of three identical middle sized townhouses with garden/parking at their entrance.
  
  
    A well can be found next to the entrance of one them!
  
    Some lemon trees decorate the "gardens" at the front of their entrances.
                                     
  
    The back side of the buildings face the narrow and somewhat deprivated Linou Kogevina street. The first floor walls are vandalized with distasteful graffities made by some stupid P.A.O. fans, who probably don't respect the other people's property and ignore the local history. 
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 21.08.2010
• 14:36

  Manholes in Corfu Town

   »  John's Corfu Blog
    You probably remember those 80s comics series called "Teenage Muntant Ninja Turtles" in which the anthropomorfic turtle heroes emerged from some NYC manholes (which were supposed to lead to the turtles' house): that was my first recollection of a manhole, a important but ofter overlooked detail of the urban enviroment.   Their use is to provide access to the sewage, telecommunications, electricity and water systems. For some, they are the entrances to an unknown undiscovered and daring underworld. Some are linked to the subway system or others with the ancient vaults and tunnels that were used for defensive proposes. Some also carry masonic or other mysticistic signs, like the swastika or "the square and the compasses". There are many explanations and theories about those "out of place" signs but most of them deal with conspiracy theories.  In Corfu Town there are plenty of them. They could be found very easily as they appear almost on every road or pavement. Many of them bear some acronyms like "YK" ("Corfiot water company"), ΔΕΗ ("Communal Electric Company") and "ΔΚ" ("Muncipality of Corfu"). Others bear the name of the factory that they were made or just bear cosmetic symbols.
  

  Marasli and Zafeiropoulou junction- no less than 6 manholes could be counted!

  A photographic anthology of some manholes found scrathered on Corfu streets surface
  
    Now let's propose you  a little game  that can be played on your own or in a team; For those who live in Corfu; next time that you go out for a walkm look down and try to spot every of the twenty four manholes depicted above. If you spot them all, then you will be considered a descent urban explorer!
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 15.08.2010
• 12:35

  Issos beach revisited: A beach which never ceases to amaze me

   »  John's Corfu Blog
    I've visited Issos (map) for the first time last summer. It is an unique beach which looks like an african one because of the presence of sand dunes and the lack of touristic development. This summer I went there again and it was magical as it was last year: crystal waters, miles of sandy beach, nice mix of people and spots where you can swim alone (and nude!).
   This time I took my digital camera with me to take some better quality photos. Here are some of them:
  
  

  Miles of sandy beach

  Africa or Far West?

  A no man's land

  From the top of those sand dunes you can have a great view

  Issos can be busy sometimes

  View from the top of a sand dune (towards south)

  Agios Georgios Argiradon village as seen from Issos

  Issos beach bar - the only place where you can get a refreshment!

  View towards the southern end of Lake Korission

  A kinda artistic photo - sand dunes peak and a boatman's house in Limni Korission  at the back

  View towards north

  Afternoon in Issos

  A jungle of blue-white ombrellas as seen from the dunes

  Keep this magical place clean!

  There are wooden paths as well - man, that burning sand can harm your feet!

  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 10.08.2010
• 14:53

  Forgotten Corfu 7: A door leading nowhere near St. Spyridon church

   »  John's Corfu Blog
    Tomorrow (11th of August) we celebrate the Saint Spyridon's miracle against the Turkish invansion of 1716.  So in this occasion, I visited the open space in the front of His church called "Πλακάδα του Αγιού" to spot one detail connected to this miracle: a door leading nowhere. It wasn't difficult to spot it as on my right hand and very close to the church there was a quite big traditional door which seems out of place. Actually it is stucked between two old venetian buildings. Behind that door there is a narrow lane created by the space between those two old buildings.   Legend has it that this door was the entrance of a latin chapel dedicated to the great miracle of St. Spyridon which was never built because St. Spyridon did not want a catholic establishment on the foot of His house. The result of his anger was the tragic death of one venetian general called Andrea Pizani who was responsible for that construction. The official version of this legend says that the venetians wanted to built a marble altar inside the church but there are some Corfiots who say that the door outside was a part of a latin chapel as well.
  

  The door which they say it belonged to a never built latin chapel

  
  

  A close-up

  The narrow lane behind the door

  
     The official version of the miracle is below:
    "After this powerful, surprising and most obvious miracle, the Venetian ruler Andrew Pizani, who was a Papist, wanted to erect a Papist altar inside the Orthodox Church of St. Spyridon (forever pushing for this was also the Papist Cardinal of the island). However, St. Spyridon appeared to Pizani in a dream saying: "Why are you bothering me? The altar of your faith is unacceptable in my Temple!" Naturally, Pizani reported this to the Papist Cardinal who answered that it was nothing but an evil fantasy of the devil who wanted to nullify the noble deed. After this, Pizani was much encouraged, so he ordered the necessary materials to commence construction of the altar. The materials were piled up outside of the temple of St. Spyridon. When the Orthodox priests of the temple and the Greek leaders of the island realised what was going on, they were greatly grieved. They asked to meet with Pizani to ask him to put a stop to this. Pizani's response was quite disheartening. He said quite bluntly, "As a ruler I will do whatever I please!" At that moment, the Orthodox community of the island turned their eyes to their Saint, beseeching him to put a stop to this abomination.
    That same night, St. Spyridon appeared to Pizani as a monk and told him, "I told you not to bother me. If you dare to go through with your decision, you will surely regret it, but by then it will be too late."
    The next morning, Pizani reported all this to the Papist Cardinal who now accused him of being not only faithless but also of being "yellow". Again, after this, the ruler mustered up enough courage to order the construction of the altar.
    The Papists of the island were celebrating their triumph while the Orthodox were deeply grieved. Their grief could not be comforted and with tears they begged for the Saint's intervention to save them from the Papist abomination.
    The Saint heard their prayers and intervened dynamically.
    That evening, a terrible storm broke out, unleashing a barrage of thunderbolts on Fort Castelli, Pizani's base and his ammunition barracks. The entire fort ended up in a holocaust. 900 Papist soldiers and civilians were instantly killed from the explosion, but not a single Orthodox was harmed (as they were not allowed inside the fort after dark). Pizani was found dead with his neck wedged between two wooden beams. The body of the Papist Cardinal was found thrown a great distance from the fort.
  But the most incredible fact was that the same night and at the same hour, another thunderbolt struck in Venice, targeting the compound of Pizani, burning his portrait that hung on the wall. Strangely enough, nothing else was damaged. Also, the guard of the ammunition barracks saw the Saint draw near him with a lit torch. He was carried by the Saint near the church of the Crucified without a single scratch."
  (Taken from  [patristic.eastern-orthodoxy.com] )
  
    Legend or reality? Who can tell! Corfu is full of stories and legends which have already survived to the our times.
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 05.08.2010
• 20:12

  A visit to the marina @ NA.O.K.

   »  John's Corfu Blog
    Summer is the best time to see some luxurious yaghts who host the rich people who are lucky to sail the mediterranean. The biggest one is the marina at Govino Bay (which I will write about it in the future) but there is also a small one in the area of the Corfu's Nautical Club (in greek "Nαυτικός Όμιλος Κερκύρας" or coloquially more known with its acronym "NA.O.K."). The area of the marina is prefered by some locals for swimming as it is so close to the centre of the town. There is also a popular summer bar called "Hook" from which you can have a panoramic view of the marina.
   
    Now let's have a photographic tour of the marina.
  
  

  General view of the marina.

  A boat which just departed from the safety of the marina.

  Small boats moored in a removable platform.

  Small and bigger boats.

  The Old Fortress dominate the view to the north.

  There are some maintenance facilities around as well.

  
  

  Some enormous yachts which belong to some "poor people".

  A closer look of those floating palaces.

  The boats are well served by the owners.

  Some boats and Corfu Palace hotel in the background.

  The southern end of the marina with the Ionian Academy and Cavallieri hotel in the background.

  A yacht with the dominant walls of the Old Fortress in the background.

  The marina as it seen from the coastal road to Garitsa.

  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 29.07.2010
• 19:21

  Another old venetian building with sculptured heads above its vaults

   »  John's Corfu Blog
    On Nikiforou Theotoki street, not far from the other building bearing sculptured heads of ancient nature, there is a complex of building, pretty similar to that of the Liston with arches (vaults). On one of those, there are five sculptured heads, one for each vault, hanging right above the base of those beautiful street lights. Nobody can tell for sure what those represent, are they gods, deities or other mythical figures? But definately were used as ornaments. Venetians and most of the western europeans in the Rennaisance and during the Enlightment adored the ancient greek civilization so they adopted many elements of the classic greek architecture.
  
  
       Nikiforou Theotoki street with its vaulted buildings. Spot the figures above the vaults.
                               
  
    Today the street is bustling with tourists and locals who stroll through the tourist shops below the arches. But how many of them take notice of those ancient figures looking at them passing from above?
                                            
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 25.07.2010
• 13:28

  Forgotten Corfu 6: Ancient venetian cistern near Townhall square

   »  John's Corfu Blog
    In the old times, corfiots used to obtain water exclusively from cisterns which collected water from the abudant rainfall of winter. Every neighnorhood and every village had its own cistern. Cisterns and other sources of water used to be a place to chat and learn the news.   One ancient cistern could be found just under the 2nd-3rd primary school building near Townhall square. The school complex was built in 1931 on the site of an old 18th century venetian building which housed the seat of the venetian Bailie, the governor of the island. Literally that means that the school seats on a massive ancient cistern.  There is a plaque written in greek which can be translated to: "Cistern of the venetian Bailie 1587".  So, the cistern itself is much older than the long gone 18th century building. 
  
    An old photo of the beautiful 18th century building which was the seat of the venetian bailie and was too sadly demolished. Its baroque style is prominent. 
  
    The place is frequented by doves which seem to love the rocky nature of the site. They echo the times where this quiet place was a hang out place for people who chatted loudly while filling their bottles and pots with fresh water.
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 21.07.2010
• 16:37

  Laurentiou Vrokini street - The narrowest in Corfu Town?

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  There are several streets which can claim the title of the most narrow in the world. Two of them, the Spreuerhof street, an 18th-century lane in Reutlingen, Germany and the Parliament street in Exeter, UK dispute the title.
  
  
  But did you know that in the old part of Corfu town there few streets that are such narrow like those above? One of these, is the upper half of Laurentiou Vrokini street, a side street off the hustle and bustle of Eugeniou Voulgareos, the main shopping street of the town. Being inside the walled town, this street is as ancient as the town itself. The area around it was heavily bombed by the nazi Germans in 1943 so some ungly blocks of flats could be found, built by the time Corfu redeveloped its bombed sites.
  
  

  Location of Lavrediou Vrokini str. (in yellow)

    So, on our left hand we could see a modern apartment building while on our right one, there are some older ones. The street, narrows considerably in the middle to form a very narrow lane where a man can pass through it with difficulty.
  
  
    Looking upwards, the roofs of the building almost touch each other on the left end.
                                
    Looking towards the street from the other end, we could see the narrow mouth of the street, which is no wide than 50 cm.
  
  
    I will look for more narrow streets like that. Maybe there is one narrower but I have the impression that this is the winner.
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 18.07.2010
• 19:24

  Glyfada beach today - Busy as always!

   »  John's Corfu Blog
    I went to Glyfada beach this evening, right after lunch. It was quite busy as it was Sunday and extremely hot. Glyfada is one of the most popular beaches in the island and generally in Greece. There is a big seaside hotel, Louis Grand Hotel on the southern end while on the centre of the strand there is the famous Aloha beach club with its volleyball courts. The northern bit is more quiet and is being frequented by families. On the rocks there is the Polatov villa, which belonged to a greek fashion designer, one of the most famous beach houses worldwide.  The beach is well served by the local green buses (one every hour) and it's 17km west of Corfu Town.
    A bunch of photos I took today:
  
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 16.07.2010
• 20:52

  A romanian dance videocip shot around Corfu island

   »  John's Corfu Blog
    Few days before I discovered in YouTube a videoclip of a romanian female dance dj called Andreea Balan. It was shot around Corfu to promote her club tune "Trippin' ". It is a catchy and summerish track made for the dancefloors, or better as a soundtrack for beachbars. Romanian dance music hit it big in 2009 with names like Inna, Akcent and Morandi which dominated last years scene.  The video is shot at Mouragia, Town hall square, Sidari, Kalamaki beach and at the marina in Gouvia (Govino bay). It shows off to the world the beauties of our paradise island and it was already viewed 600.000 times in 45 days! Thank you Andreea for promoting through your beautiful music our island, it was such a suprise for all us Corfiots!  Enjoy the video and make sure you post / forward it to your friends!
  
  Andreea Balan- Trippin'
  
  The making of...
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 14.07.2010
• 17:13

  A 1986 video of Philharmonic Society of Corfu's youth windband

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  A 24 years old video, shot in the bandstand of Esplanade with the society's youth windband playing "Kathe limani kai kaimos" ("Every port and nostalgia") directed by Giorgos Katsaros, the composer of the piece of music heard. This footage was part of an old ERT production and is considered very rare. The sound of these young musicians (most of them aged between 10-18) is close to perfection, which proves the quality and the talent of their playing.
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 11.07.2010
• 13:58

  Forgotten Corfu 5: The unknown unique old building with the two arched storeys

   »  John's Corfu Blog
    There are plenty of arched buildings in Corfu. These vaulted structures could be found everywhere in Corfu town with the most famous being the Liston buildings, built by the French in the early 19th century. It is said that Corfiots loved the arches because there they could seek a refuge from a sudden storm (they are quite common during the winter) or it was a place to socialize and to trade their products.   In Kotardou street, near the church of Agios Vasilios, there is the only building in the town in which the ground and the first floor is ornated with arches. The building's style is heavily influenced by the venetian renaissance one and it might be constructed in the early 16th century when the whole island was under the venetian rule. In the ground floor, the "Apostrofos" bookstore could be found which features an interesting collection of books in greek. The two upper floors are still inhabited. Below there is some images which show how the building looks today.
  
  - An old photo taken from the very interesting "Corfu Old Photos" group in Facebook.
    If you ever pass from that street, remember to spot and admire that unique building which reminds us a bit of Florence's architecture.
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 07.07.2010
• 14:19

  Save the Patounis soap factory!

   »  John's Corfu Blog
    On Ioannou Theotoki street, just off Sarocco square, there is a small soap making factory which operated there since 1891. It is maybe the last old industry of its kind in existence in our days. Apostolos Patounis, the owner, is the 5th generation producer. His ancestors founded this soap factory in Zante in 1850. In 1891, the present building in the Sarocco area was erected to house the industry.
  
    It is the only place in Greece where soap is made by the use of olive oil. The Japanese say that using soaps made from olive oil is good for the skin health. Patounis soap is popular in Japan and in the Europe market, thus most of the product is being exported there.
  
  
    The building itself is a living museum of a 19th century industry. Many tourists and schools visit it and it is protected by law. Unfortunately last May, the co-owners of this old edifice decided to close the factory, raze it and build another boring and bland block of apartments on its site. For the time being, the production has been halted. Many people support Apostolos Patounis and they are trying to persuade the state and the owners to call their decision back.
  
    Let's have a closer look at the building. The two-storey edifice was built in 1891 when the surrounding area was the suburb of Sarocco (San Rocco). It was the place where the farmers sold their product and the karts from the corfiot villages stopped to unload their produce. At that era, Corfu had several factories, situated mainly in the Mantouki area. It was a great source of employment at that time, before tourist become the main activity in 1950s.
  
  
    Looking up towards the top part of the building, on the wall of the neighbouring 60s apartment block, the remains of another taller roof which existed some decades before.
  
  
    Two ground floor entrances. The left one with the direct access to the manufacture area and the right main entrance with the old sign on the top.
  
    Close up to the antique sign at the top
  
  
    An interesting video from Aftonomos TV with Apostolos Patounis showing around and explaining the process of olive oil soap making:
  
  
  
    I really hope this wonderful and rare traditional industry will soon overcome the obstacles and operate again for many years to come.
  
  - Facebook group dedicated to the Patounis factory:  [www.facebook.com]
  - Patounis factory official site: http://www.patounis.gr (under construction)
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 27.06.2010
• 22:29

  Ruins of an old british defensive building in the western ditch of the New Fortress

   »  John's Corfu Blog
     Inside the construction site of the new farmers market (inexcusably built on the New Fortess western ditch) was found some ruins of an old building dated from the period of the british occupation of Corfu (1812-1864). Its use  most probably was a defensive one. It might have served as mews, as an arsenal or even as a watchman's house.   Anyway, an extensive and systematic archeological survey should be done in order to assess and decide whether this finding should be protected or be buried and swallowed by the new farmers market. Unfortunately, the evaluation is going very slow and the market has been under construction for some 3 or 4 years now (it should have been constructed in under a half year's period!).
  
    In my opinion, the farmer market should never have been constructed on that historic site. Being on the venetian 16th century ditch, it should have been preserved and reconstructed in its former state, showing off to locals and greeks alike the extensive and unique defensive system that Corfu had in the past.
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 24.06.2010
• 14:30

  Two recently repainted old buildings in old Corfu Town

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Two beautiful buildings in Eugeniou Voulgareos street and in Pentofanaro (corner of Voulgareos and Kapodistriou streets) have been recently been given a lift. They were repainted in warm mediterranean colours which made them look fresher and more vivid than their previous greyish and depressing colour. Being an Unesco heritage site, the old town of Corfu should renovate the facades of all its buildings. 
  The building below is in Voulgareos street, a central one full of attractive shops. It has ornamented balconies and there is a boutique on the first floor. 
  
  The second one is in the corner of Voulgareos and Kapodistriou streets opposite to Pentofanaro. Because this building it is situated in a central point and on a square, its façade forms an integral part of the local architecture.
  
  Below is a general view of Pentofanaro square. At the right is one of the buildings of the internationally famous Liston, next to it the newly repainted building and at the left corner the Pentofanaro square itself.
  
  I've searched my archive and I found an image I shot back in 2005, before the building's renovation. How different today it looks! More pleasant, vivid and welcoming. I hope soon, more old buildings in need of renovation will follow its example.
  Before                                                                          After
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 20.06.2010
• 21:13

  At the ruins of the ancient greek Mon Repos temples

   »  John's Corfu Blog
    Mon Repos estate is internationally famous for its centerpiece, it's 1831 palace built by the British and being for many decades the place where the king of Greece spent his summer. The estate is vast. Being with the park near the prisons the only urban park in town, it deserves a visit. Few know that the estate was built on the site of the "acropolis" (citadel) of ancient Corfu Town, which was famous for its impressive buildings and its luxury. Today, only few ruins remind us its glorious past: the ruins of the Heraeum (a temple dedicated to Hera) and the doric temple of Kardaki dedicated to Apollon.
    The Sanctuary of Akreas Iras was built around 600 BC and is somewhat large in size (20m x 43m). It was gradually destroyed by civil wars and by successive conquerors of Corfu, who used the building’s materials in constructing the walls of the new town.  Nowadays, we can hardly imagine how it might looked like. Only few stones and a couple of column bases could be seen.
  
    The doric temple of Apollon is in much better state. It is a small Dorian temple dated from the end of the 6th century, with 11 monolithic pillars in its wide sides and 6 in its narrow sides, and was dedicated as it is said either to Neptune, or to Asklepios, or, finally, to Apollo. It is worth noting that the material used in its construction was all local limestone from the quarry at Varipatades. The first findings were revealed during the years of English domination, more accurately in 1822, when the british were trying to find why the spring of Kardaki stopped running water. The reason was the collapse of the then hidden easternly part of the Dorian temple of Kardaki  because of the weather conditions. Its style resembled these of the temples of Sicily and South Italy while its monolithic columns are similar to those of the Apollon temple in Korinthos.
  
  
  - Mon Repos estate is situated very close to the centre of Corfu Town. It is half an hour walk south from the Esplanade. The Blue Bus line to Kanoni stops right outside the entrance of the estate.
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 15.06.2010
• 23:50

  Corfu in detail 8: A milestone in the Esplanade across Pentofanaro

   »  John's Corfu Blog
    Remember a last March post about a milestone right outside Villa Rosa? Well, there is another one, more well known but equally overlooked detail. It is situated in the very heart of Corfu Town, across the busy and central Pentofanaro, a meeting place and a hangout for the youth.
    But why there is a stone like that placed at the northwestern corner of the Esplanade? It is simply placed there to mark the very heart of the town and of the whole island. It is the central point from which distances are being counted. London has Charing Cross juction in Trafalgar square and Athens has Syntagma square. In old Corfu town, the most important point of the road network wasn't Sarocco Square but this corner across Pentofanaro and Liston where Eugeniou Voulgareos (Calle D'acques) meet Kapodistriou and the promenade of Liston, all important throughfares in the past centuries.
    Looking at this ancient milestone closer we could easily see the number "0" carved on the side which faces Pentofanaro. That number should have denoted the "central point", the zero kilometre or mile from which distances started to be counted. Right about that figure, there is something written in greek but is no more readable.
  
  
    Does anybody know how old is that milestone and what that greek lettering read? I searched the net but could not find anything!
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 13.06.2010
• 22:53

  Sunset and Dusk in Anemomilos

   »  John's Corfu Blog
    Walking or cycling in the Garitsa/ Anemomilos area during a hot summer evening is an activity which I adore. The sunset from Mylos is spectacular as the sun sets behind the town. The colour of the sky is turning red, orange, pink or purple depending the atmosphering conditions of the day. Many people prefer to walk up to Mylos to enjoy the view and get some fresh air from the sea breeze. In my opinion, the Garitsa walk is one of the best in the world comparable to that of Thessaloniki or even to the Corniche in Alexandria, Egypt.
  
  - Garitsa sunset in July 2008: link
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 10.06.2010
• 19:53

  Corfu in detail 7: Marble slab bearing the venetian winged lion in Mouragia

   »  John's Corfu Blog
    The symbol of Venice which we all know was the winged lion holding an opened book. This lion is the symbol of Venice's patron saint Saint Mark so it was adopted by the venetians as early as the 9th century. This symbol could be frequently found in Venice and its former colonies/ oversea territories. Corfu, being under venetian occupation since the late 14th century, has a loads of venetian monuments like its two fortresses and other old buildings. So, the winged lion could be easily found on the old walls surrounding the old city and inside the fortresses.
  
    But quite unexpectedly, I spotted this marbled slab on the façade of this old building in the Mouragia area of Corfu Town.
    It was placed right above the main entrance of the 3-story building which today it's still occupied by private lodgings.
    Having a closer look at the slab we can spot a lion with wings holding a shield with an ancient greek helmet on it. At the bottom right and left corners there are two cannons which point at the east and west respectively. At the right upper side something like a coat of arms could be seen.So, judging from this slab, it is mostly likely that the building was used for military purposes. It may have been military headquarters, a place to store armory and ammunition.     It is also apparent that the slab is very clean, preserved and it doesn't show its age. There are lots and lots of this venetian slabs on the walls of the town (may one day I will cover them in one post) which are in urgent need of restoration, like the majority of Corfu's defences. It is about time to think about that!
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 02.06.2010
• 16:56

  Philarmonic Society of Corfu rehearsing Samara's "To the glorious homeland"

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  A short clip taken with my cameraphone from the band's rehearsal of 01 June 2010. They are playing a piece of an important corfiot composer, Spyros Samaras(1861-1917). It is called "Για την ένδοξη πατρίδα" (Το the glorious homeland) and it was a part from the operatta "Πόλεμος εν πολέμω" (War in war) composed in 1914, a year after the end of the Balkan wars.
  The band will perfom it at a concert dedicated to the corfiot composers at the Athens Music Hall tomorrow.
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 30.05.2010
• 19:51

  Corfu in detail 6: Ancient commemorative plaques on Saint Eleftherios and Saint Ann church façade

   »  John's Corfu Blog
    In Saint Spyridon street (locally known as "το καντούνι του Αγίου" (Saint's alley)) apart from the famous Saint Spyridon church, there is a smaller and lesser known one dedicated to Saint Eleftherios and Saint Ann. The church was consegrated in 1700, after being transformed into a religious establisment from a private house. It was built by  Theodorella Vervitsioti, daughter of Nikolaos Vervitsiotis. The church opened its doors in June of 1700 and it was renovated several times in 1765, in 1850 and in 1915. In 1714 Theodora Vervitsioti  donate the church to the grocers and cheese seller trade union. It was heavily damaged during the bombings of 14 September of 1943 and it was rebuilt almost from scratch in 1960.                          
    There are three commemorative plaques on the façade commemorating the consegration, the renovation of 1765 and its rebuilt in 1960.
  
    All the plaques were written in greek. The oldest one is the most beautiful and splendid of the three. It features a noble coat of arms (presumably of the Vervicioti family) on on the upper side and below the following greek text:
  Ο ΘΕΙΟΣ ΝΑΟΣ ΟΥΤΟΣ ΝΑΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΑΓΙΑΣ            THIS HOLY CHURCH OF SAINT
  ΑΝΝΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΟΥ ΙΕΡΟΜΑΡΤΥΡΟΣ                       ANN AND OF THE MARTYR
  ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΟΥ ΑΝΗΓΕΡΘΗ ΕΚ ΔΑΠΑΝΗΣ             ELEFTHERIOS WAS BUILT WITH THE EXPENSES
  ΤΗΣ ΚΥΡΙΑΣ ΘΕΟΔΩΡΑΣ ΒΕΡΒΗΤΖΗΩΤΗ           OF MISTRESS THEODORA VERVITZIOTI
  ΕΙΣ ΜΝΗΜΟΣΗΝΟΝ ΑΥΤΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΩΝ ΓΟΝΕΩΝ    IN MEMORY OF HERSELF AND PARENTS
  ΕΝ ΕΤΕΙ ΑΨ ΙΟΥΝΙΩ                                          IN THE YEAR 1700 JUNE
  
    The second one is much more mediocre and it commemorates the first renovation which was done in 1765.
  We could read the following:
  ΟΥΤΟΣ Ο ΙΕΡΟΣ ΝΑΟΣ                                    THIS HOLY CHURCH
  ΑΝΕΚΑΙΝΙΣΘΗ ΕΚ                                             WAS FULLY RENOVATED
  ΒΑΘΡΟΥ                                                         IN 1765
  ΚΑΤΑ ΤΟ ΑΨΞΕ 1765 
    Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of the most recent third plaque but the text which was written on it is the following:
  
  Ο ΙΕΡΟΣ ΟΥΤΟΣ ΝΑΟΣ ΤΟΥ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΑΓΙΑΣ ΑΝΝΗΣ    ΚΑΤΑΣΤΡΑΦΕΙΣ ΤΗΝ 14 ΣΕΠΤΕΜΒΡΙΟΥ 1943
  ΥΠΟ ΤΗΣ ΓΕΡΜΑΝΙΚΗΣ ΑΕΡΟΠΟΡΙΚΗΣ
  ΕΠΙΔΡΟΜΗΣ ΑΝΩΚΟΔΟΜΗΘΗ ΤΟ ΕΤΟΣ 1960
  ΣΥΝΔΡΟΜΗ ΕΥΣΕΒΩΝ "This holy church of Saint Eleftherios and of Saint Anndestroyed in 14 September of 1943by the german airraid was rebuilt in the year 1960with the assistance of the pious"  I liked the marble which surrounds the secondary door to the left. - If you understand greek, I suggest reading the interesting book of Spyros Karydis "The code of the holy church of Saint Eleftherios" which provides rare details about the church's history taken by original 18th century records.You can buy it from here:  [www.cosmo-market.gr]                                            [www.books.gr]
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 26.05.2010
• 13:36

  Bike paths arrived in the centre of Corfu Town!

   »  John's Corfu Blog
    It seems like a dream came true. At last, Corfu Town has its very own network of cycle paths and dedicated cycleways! Although much of the local people disliked them claiming that they will worsen the traffic problem causing more congestion and taking up valuable parking lots, it is indeed a positive step towards modernisation and, I dare say, europeanisation of this town.
    The new cycle ways could be found in several central streets around the centre. In Alexandras avenue, with its wide pavements, the trees and the somewhat narrow road, it wasn't possible to built a dedicated bike way in the street, so instead the eastern pavement was used by placing some bicycle related signs.
    In Ioannou Theotoki and Eugeniou Voulgareos streets they built a bike lane on the southern side of the road. The centrepiece of the system, it's a dedicated cycleway crossing the commercial heart of the town. Combined with the pedestrianisation of the entire length of Voulgareos street it would look wonderful. 
  
  
    There is one under construction in Desylla street as well.                           Another cycleway could be found on the pavement of the street which crosses the now long gone ditch of the New Fortress near the farmers market. It is actually very ill-conceived as there are some electricity columns placed on it, making it difficult for the cyclists to use.   In Avramiou street a cycleway was also built on its entire length, from Sarocco square to the new port. During morning hours, this street is busy with traffic as many people want to park. Nearby there is the Ionian University and the IKA buildings. Because of those establishments cars parked on the cycleways could easily be found. 
  
  
  
                            
    More cycleways are about to come. Kyprou street will have one shortly, there is already one crossing the Garitsa and Anemomylos park (see the related post) and our beloved town will become more friendly to its inhabitants and it will provide a better quality to everyone. As long the peripheric car parks and the other traffic improvements will come true one day, people will stop accusing the cycleways project and find a reason to buy themselves a bicycle and use it for their everyday transport needs.                            
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 23.05.2010
• 15:10

  Corfu Town in the late 1970s: Part Three - The environs

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  The third and final part of the photos I scanned from an old guidebook. Ten photos of some beaches, villages and famous places around Corfu Town as they were in the late 1970s. The first thing we could notice by looking at those pictures is that the island still wasn't so touristically exploited as it is today. There were fewer hotels, apartments for rent and other establishments related to tourism. As a result, the island back then was greener, purer and cleaner.                                Ai Gordis from above - notice how undeveloped was the beach!Ipsos, mostly untouched as well from the road to SpartylasKommeno bay without the villas on its hills     Glyfada, the most popular beach of the island  Kassiopi, a major touristic coastal village at the northeastKassiopi from above        Kouloura, right before Kassiopi, a very picturesque corner       Paleokastritsa monastery and a two panoramic views of the location from Bella Vista       Paleokastritsa bays are known for their scenic beauty
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 19.05.2010
• 15:18

  The Corfu Heritage plaques - Have you already noticed them?

   »  John's Corfu Blog
     Some years ago, the Corfu Heritage Foundation placed some bilingual blue and red plaques which indicate places in which some important corfiot personalities lived. It is a very good iniciative because it promotes tourism and commemorate famous places in which painters, writers and other prominent persons left their mark.  Those plaques could be usually found on the buildings facades of the old Corfu Town. Obviously there were inspired by London's Blue Plaques which are scattered in the streets of the british capital.
  Plaque in Arseniou street in Corfu
  One of the two Mozart plaques in Frith street in Soho, London Below are some of the Corfu and London plaques. Corfiot plaques:
  
   Some famous London plaques:
  
                            I would like to see more of those plaques being placed in Corfu. Also a promotion should be done with the creation of a site in the internet in which there will be an index of the plaques with a small biography of each person commemorated. A more organized iniciative will help to boost educational tourism and preserve our heritage.
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 13.05.2010
• 15:05

  Angelokastro - A stronghold against piracy

   »  John's Corfu Blog
   after the northwestern village of Krini, stands like a lonesome eagle, a monument which is one among the most important castles in Greece and of Adriatic sea: Angelokastro. It's not so famous like the two castles of Corfu Town but its military importance in defending the southern end of the Adriatic sea was fundamental. It is one of the three castles that still survive in our island.
  
  A plan of Angelocastro, taken from an old venetian lithograph
  It was built in the 12th century by the byzantine despot of the Despotate of Epirus, Michael Angelos Komninos but recent finds indicate that possibly the hill was fortified as early as 5th century A.D. It was built on a hill which is 330 metres tall. The castle perfectly fits to the location. Each time the enemy was seen approaching the shores from the west, the occupants of the castle lit a fire and with by its smoke, warned the watchmen of the Old Fortress in Corfu Town, some 20 kilometres east. It helped to protect Corfu from the greater menace of the 12th century, the Normans of Sicily. In 1204, it fell to the hands of Angevins. When Corfu became a venetian possesion it protected the island from the Genoese pirates and from the Turks. In 1403, a Genoese pirate fleet attacked Angelokastro and they burned the neighbouring villages. They sieged the castle many times but they didn't manage to occupy it. In the great Turkish siege of 1571, Angelokastro stood firm, thus the turkish army didn't succeed in creating a beachhead in the northwestern coast of Corfu (like what they already had done in the eastern one). Finally the turks, after several attempts to occupy the castle and  Corfu town withdrew.
  
  Modern plan of the castle - click on the image to zoom
  The site is open every day from 8 am to 3 pm. There is a 3 euro ticket to be paid at the entrance downhill. Below, there is a little photographic tour I did last April.
  - Angelokastro from the road which lead to its entrace-The steps up to the castle's top.      -The walls. This part, suprisingly, is in good condition.-The main entrance to the top-We are up to the top now. Ruins all over the place and lots of green!-Some information about the castle's history. Click to zoom.-The breathtaking view towards Paleokastritsa from the top.-Mathraki as seen from Angelokastro-A chapel in the rock, dedicated to St. Kyriaki. It was created by digging in the rock and it served as a hermitage as well. The paintings date back to the 18th century.-View towards the entrance. Notice the blossomed nature all around the place.-Steps leading to the higher level of the acropolis.-The ruined walls of the eastern side-The church of the Acropolis, dedicated to the Archangel Michael and it was built on the site of an older three-aisled church.- The sea and the rocks of the western side-One of the three underground cisterns which supplied water to the castle occupants.-The main gate. It points to the north and it is supported by nearby battlements.- The stairs down to the entrance.- Angelokastro from the bottom of the stairs.
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 07.05.2010
• 16:56

  Corfu Town in the late 1970s: Part Two

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  This is the second part of the "Corfu Town in the late 1970s" post. There will be a third a last one with some thirty years old images of Corfu famous places which are located out of the town.
  
  
  
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 04.05.2010
• 11:56

  The "Bring Them Back" campaign for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures

   »  John's Corfu Blog
    Since last month there is an online e-petition for the return of the Parthenon marbles. These fine pieces are hosted in the British Museum in London since the early 19th century when Lord Elgin literally stole them from Acropolis in Athens. Since then, there were various initiatives for the returning to Athens but the british denied claiming that there isn't a proper place in Greece to host them. Nowadays, with the brand new Acropolis Museum, there is a good reason to get them back. The museum is very modern and very close to Acropolis. There is a special place which was left unoccupied for the marbles.
  
  
    If you love Greece and its history and if you believe that the marbles belong to the greek people and not to the british, then vote for their return home. The site of the petition has a nice video, subtitled in five languages, presented by journalist Maria Houkli and famous greek presenter of the french "Star Academy" Nikos Aliagas. The initiative is supported by "Metaxa" drinks. If one million signs will be gathered, then we will be able to set the matter to the European Parliament.
  
  
    All you have to do is to follow the procedure described at the right side in the main page. Then a confirmation email will be sent to you, confirming that your vote had been registered.
    The site's url is:  [www.bringthemback.org]
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 29.04.2010
• 15:34

  Forgotten Corfu 4: The Annunziata monument - an important but often overlooked site in the heart of the town

   »  John's Corfu Blog
    On the Eugeniou Voulgareos street, which happens to be maybe the most central and commercially important of the town, stands a tall old campanile without a church attached to it. Some tourists stop to take a picture of it but few of them know the importance of that monument. Neither the majority of the local people do.
    The campanile was part of the Annunziata catholic church ("Lontsiada" in the local corfiot dialect), which originally was a monastery, was built in 1394 by the napolean house of Capece, which was one of the oldest in Italy. Then the area was known as the "Borgo", which in the italian language means "suburb", as the actual centre of Corfu town, until the end of the 16th century, was the Old Fortress peninsula. The monastic complex was dedicated to the Annunciation of Virgin Mary and to Santa Lucia ("Aghia Loukia" in greek) and was run by the order of Saint Augustine. The inauguration of the monastery was on the 7th of January of 1394 (Saint John's day for the Orthodoxs) and it draw a lot of people from all over Corfu.
    In 1713, the Archibishop Augustus Antonius Zacco abolished the monastery of the "Augustinians of Palestine", as it was then known and only the church remained in use from the complex. The church's architecture wasn't notable. The nave was seperated in three arched parts and the main entrance was reached by a ladder made by red marble. The campanile, which it is left intact, bears the venetian emblem of Corfu on it and there were some corfiots sculptured scenes as well. Inside the church, the remains of the latin soldiers who were killed in the "Battle of Lepanto" ("Battle of Naupaktos")  in 1571 were interred. During that time, the internationally famous spanish writer, Miguel de Cervantes, being traumatized in his left leg, lived for a year in the precincts of the monastery, writing the "Journey in Parnassus" ("Viaje al Parnaso").
  
  - The area around Annunziata monastery from an old Corfu Town map, cerca 1700. Notice how different looks the campanile.
  
  
  - Eugeniou Voulgareos street (then known as "Calle del Acqua" in the venetian dialect), the vicinity of "Annunziata", in the early 19th century. At the far right, the campanile and the steps which led to the entrance of the church.
  
  
    In 1891, the 500 years of the monument were celebrated. Unfortunately, the Annunziata church was bombed by the Nazi Germans in the nightmarish 14 September of 1943. In fact, only the roof was completely destroyed. The monument stayed there ruined until 1953 when, without a reason and without taking into account the importance of the monument, the local government demolished it, leaving only the campanile intact.
  
  
  Annunziata, shortly after the bombing in 1943 - notice the church's almost intact façade:
  
  
  
  
  
  The monument in 1960s - the church was already demolished:
  
  
    In the recent years, the government of Italy volunteered financialy to revive it. But the local government didn't show any interest in this project so nowdays Annunziata's campanile is being left to rot, a victim of bureaucracy and indifference.
    Personally, I would like to see it fully renovated, with efficient lighting during the night. Moreover, the whole church could be rebuild and be appreciated as a monument of great historic importance. Also, the street outside it should be fully pedestrianised because today there is a total useless roundabout with many vehicles parked around it.
  
  - "Save Annunciata": A Facebook group dedicated in the revitalisation of Annunziata:  [www.facebook.com]
  
  -A short photographic tour around the monument:
  
  
  
  
  -An old plaque in Latin which commemorates the Annunziata's inauguration ceremony of 1393.
  
  
  - There is also a marble plaque in greek which say "Former catholic holy church "Annunziata", in here the remains of the dead christian soldiers of the Battle of Naupactus (1571) were interred"
  
  - A beautiful sculpture on the wall in what used to be the façade of the long gone church. 
  
  - Map of the area around the monument
  
  
  Προβολή μεγαλύτερου χάρτη
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 27.04.2010
• 15:16

  Corfu in detail 3: A bust looking out from the attic's window in Kastellanoi Mesis

   »  John's Corfu Blog
   Another detail on an old building, this time found in the village of Kastellanoi Mesis, not very far from the town. The villages of Corfu are rich in architectural diamonds, influenced by the Venetians as much as like old Corfu Town was. People of those old days, although many of whom where illiterate, they had a good taste and appreciated even the less important things that in our days are considered as given.
   The bust in the following pictures could be found in the small attic window of an old house on the main road to town. It is quite an unusual place to found a detail like that but, indeed, it is an imagitive addition to the somewhat uninteresting rear side of the building.
  
  
   My question is: How old is that bust and who it represents? An ancient greek or roman god or just a piece of art which does not represent somebody?
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 23.04.2010
• 15:14

  A vividly painted old house in Garitsa

   »  John's Corfu Blog
   I really love how the exterior of this small old house in Garitsa looks. It was painted using bright and warm colours, matching perfectly with the strong Mediterranean sun. I dare say that it looks like those vividly painted houses in Portugal.
  
  
   It would be lovely if more old traditional buildings owners decide to paint their properties with warm colours, making the old town with its picturesque neighbourhoods look more attractive and fresh. Fortunately,  I already have noticed that some buildings had been recently painted but in order to make the old town more attractive to tourists and to Unesco, more building should be given a lift!
  
  Below: A building in Eugeniou Voulgareos street which was recently painted using this reddish charming colour.
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 20.04.2010
• 23:48

  Corfu Town in the late 1970s: How different it was back then?

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  It may not look that different at first glimpse but having a more careful look on the images below,   somebody notices that fewer cars existed and the roads were in a better condition. Though more than 30 years had passed since the guidebook that I've scanned these images was published, it seems that Corfu hasn't really changed a lot. In fact, the old venetian town is still attractive and charming as it was in the good old days of tourism (1950-1990).
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 14.04.2010
• 15:55

  Sarocco square: A photographic tour (few days before the renovation works commence)

   »  John's Corfu Blog
   Sarocco square could be considered as the very heart of modern Corfu Town. It is a hub for many streets which lead to the villages. It is also a meeting point for people and a place to relax, especially for elder people. The square had to be renovated for 40 years, so it's design already looks outdated and unattractive to many Corfiots, as it is a meeting point for immigrants (looking for work) and a place without greenery and character. Some say it is the Omonoia square of Corfu because of its shape and central location, while others ironically compare it with Skenderbej square in Tirana as, like already said it is a place where Albanian people gather. Apart from that, there are some touristy  and awful restaurants in the square, which in my opinion are completely out of place and lack of character.
  
  Sarocco square, as seen from the satellite- it is the confluence of no less than seven roads!
   Let's have a quick look at its history: The square has been there for many centuries, as the centre of Sarocco suburb (it took its name from  the San Rocco's church which was nearby, now defunct). It used to be a simply empty space where the villagers sold their products (like milk, fruits, oil etc.). 
  
  
  The square when Sarocco was a poor suburb outside the walls of Corfu Town (cerca 1840)
  During Holy week, it was the place where lambs were slaughtered and during Christmas time it was full of turkeys to be sold. During the early 20th century, the square was used as a stop for carts and buses coming from every corner of the island and after the Second World War there was a farmer's market. The Sarocco square is also called as "Gheorghiu Theotoki square" to honour the famous corfiot politician.
   In a few days, the square will be fully renovated and an underground parking with 400 spaces will be created. It will took 22 months to be ready and plans of the renovated square have been already published.
  
  
   It's time for our little photographic tour. Soon it will be a huge under construction site and it will be so for a couple of years. 
  
  
  Looking towards the southwest corner of the square from Methodiou streetLooking north from the blue bus stationA closer look from the south The fountain is almost always not working, I wonder why because when it's in use it helps make the square more attractive!Towards the western side Towards the eastern sideLooking towards northeastWalking towards the north of the squareThe public toilets - they have been unreasonably locked for many years...why is that?Looking towards south from the toilets - notice the awful cafe at the rightThe blue bus station at the south sideThe northern end of the square
   Keep these images in your memory (or even in your hard disk), because a huge change is about to come. Let's hope than in two years time, we will have a modern and attractive square with its underground parking helping to alleviate the huge parking problem that the town faces every day.
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 11.04.2010
• 13:51

  The eight faces of the old venetian fountain in the Esplanade

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  You probably all of you have noticed the old venetian fountain in the Esplanade. It was built in 1710. But you may have not taken some time to pay attention to its details. The fountain is an octagon. Thus, it has eight sides. Each side has a curved symbol on it. Two of the sides have something written in latin, probably these writings inform us when this fountain was built and by whom.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  I took some zoomed fotos from every side of it:
  
  
  As you can see, the fountain needs a good clean. It looks really old but dirty as well! Water is running only in special occassions like celebrations, busy summer days etc. I think it should run more often because it's so spectacular, especially at nights when it is lit. Should we not forget that every corner of our famous Esplanade need attention and care?
  
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 08.04.2010
• 10:26

  A breathtaking video taken from the top of the Old Fortress

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Here is a breathtaking video taken from the top of the Old Fortress at the night of Resurrection (04/04) showing a panoramic view of the firework show and the thousands of candles at the Esplanade. It's a really unique, because I've never seen a video from that point of view before (most panoramic Resurrection videos are usually taken from the rooftops of the buildings near the Esplanade).
  
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 05.04.2010
• 23:24

  Corfu Easter 2010 photos

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Here are few photos I took from the Easter festivities around Corfu Town - they just give you a taste of how wonderful and unique is Corfu during that time of the year.
  
  
  
  
  
  And finally a video, taken by me last Saturday right after the first resurrection - Filarmonic Society of Corfu percussion is playing a short rhythmic march.
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 31.03.2010
• 17:11

  Is Villa Calavrenzo threatened with demolition?

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  One of the most beautiful old mansions of Corfu, Villa Calavrenzo in Kanoni, is said to be threatened with demolition. Situated in the confluence of the Palaiopolis and Faiakon streets, it dominates the area with its victorian beauty. The building is unoccupied and derelict for many years and it seems that nobody wants to buy and renovate it (a plaque at the front of the building, inform us that it is for sale). Recently, I heard that the property will be bought by someone who wants to build an apartment block in its place. That means another outstanding piece of architecture will be gone for ever, like so many others destroyed by some mindless and uneducated people.
  
  Let's have a quick look at its history:
  
  Villa Calavrenzo was built in 1900 (like a plaque on its front wall suggest) by the rich Konstantinos Calavrenzo. Calavrenzo is said to had been of south italian origin (from the province of Calabria in the southernwestern side of the italian peninsula). It boasted an innovative for its times mechanical system which lifted the food cooked in the kitchen from the ground floor to the upper floors.
  In 1916, during the short lived french occupation, the villa housed the headquarters of general De Mondesir.
  After WWI, the villa was the home of Georgios Calavrenzo, son of Konstantinos, which lived there until his death in 1965. After his death, the building was left unoccupied but the people, even nowadays, call the neighbouring area "Kalavrentzou" after the owner of the villa.
  
  The front of the villa, notice the "for sale" sign
  
  The plague right next to the gate which it could read: "Villa Calavrenzo"
  
  The plague which reads "ETOΣ 1900" ("YEAR 1900") was left to fade like the rest of the building
  
  Various images of the Villa Calavrenzo
  
  
  
  Don't you think that this is a lovely building? Would you like to see it gone away forever?
  Something should be done to persuade the new owners not to tear it down and renovate it to its former glory. Also, the local goverment should list this edifice like a protected building like all those already protected ones in various parts of the island.
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 27.03.2010
• 15:07

  Corfu Easter videos

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  
  Tomorrow is Palm Sunday. There will be a big procession  in Corfu Town which will mark the opening of the Easter festivities.
  Like every year, we are expecting lots of visitors from other parts of Greece.
  Here are some videos I found in YouTube where you can see how unique is Easter in Corfu.
  I think you still have the time to book your Easter holidays and see yourself how special is this time of the year in our island.
  
  The Philarmonic Society of Corfu playing Albinoni's "Adagio" in the Epitaph of Metropolis.
  
  
  
  
  
  The Mantzaros Filarmonic Society playing "Caldae Lacrime" at the Epitaph of S. Spyridon in Easter Saturday morning.
  
  
  
  
  
  The old Philarmonic of Corfu playing Faccio's "Amlet":
  
  
  
  
  
  Coverage of the Epitaph of Saint Spyridon by local Corfu channel
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  After the Epitaph of Saint Spyridon, the first Resurrection takes place and the bands play cheerful marches.
  
  
  
  
  
  At exactly 11 a.m. the first Resurrection takes place and is signified with the "botides"(clay pots) being thrown from the windows and balconies when the first "botos" (bell ring) is heard.
  
  
  
  
  
  The fireworks after the Resurrection Mass are spectacular
  
  
  
  
  
  In Easter Sunday there are many processions around Corfu Town
  
  
  
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 24.03.2010
• 20:42

  Analipsi: A well-to-do suburb up the highest point of the Kanoni peninsula

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Analipsi is a small leafy suburb of Corfu Town on the top of a steep hill which happens to be the highest point of the so called Kanoni peninsula. Archeologists say that on the top of that hill stood the citadelle of the ancient Corfu. Ancient corfiots evacuated the place in the first centuries after Christ in search of a better fortified place in which they could seek protection from the pirates. So after that move, the place remained vacant for many centuries. It was inhabited again a couple of centuries ago when the Analipsi(Resurrection of Christ) church was built and people begun to inhabit the place again.
  Being on a higher ground and having a splendid view toward the town and its environs, the locality begun to attract wealthy residents. Still today it's a desirable place to live with some nice villas. To reach Analipsi you should follow the road right next to the entrance of the Mon Repois estate.
  
  
  
  The road continues uphill passing through some walled estates (some of them have a villa in the centre). The wall on the left is the southern side of the Mon Repois, which building was a summer palace for the Kings of Greece.
  
  Some beautiful and old iron gates could be seen as well, most of them actually are backdoors.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  On the right a beautiful villa could be seen through the greenery and from its garden Chalikiopoulou lake could be seen along with a chunk of southern Corfu.
  
  
  
  Suddenly the road meet another ascending road with a street sign saying "Συνοικισμός Αναλήψεως" (Analipsi community).
  
  
  
  By turning left, we are going uphill again towards the centre of this small community.
  
  On the left there is an old house, probably one of the first built here. A bit further up on the right a cosy villa with a couple of palm trees make a good contrast between the old and the new.
  
  
  Two hundred metres up, we reach the centre of Analipsi with its traditional church.
  
  
  After passing the church, there is a small roundabout which is used to turn back downhill towards the town.
  
  
  
   But there is a small road starting from the roundabout, which leads to a open space with some fine views towards the sea. This is the site where the Analipsi festival is held every June celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus and its one of the most traditional and popular in the island.
  The view is precious, the old Fortress could be seen at the left, the mountains of Epirus in the background and  looking down the leafy coastline of Kanoni peninsula reveals its splendour.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  As a result of this picturesque view, some splendid villas with pools were built by some wealthy Corfiots.
  
  
  
  It's about time to go back to the town. Driving downhill in the central road, the Old Fortress could be seen in the middle of the greenery.
  
  
  After driving down the same road we've already ascended, we arrive to the official end of the Analipsi area, which is where Analipsi road meet Nausikas street. Some nice modern apartment dominate the spot.
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 18.03.2010
• 21:53

  A Documentary about the "Filarmonic Society of Corfu" (in greek)

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Here is an ERT3 documentary that was aired last year about the most ancient wind band in Greece, the Filarmonic Society of Corfu (est. 1840). If you want to download it, I have already posted the download links in February 2009 post.
  
  It is in three parts and it is approximately 40 minutes long.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 10.03.2010
• 14:05

  Corfu in detail 4: Milestone in Villa Rosa

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Most of you may haven't noticed the ancient milestone on the narrow pavement right outside Villa Rosa. Villa Rossa is on the southern part of Donatou Dimoulitsa street which becomes the Lefkimmis national road a few hundred metres down the road. This road is always busy with traffic as it's the southern entrance to Corfu Town.
  
  Looking at the milestone, it has an arrow and the letters "BO" carved on it which probably points at the north (the letters "BO" should be an acronym for "BOΡΕΙΑ" which means "north"). the others sides of it are blank. In my opinion, it helped old corfiots to find their way to the north of the island before getting lost in the maze of the Corfu Town streets.
  
  I really hope with the forthcoming widening of the road, this milestone will not be removed and get placed somewhere else.
  
  
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 07.03.2010
• 13:16

  "Metal Ritual I" @ Ampelonas Triklino, 06/03/2010

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Yesterday there was a notable heavy metal mini-festival at Ampelonas Triklino. Five greek bands played live (two of them, Stalkers and Psycorepaths are corfiot bands) and the headliners of the event was the athenian black metal group Aherusia with its distinctive fusion of cretan lyra sounds and metal. Gigs like this are very important for our island, because it is an alternative option for a night out and give the chance to enjoy some live music which is rare in Corfu.
  I shot three videos but unluckily the sound is very bad because there were shot with a mobile phone.
  Whitenoiz on stage:
  
  Psycorepaths:
  
  Aherusia, the headliners of the festival:
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 01.03.2010
• 14:39

  Some pics from the National Geographic Magazine - July 1973

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  I scanned those documentary pictures from the National Geographic Magazine (2002 greek reprint of an article of the July 1973 american NGM issue). That article was dedicated to the Ionian islands and presented Corfu as a beautiful, then unspoiled paradise with quality tourism and preserved traditions of the past. Let's see what the caption under each photograph said:
  
  " Being a bright lighthouse for seamen, Corfu welcomes them with a seaside park beside the old houses which the time have left its marks on them."
  
  " The passers-by dominate the Nikoforou Theotoki street with its characteristic vaulted buildings "
  
  "By day a museum but by night a casino, Achilleion Palace was built by Elisavet, empress of Austria as a resort from the austere typicallity of the royal court."
  
  "The shops in Corfu trade jewels, sugared fruits and copies of ancient finds. Handmade blouses and skirts cost between 10 and 20 dollars."
  
  "The maze of houses in Corfu Town centre reaches the top of the hill. There, the venetian fortress stood the repeated assaults of the Othoman. The Corfiots believe that Saint Spyridon (their patron saint) saved them from the Turks. His relics are kept in the church at the left."
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 28.02.2010
• 12:16

  Paleokastritsa under the February sun

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  The weather is getting better day by day in our beautiful island. Nature has already started to blossom, temperature is on the rise and sun comes out more often than he used to some days before. So, I grabbed the chance to take some photographs in Paleokastritsa, a place so famous about its natural beauty and a classic destination for Corfiots who want to have their walk.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Suddenly, some grey clouds appeared in the sky and soon after the blue sky turned into a more winterly one. Corfu's sky can change mood so rapidly I guess!
  
  
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 26.02.2010
• 16:29

  Wind Bands playing at the Santa Theodora litany (21/02/2010)

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  The Feast is kept in memory of the final defeat of Iconoclasm and the restoration of the icons to the churches. The corpse of Santa Theodora is kept in the Mitropolis church and thus, as she was the leader of the protest against Iconoclasm, Corfiots organize this procession in order to commemorate that important event.
  
  In the litany, as always, take part the major wind bands of the island. Below are some short videos taken by a friend:
  
  Filarmonic Society "Mantzaros" (Est. 1890):
  
  Filarmonic Society "Omonoia" (Gastouri) (Est. 1898)
  
  Filarmonic Society "Kapodistrias" (Est. 1980)
  
  
  All the videos above had been uploaded by the user kantonis1990 .
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 19.02.2010
• 14:07

  Corfu in detail 3: A "bay-window" in Kampielo

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  I always loved those bay windows which are so dominant in Victorian architecture. They are also prominent in some old buildings in Constantinoupolis or in some Macedonian and Ipirotic towns (Old building in Veroia, Macedonia). In fact, bay-windowed buildings are hard to find in Corfu, mainly because they are not a part of venetian architecture nor the Neoclassical one. The latter was the prominent architectural style in Greece during the 19th - early 20th centuries.
  So, by luck, I encountered this building in Kampielo, the oldest part of Corfu Town. It bears only one bay window, a detail which makes this edifice distinctive from its neighbours.
  
  
  
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 16.02.2010
• 12:35

  Corfu Soundtrack by corfuland.gr

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  A really interesting video by Corfuland. Beaches, landscapes, sunsets and scenes from Corfu town in fast forward. Some of the places included in this video: Old Fortress, Liston, Corfu old town, Vlacherena church. Please watch and rate.
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 15.02.2010
• 13:21

  Snow in mount Pantokrator!

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Most people say that it never snows in Corfu...Well, that's not true! It actually snows almost every year up in the tallest mountain of our island, Mount Pantokrator (910m tall). Usually the snow is not that thick to block a road but it's adequate for making your own snowman!
  
  Below is a video I just found in Youtube, uploaded by the user Corfiot30, shot just yesterday:
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 10.02.2010
• 15:55

  Handel "Water Music" by English Concerto on the river Thames

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  This 19-minute long video is taken from a BBC documentary about the ambitious attempt of a team of historical experts to revive the 1717 premiere of Handel’s Water Music on the Thames. The result is the second-ever performance on the river, filmed in costume on a regal-style period barge against the backdrop of the present-day Thames from Whitehall to Chelsea. Includes performances by The English Concert of favourite movements from the F major and D major Suites.
  
  Route followed: Westminster bridge upriver Thames to Chelsea bridge, London
  
  NOTE: IF YOU LIKED THIS, I SUGGEST YOU BUYING THE WHOLE DVD AVAILABE FROM AMAZON.CO.UK. IT HAS THE WHOLE DOCUMENTARY, NARRATED BY THE FAMOUS LONDON BIOGRAPHER PETER ACKROYD
  
  Amazon.co.uk link: www.amazon.co.uk/Handel-Water-Music-DVD/dp/B000BA8ED4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1265808584&sr=8-1
  
  Copyright: BBC, 2003
  
  
  
  Handel "Water Music" by English Concerto on the river Thames
  από johnt_gr
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 07.02.2010
• 21:47

  Corfu in detail 2: Carved angels on a neoclassical building

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Last Tuesday, I posted some photos of some carved faces on a building in Alexandras avenue. The next edifice I discovered that features such details is a neoclassical building in Mantzarou street, opposite the Perfecture offices. It really stands out among the neighbouring ungly apartment blocks and it's the home of some doctor and lawyer offices.
  
  
  A latticework above the central door bears the date 1903, which I suspect is the year that the building was built. Also, right under the date, the acronym "AA" could be seen. Does anyone of you know what it stands out for?
  
  
  
  The small angel faces with wings could only be seen right under the windows of the first floor. Unfortunately, the first one from the left is gone.
  
  
  
  
  Generally speaking, the building is not in a bad condition but a facelift could have been done. It is about time some important old buildings be listed in order to preserve them from dilapidation?
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 05.02.2010
• 17:39

  Enjoying the view from Anemomylos, one cold but sunny February day...

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Today, hopefully, was another sunny but a bit cold day in our beloved island. The northern wind of the last few days, resulted in a clear atmosphere, which is perfect for taking quality photographs. Anemomylos is a good point where someneone can have unobstructed views towards the old fortress, the city and the mountains in mainland Greece and Albania.
  
  General views of the Old Fortress
  
  
  
  The snowcapped mountains of the mainland
  
  
  Esplanade, Saint Spyridon campanile and Kapodistriou street buildings (including the Ionian Academy and Cavallieri Hotel buildings), as seen from Anemomylos.
  
  
  Almost same zoomed view, but now you can notice the southern side of the Liston buildings. Notice Mount Pantokrator with its clouded top!
  
  
  Focusing on the spot where Alexandras avenue meets the bay (Douglas column). Two communication antenna towers could be seen, the big O.T.E. one and the smaller on the top of Avrami hill.
  
  
  A sparrow enjoying the view, as I did!
  
  
  The western of the two hills of the Old Fortress with its distictive cross and lighthouse on the top.
  
  
  Zoomed view towards the Esplanade again.
  
  
  The 'Corfu Palace Hotel' dominates the view towards the northern end of Garitsa bay.
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 02.02.2010
• 20:40

  Corfu in detail: Carved faces above a window

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Alexandras Avenue was the first and unique boulevard-like avenue in Corfu town. It was an offspring of the British occupation, a part of the first planned suburb, Neopoli (the area is bordered by what is now called Rizospaston Voulefton, Marasli, Dimokratias and Vraila streets), an area characterized by straight avenues and streets. This area attracted the upper classes, as it was then away from the hustle and bustle of the old walled town and its gardens and trees provided clean air. A number of grand houses erected, some of them still survive (I'm intenting to cover them in the future). One of them is the apartment building below.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  What makes that building unique are those beautiful carved faces above the windows of the first floor. It seems that buildings like that, so carefully and tastefully designed, are not built anymore.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Have you ever noticed that detail yourself? Which mythical icons do they represent?
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 31.01.2010
• 13:39

  Live Corfu webcam at Kanalia

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Are you wondering how the weather is like in Corfu at the moment? A brand new cam, hosted by CorfuWeather is online, bringing you fresh images of how Corfu's sky is like, refreshing every 10 seconds. This webcam is situated in Kanalia, a suburb about 3 kilometres south of Corfu Town. As you can see, it has a panoramic view towards the north and mount Pantokrator, the tallest mountain in the island.
  Visit the cam at:http://www.corfuweather.gr/cam/index.html
  
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 28.01.2010
• 23:51

  My little poem about Lisbon

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  
  "Ó Lisboa, cidade das sete colinas, com os eléctricos que ascendem as suas ruas,
  dos fados os que se podem ouvir dentro das suas casas,
  Ó Lisboa, cidade dos meus desejos!"
  
  English translation
  "Oh Lisbon, city of seven hills,
  with the trams which ascend your streets,
  of fados that could be heard inside of your houses,
  Oh Lisbon, city of my desires!"
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 24.01.2010
• 12:50

  Haydn Concerto for piano and orchestra in F major - 3rd mov. by the Orchestra of Ionian University

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Very elegant playing, congratulations to the students and the teachers of our University for this excellent concert they gave yesterday.
  
  Solist: Vasiliki DrigogiaDirection: Paulos Pappas
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 20.01.2010
• 15:09

  January in Alikes beach

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Few images I shot last Sunday with the snow capped Ipirus mountains in the background.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 17.01.2010
• 18:18

  Amazing panoramic view from Viros

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  A bit blurry and fuzzy, but you can have a glimpse of the view you can get from up there. I have never been there before, the view is marvellous - you can clearly see Corfu Town, the old fortress, Kanoni, the airport and the southern environs of the town.
  
  I should really come back to take photos when the light and visibility will be better than it was today!
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 15.01.2010
• 13:26

  Bike paths or sidewalks?

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Last year, the announcement of the construction of paths dedicated to bicycles was met with happiness by the majority of bike lovers. The first network of bike paths was constructed in the Garitsa and Anemomylos bayside parks. These are two green spaces which are in urgent need for redevelopment because both have been left to deteriorate.
  
  The bike paths are a part of the general redevelopment plan for Garitsa and Anemomylos parks. In my opinion, the two-lane path is narrow, thus there is a great risk for an bike accident. Apart for that, pedestrians tend to use this fresh and clean path instead of the dirty and disrepaired nearby sidewalk which runs the parks in length, as the bike paths do as well.
  
  Below there are some images I took, so you can judge yourself:
  
  
  
  What should be done? The sidelwalk should be repaired and ban pedestrians from using the bike lane. Also, the width of the paths should be increased to meet the security standards.
  After all, we all should love and use the bike lanes with respect. Those beautiful bayside parks are important in improving the quality of life in our town.
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 11.01.2010
• 13:48

  Garitsa's disaster - Part 2

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Only a year has passed away since the first disaster occured in Garitsa's seaside promenade. Strong southerneastern winds resulted in creating two new holes - one near Corfu Palace hotel (maybe it is one of the holes of December 2008) and a second one at Anemomylos.
  The first one is already covered but somebody still can't walk through though.
  
  It seems strange to me that there is a hole in Anemomylos, as that side is protected from southern winds.
  
  Let's all hope this is the last time that this happens and the authorities will start to visualise a plan to renew and protect Garitsa's promenade from future disasters.
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 02.01.2010
• 14:32

  Jerome Isma-Ae @ Au Bar, Corfu - 01.01.10

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  It was a great event - awesome music, Jerome played a set of his skillfull remixes and productions, he definately justified his fame!
  
  
  Check out the videos!
  
  
  
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 01.01.2010
• 12:37

  Happy New Year 2010!

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  My deepest wishes for the New Year to all the fans of this blog - may 2010 bring you prosperity, good health, joy and make your wishes and desires come true!
  This is the first post not only for the new year, but for the new decade. So we also celebrate the dawn of another decade for which we all hope it will be better than the previous one.
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 30.12.2009
• 13:31

  Lemonia square: Same old story again...

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Some things in this island does not seem to change. The narrow-mindness, stupidity and stubborness of some local people are non-descript. It is unbelievable that somebody cut again the lemon trees which started to grow again on this beautiful spacious square of the old town.
  
  This is how the Lemonia square looked today:
  What is left now...
  
  What could be done to prevent actions like this in the future? One proposal is to protect the trees by encircle them with special metal latticework, called "tree guards" which will protect them efficiently from damage. This practice is quite common in several countries in Europe. (Tree guards in Sweden).
  Two renders of how it could be done in our case, made by a friend:
  
  In my opinion, what matters most is to prevent such activities from happening again and educate people to respect their urban enviroment, which is an important factor for our culture.
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 27.12.2009
• 13:43

  Hiking at a remote road, Nissaki Corfu - Christmas 2009

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  A very peaceful place on a hill full of olive trees and other greenery. A "haunted" storage house, recently inhabited maybe by an immigrant or a hermit adds a touch of mystery in my walk. A complex with villas and pool revealed at the end of this part, uninhabited at this time of the year.
  
  
  
  The second part of my tour - trying to find my way out of the villas and heading downhill towards the place where a crazy man commited suicide. This place was haunted by his ghost, someone could hear some strange sounds until a priest was called to help the neighbours get rid of the apparition. Finally, I reached my home, after walking almost a kilometre of unspoilted nature.
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 26.12.2009
• 13:49

  A gloomy Christmas day at my village, Nissaki

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Yesterday it was Christmas day. As many of other families, we went to celebrate at my village Nissaki. Nissaki is 21 km north of Corfu Town. It's hilly and have some nice small pebbly beaches which are popular to well-to-do tourists from UK and Germany. It is full of apartments catering with tourists and it's not so dense like other more traditional villages in the island. Our apartments are on a hill almost downhill from Pantokratoras peak. We get breathtaking views from up there - the southern tip of Albania could be seen, the shoreline of Thesprotia, Corfu Town with its fortresses and on a clear day, Paxos island could be spotted as well. Nissaki is dotted with hundreds of olive trees adding a deep silver green shade to the place.
  
  
  
  If you are interested in renting our apartments next summer, just visit our website and see the prices, the villas' facilities and some additional information: Villa Jacaranda and Villa Nicoleta.
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 23.12.2009
• 17:54

  Merry Christmas everyone!

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  "John's Corfu World"wish you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2010!
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 21.12.2009
• 15:15

  Old Port's Marina: The appalling situation goes on...

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  A neverending nightmare... It has been almost a year since my last post about the marina under construction at the Old Port and little has changed. I think now the place looks even more horrible than ever. Construction is progressing very slowly, giving me the impression that the marina will never be completed and that I should compromise with the place's current look.
  
  I really wonder what and who is to blame for that mess. The crisis? The unwillingness of the local authorities? Do they not understand that this part of our town is a disgrace and gives tourists a bad impression?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  This is how the new marina will look, if completed: not bad, given that it is not going to be huge and will serve only yachts.
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 18.12.2009
• 21:05

  Christmas in Corfu: How central streets look under Xmas Lights

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Like every Christmas time and from the St. Spyridon's Day (12 Dec) to St. John's Day (07 Jan), our town is decorated with million of light bulbs. The spectacle of a sea of thousand stars hanging above our heads makes a festive mood every night.
  
  I took some pictures tonight, just to give those away from Corfu, how it looks like:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 12.12.2009
• 14:16

  Happy Saint Spyridon's day!

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  The 12th of December is the day when our patron saint, Saint Spyridon is being commemorated. In that day many people named Spyros and Spyridoula celebrate their nameday and believe me, they are not few! A celebrational service is held in Saint Spyridon church in Corfu Town, attended by a lot of people.
  
  But let me show you a short biography of our saint, taken from Wikipedia:
  
  "Spyridon of Trimythous the Wonderworker (Greek: Σπυρίδων ca. 270-348) was a 4th centurybishop who was present at the First Ecumenical Council. He is also commonly referred to in Corfu as Keeper of the City (Greek: ο πολιούχος), since he is also the patron saint of that island (this is where his relics are located and venerated). He is commemorated by the church on December 12. Spyridon was born in the village of Ashia (askia - "without shade"), Cyprus (270 AD) and died in Trimythous, Cyprus (348 AD). He was a peasant farmer and shepherd and had no education. Spyridon was married and had a daughter, Irene. After his wife died, he and his daughter both entered into monasticism. He later became the Bishop of Trimythous (during the reign of Constantine the Great) and continued in piety for which he was greatly known. When the Arabs took Cyprus, Spyridon's body was disinterred and taken to Constantinople. The relics were found to be incorrupt, and contained a sprig of basil, the "royal plant," both of which were taken as a sign of divine confirmation of his sanctity.When, in 1453, Constantinople fell to the Turks, Spyridon's relics were removed again; this time, to the island of Corfu by a Corfiote monk called Kalohairetis (Καλοχαιρέτης), where they remain to this day.The relics are taken in procession every Palm Sunday and on other special occasions, for veneration by the faithful. All Philharmonics of Corfu, including the Philharmonic Society of Corfu take part in these ceremonial events. The relic of his right hand is now located in Rome.Spyridon is the patron saint of potters (from the purported miracle of the potsherd) and the island of Corfu where he is called: "Αγιος Σπυρίδων ο πολιούχος", "Saint Spyridon, the Keeper of the City" for the miracle of expelling the plague (πανώλη) from the island.It is believed by the faithful that the plague, on its way out of the island, scratched one of the fortification stones of the old citadel (Palaio Frourio) to indicate its fury for being expelled. This scratch is shown to visitors to this day.Icon showing Saint Spyridon (center, front) silencing Arius (right, with hands over his mouth) during the First Ecumenical Council of Nicea in 325.St. Spyridon is also believed to have saved the island at the second great siege of Corfu which took place in 1716. At that time the Turkish army and naval force led by the great Sultan Achmet III appeared in Butrinto opposite Corfu.On July 8 the Turkish fleet carrying 33,000 men sailed to Corfu from Butrinto and established a beachhead in Ipsos. The same day the Venetian fleet encountered the Turkish fleet off the channel of Corfu and defeated it in the ensuing naval battle. On July 19 the Turkish army reached the hills of the town and laid siege to the city. After repeated failed attempts and heavy fighting, the Turks were forced to raise the siege which had lasted 22 days.There were also rumours spreading among the Turks that some of their soldiers saw St. Spyridon as a monk threatening them with a lit torch and that helped increase their panic. This victory over the Turks, therefore, was attributed not only to the leadership of Count Schulenburg who commanded the stubborn defence of the island against the Turks but also to the miraculous intervention of St. Spyridon.After the victorious outcome of the battle, Venice honoured Schulenburg and the Corfiotes for successfully defending the island. The great composer Vivaldi was commissioned to write an opera, Juditha triumphans, in celebration of the victory.Recognizing St. Spyridon's role in the defence of the island, Venice legislated the annual "Litany of St. Spyridon" on August 11 as a commemoration of the event. His feast day is celebrated in the East on the Saturday before Great Lent (known as "Cheesefare Saturday") and December 12. For those Eastern Churches which follow the traditional Julian Calendar, December 12 falls on December 25 of the modern Gregorian Calendar. In the West he is commemorated on December 14.St. Spyridon is also the patron saint of the Tolstoy family. Andrei Tolstoy (fl. 15th century) chose St. Spyridon as the family's saint and he remains so in both branches to this day. The Grand Prince of Muscovy Basil II (1425-1462) apparently gave a gold cross containing relics of the saint to Andrei. This reliquary survives to this day and is held by the senior member of the Tolstoy family, now Nikolai Tolstoy."
  A three-day long worship is held from December 11 to December 13. People from all over Corfu and Greece come to the Saint Spyridon church to pray.
  Our patron saint is without doubt very significant for all Corfiots. He has helped a lot of sick people and those in need of help, courage or forgiveness. We are so lucky that we have Him!
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 09.12.2009
• 19:35

  Visiting the neglected Avramiou hill...

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Corfu Town is hilly. Built on and between several hills, it is similar to Rome or Constantinopolis in that respect. Two of its great fortresses are on the top of hills, the Old one is on the homonymous peninsula and the New one on the top of Saint Mark hill. Besides those, smaller fortresses were built by the Venetians to stregthen and help the defence line provided by the two larger forts: One of them was the Avrami fort, on the top of Avrami hill. It was built after the Turkish invasion of 1716 on the site of then long gone enormous and luxurious "Avrami Villa" which was destroyed by the Turks in 1537. It consisted of many facilities, like storage buildings, bastions, lookouts and a system of underground tunnels made possible for soldiers to communicate with Salvador fortress (on the site where "Dasaki" and the Prison now stand - I'll cover those in the future) and San Rocco fortress. From the Avrami fort, someone could control the surrounding area up to Potamos and Kefalomantouko. The fate of this military facility, like many others, was unfortunate. Before the British left the island, they blew up the fort. The power of the explosion was so big that material exploded away and residences around it suffered minor damage. Now, little evidence can be found of its existence. The place is now forgotten in its secludity like many other green oases in our town. I decided to walk up the hill and get some shots.
  
  The view from the middle of my way to the top was special; lots of landmarks could be seen, like the Platitera campanile, the airport's runway, the new port, Koulines hill, the twin TV and Radio antennas near Kanalia and Kanoni peninsula.
  
  
  
  
  
  It was also possible - although somewhat limited due to the greenery- to see the Sarocco, Tennis and Leoforos Alexandras area.
  
  
  Finally, after ascending all the steep road, I made it to the top. The first thing I noticed was the antenna park, which is a kind of a landmark because it's visible from many parts of town.
  
  
  Looking at the opposite direction, neglet was obvious everywhere. The site of the once glorious fort is now covered with litter and apart from that, it is full of used condoms and evidence of drug use. Where are the authorities? Are they informed about those illegal activities happening - mostly during the night- on the top of the hill?
  
  I forgot to mention in my brief history of the place that in late 19th century, a house for the elder was built on the top. Unfortunately, it is vacant and it looks now more like a ghost. I was lucky that the gate leading to the site was open.
  
  On the left stands a small building. It might was a facility for the elder's house or a kind of administrative building. It was derelict as well.
  
  
  The main building stands on the right, delapidated and ready to fall apart.
  
  
  
  
  Suddenly, I noticed an interesting detail on the left side of the edifice: A beautifully carved marble side door with some Venetian elements!
  
  I spent some time looking at the view spreading beyond me. The New Fortess, the campanile of Saint Spyridon church, Vido island even the top of the Old Fortress behind the walls of the New one could be seen.
  
  
  
  
  
  As time passed, I decided to make my way downhill taking another few shot of the view towards Mantouki and Kogevina hill.
  
  
  
  It is really depressing that a place gifted with spendid view, an urban oasis is now a stronghold of drug addicts. It would have been turned into a place of entertainment and recreation - an alternative option to Spianada. I really hope those who have the power, realise its potential and Avrami hill will again become a landmark.
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 01.12.2009
• 22:49

  At last some rain after two weeks of sunshine!

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  A strong thunderstorm is going on right now in Corfu, after several days of unusual sunny and warm weather! Below is a short video I shot in which you can see how stormy it is right here youreself!
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 28.11.2009
• 13:50

  John Graham @ Au Bar, Corfu 27/11/2009

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Hailing from California, John Graham (also known as "Quivver") is a legend among those who really love what is called Progressive house music.
  
  
  Maybe that was why the club was far from being full yesterday, the event attracted mostly progressive house music lovers. That's a pity because I think Graham deserved a bigger audience. Moreover, a more extensive promotion of the event should have been done.
  
  
  
  
  If you were among those who didn't know about the event, don't worry! The good news is that a mega star dj, Jerome Isma-ae is going to rock the decks of Au Bar with the dawn of new year!!
  
  
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 26.11.2009
• 18:34

  Corfu from the top of the Old Fortress

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  
  Taken in 24/11/2009 with my Nokia N79 5mp camera.
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 16.11.2009
• 12:54

  Corfu mourns the loss of a great musician

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Last Saturday ,at the age of 80 years, died the distinguished corfiot musician and conductor, for many years, of "Mantzaros", Stefanos Dolianitis.
  He was born in Corfu in 1929. He was the conductor of the band (husband of Nena Dolianitis and father of Lina and Spyros Dolianitis). He was an offspring of the Philharmonic Society Mantzaros, in which joined in 1946 (his first teacher was Christos Dapergolas).
  There he trained in theoretical and practical music (clarinetto and saxofono). He continued his studies at the Athens Conservatory, at the class of the great Corfiot teacher Spyros Lazaros. In 1951, he returned to Corfu and continued his studies with Theodoros Kavadias and Alexandros Grek (theory and piano). In 1958 he attended the National Conservatory, graduating in 1960 with a degree in direction and band instrumentation (he was a student of M. Kalomiris). Since then he `d been conductor and Director of Schools of Philarminic Band " Mantzaros "in which previously had been a vice conductor.
  At the same time he composed music for the play of Theodoros Zamanis "` One Corfiot hustler" and wrote the music of well-known songs as "Na ksanartheis" ," Korfiatopoula, etc. He remained the director of "Mantzaros" for over 35 years and directed the entire "classic" repertoire for band, having himself transcribed numerous tracks from the international and lyrical symphonic repertoire, but also from that of the quality "light music". Also he composed marches and marchias.
  In 1974, in Corfu, he created the first "student band" (mpantina) and in 1986 he conducted the Philharmonic in Pleven, Bulgaria, with the distinguished soloist of trumpet, Socrates Anthis.
  Stefanos Dolianitis was also commendable because, despite the tempting artistic proposals that occasionally received from various music organizations outside Corfu, he did not give in and remained in his home as a conscious and inspired servant of the unique music tradition of the island of culture, Corfu. The funeral will be held today at 3 pm at the first cemetery in Garitsa. May he rest in peace!
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 05.11.2009
• 13:57

  Two years of 'John's Corfu World'!!

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  My blog was created at November 5th of 2007 and my intention was to find a place to post my ideas, photographs, experiences and tours of Corfu. I hope you still enjoy this page and I promise that I will try to make this blog even more interesting and appreciable by all Corfu fans around the world.
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 03.11.2009
• 19:23

  A video dedicated to the Old Municipal theatre of Corfu

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  I just found that amazing video displaying images of the now gone Old Municipal theatre, which stood at the same site where the monstrous New Mucipal Theatre built in late 1970s. The background music is taken from "Lohengrin" of R. Wagner, which was the first opera performed at the theatre.
  
  
  
  According to Wikipedia:
  
  "The decision to create a new Municipal Theater, was taken in 1885, Mayor George Theotokis. Construction began in 1893, Mayor Michael Theotokis. Given the high cost of the project was completed in 1902 to plans by the Italian architect Conrado Pergolesi, who used the building as a model of "La Scala". The theater had a height of 39 meters and was the entrance portico, which adorned the facade of columns 6 Tuscan style. Externally, the upper floor 4 columns adorned with Corinthian capitals and pediment. In the middle of the pediment was relief escutcheon of Corfu, surrounded by laurel wreath, and films. The entrance to the theater was decorated with huge purple columns and around the high walls were decorated with portraits of great musicians, who had painted fine Italian painters.
  The Public Theater had 64 galleries in three rows and a loft. Each gallery was luxurious, private living room had a bathroom, small room with mirrors and precious curtain and exclusively own illumination gas. The theater was luxurious square, richly decorated with deep purple plush armchairs, which at the end of the square was smaller.
  The Municipal Theater of Corfu, considered one of the best in Europe. The acoustics were incomparable by any technical terms and was able to correctly render the slightest nuance of sound. The estimated capacity of about a thousand seats, and had a large foyer, the ceilings decorated with beautiful wall-paintings of Italian painters depicting Greek ancient gods and various musical representations. Famous have remained the dances given in the foyer.
  The opening performances of the Municipal Theater of Corfu were held on December 7, 1902 in "Lohengrin" of Wagner. In one of its performances attended by Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany at the time of visiting the "Achillion '.
  The Public Theater gold cost one million pounds, an enormous amount of time, forcing the municipality to enter into Corfu sinking loan, the final repayment of which would be in 1941. Unfortunately, the Municipal Theater was lost in the night of 13 to 14 September 1943, arson of the dreadful night of Corfu town from the Germans.
  The only thing that survived was the curtain, which by chance was not at the Public Theater that night.
  Unfortunately the post-war period the building was damaged by the Corfiot architect John Kollas and civil engineers George Linardos and Renos Paipetis, that there is no architectural and historical value. The opinion was announced to the City Council of Corfu, with Mayor then Stamatis Desyllas, which is meeting on March 31, 1952, unanimously decided to demolish the Municipal Theater. The theater was demolished, despite the strong protests of many of Corfu, who arrived at the courtroom. Several years later built in place of another, but the old theater is never faded from the heart of Corfiots. This is evidenced by the dozens of photos, which are hung everywhere from private offices to public buildings, longing for his lost glory."
  Corfiots will never forget that fine piece of architecture which embellished their island...
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 02.11.2009
• 13:38

  (Illegal) Immigrants blues: Arabic graffiti on a derelict factory

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  The proof that derelict factories in the Mandouki area house poor immigrants from distant asian countries such as Afganistan, Pakistan and Kurdistan.
  
  
  
  
  Does anyone of you can translate those for us? It would be interesting to inform me in what language is this graffiti written and what does it say. So any friends of this blog who can read those, please drop me a line.
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 30.10.2009
• 15:28

  Corfu 1972: a short film

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  I found that at YouTube, a short film shot in 1972 showing the island as it was 37 years before.
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 25.10.2009
• 17:36

  Lazaretto island: A small islet full of history

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Lazaretto (also known as "Agios Dimitrios") is small island one mile away from the coast of Corfu, not far from the bigger islet of Vidos. It covers an area of 17.5 acres (71,000 m2) and it is uninhabited.
  
  Lazaretto from space:
  
  Today, I had the chance to visit Lazaretto, participating in the memorial service given to the victims of the Greek National Resistance movement. We set off with a ferry from the New Port, sailing slowly to the islet 2 kilometres away. Weather was partly cloudy but not cold at all. Approaching our destination, the island's flora appeared: pine trees, fir trees and occasionally some palm trees dominated the islet.
  
  
  A narrow ascending path led us to the centre of the island where the ruins of Agios Dimitrios church and another two-storied building served as headquarters for the Italian army. There is also a small cemetery for those who where condemned to death. But let's dig briefly into the history of the island.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Lazaretto was named by the Venetians after the leprosarium which operated there. Venetians leprosariums were named "Lazzaretti" after Lazzaretto Vecchio island in Venice, which housed the first venetian leprosarium. Every ship which had Corfu as its destination, was forced to spend forty days in Lazaretto before entering Corfu's port passing through the process of disinfecting postal items, usually by fumigation. There was also a house for the leper people. In 1798, during the French occupation, the Russo-Turkish fleet ran it as a military hospital. During the British occupation, it was used again as a leprosarium. After the Enosis of 1864, it was used occasionally. During World War II, the Axis established a concentration camp for the prisoners of the Greek National Resistance movement. The wall against which those condemned to death were shot still stands opposite the Agios Dimitrios church.
  
  
  Manolis Glezos, the famous left wing politician, giving a speech:
  
  
  Lazaretto, recently, is under renovation. The church is being restored to its former glory and the two story building will be a museum dedicated to the National Resistance. When these works will come to an end, we hope that special place will draw visitors more often and its history will be more appreciated by the younger generations.
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 20.10.2009
• 15:04

  Some really old and rare photographs

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Liston in early 1900s
  
  
  Walking in Garitsa, early 1900s
  
  
  The "Puli tis Mparoutis" gate in Spilia district, now demolished
  
  
  Panoramic view of Garitsa, 1950s
  
  
  The factory behind the old Municipal Theatre
  
  
  The demolished old apartment block in Agias Sofias street
  
  
  The traditional "karo" or "lisa", used by old time Corfiots as a mean of transport
  
  
  The bombarded Anunziata monastery, right after the Second World War
  
  
  Porta Reala and Eugeniou Voulgareos street in late 19th century
  
  
  Mantouki in early 20th century
  
  
  The north side of Old Fortress from the Faliraki area - The only building which survives is the last on at the right.
  
  
  Pinia with "Piniadoroi" - early 20th century
  
  
  
  All photos taken by me from the notable book "Istoria tis Kerkyras" by Spyros Katsaros.
  
  If you liked the photos above, there is a group in Facebook dedicated in old Corfu photos.
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 11.10.2009
• 21:29

  Dance show @ "Poco Loco" TexMex, Corfu (10.10.09)

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  They were really amazing, dressed in those funky latin outfits and entertain us while tasting burritos!
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 08.10.2009
• 15:01

  Ruins of an old church in Porta Remunda district in Old Corfu Town

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  On a side street (Foka street) at Porta Remunda, I discovered a few months ago a ruined old church. It seems very old and traditional, as the architecture and the uncovered spots of brickwork revealed as a result of the physical deterioration caused by time.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  As I don't know any details of this building, I would like to ask my fellow blog followers to post a comment if they know anything about that church. Your information will be used as an updater to this post
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 29.09.2009
• 23:35

  Corfu in 1962: Check out the videos

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  I found three videos that I want to share with you. All those three are very interesting as they present Corfu at early 60s, when tourism in the island was in its early stages but it didn't lack the quality.
  Click on the links below, taken from the British Pathe website:
  Corfiot Dancers at Kastelo, Dassia (1962)
  Club Mediterannee, Dassia (1962)
  Life in the village (1962)
  I hope you enjoyed them and make you compare that distant era with today - is tourism better now than 50 years before? Is it more affordable for more and more tourists than yesterdays? Is Corfu as well preserved as in the 60s? If not, why and what are the reasons for that decay?
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 28.09.2009
• 13:10

  Vandalism at Esplanade's historic bandstand...

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  People who passed through Esplanade last Saturday morning sadly witnessed the vandalism of the bandstand's lattice-work. That was the last incident of Esplanade's vandalism, after the grafitties on the monument of Eptanisos and on the paved areas of the square. What is considered one of the most well-known sights of our island, is being vandalised often by a bunch of spoilt teenagers who apparently haven't given the proper education of respecting the history of their homeland.
  
  
  *Photos taken from "Maties stin Kerkira" blog.
  
  What should be done, in my opinion, is to patrol the area more intensively and impose a "zero tolerance" policy towards those vandals who is doing the best they can to make Corfu look unattractive and "third world" in those difficult times we are getting through.
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 24.09.2009
• 13:33

  Derelict houses and side streets of Ioannou Theotoki street (former Avramiou street)

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  The area which surrounds Ioanni Theotoki street and connects Sarocco square with the New Port is known is colloquially known as "Pallada". Pallada was an old oil factory on the site where the bus station is now situated. Along I. Theotoki street, there were some houses which were built by immigrants from Asia Minor in the 1920s. The area was also known as "Prosfigika", a name which was given to many places in Greece reserved for the Asia Minor greek immigrants. There were many of them in the area, but now most of them disappeared and new 1950s- 1960s apartment blocks were built.
  
  I strolled the small lane called "Ekti parodos Ioannou Theotoki", next to the Ionian University building. That small lane used to be full of those. Now, only a couple of them still stand.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Above, someone can see the looming presence of the also unhappily derelict old building of the Elderly Home, a beautiful building on the top of Avramiou hill. I really hope this edifice will soon be renovated and used as a museum or as recreational area.
  
  
  
  
  Walking across Ioanni Theotoki street, there is an empty piece of land which serves as a parking. At the end of this place, there is a small hill on which another derelict building stands. It is in a really bad condition, as you can see from the picture below.
  
  
  
  Standing on the top of this low hill, a part of new port and the bus station is visible and looking to the other side, the Ionian University building can be seen.
  
  
  
  There is also a set of stairs lead to the top of Markora street. Climbing up these stairs, you can get a panoramic view of Avramiou area.
  
  
  
  Finally, after ascending the stairs and looking towards the New Fortress, the new market under construction and the nearby temporary market are under our feet.
  
  Also the symbol of the old Venetian republic, the winged lion holding a book is proudly standing on the walls of the New Fortress, witnessing the prior status of Corfu as a Venetian stronghold at the entrance of Adriatic sea.
  
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 31.08.2009
• 23:40

  Sarocco square panorama

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  I found this somewhere in the internet.
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 23.08.2009
• 20:33

  DJ Baphomet (a.k.a Noiseevoluter) @ Edem beach Nightclub, 22/08/09

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Playing Plastikman's "Spastik"
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 13.08.2009
• 16:14

  Why so many Corfu beaches are so dirty this summer?

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Kardaki beach today (13/08/2009)...
  
  No comment!
  
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 28.07.2009
• 16:29

  Have a look at Corfuland's very first webcam!

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  
  Corfuland has installed a webcamera at Cafe Floisvos in Kanoni area. Being in a trial period, the gives you a good view of Vlaherna chapel, which is the most famous landmark of Corfu. The image refreshes every few seconds. To log in, enter "corfuland" as the username and the password.
  
  To view the cam just click HERE
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 26.07.2009
• 21:14

  Issos beach: An african place in Corfu

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Issos beach is the only place in our island where you can swim by giant and vast sand dunes, giving you the feel that you are somewhere in Africa. The lack of extensive touristic development (which is so present in other corfiot beaches) results in crystal clear waters and in an unspoilt enviroment. The northern side of the beach is a nudist beach, while the central and the southern part is more popular and busy. In the southern tip, the tourist village of Agios Georgios is located, where you can find some restaurants and bars. There is a small harbour too. Also, immediately east of Issos, there is lake Korission with its protected wildlife.
  
  In conclusion, Issos beach offers you a relaxed and quality swimming and sunbathing experience. There are a lot of watersports too. You can also hire a wind surf board or do some kite if there is the appropriate wind.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 23.07.2009
• 18:54

  The Durrell's "Daffodil Yellow villa" in Kontokali

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Tourism in Corfu would have been different without the famous G. Durrell's novel "My family and other animals". Gerald Durrell lived during his childhood for a few years with his family in Corfu. He and his elder brother, Lawrence, quickly adored the sheer beauty of then unspoiled by the massive tourism, Corfiot landscape. He begun exploring the local flora and fauna and started connecting with some of the local people.
  
  
  Durrells lived in many grand houses during their four year long stay in Corfu. One of them was the so called "Daffodil -Yellow villa" in Kontokali. Recently, I decided to go for swimming just outside the villa, which is still inhabited by a rich local family. Its premises are clearly visible from a good distance. It is four storeys tall and the perimetre of the premise is marked by a tall wall. The villa also is surrounded by a small pine forest in which various kinds of birds reside.
  The villa has a venetian style. Probably it was a property of a venetian rich landlord who may have owned vast pieces of land around Kontokali in which olive trees have been cultivated(venetian Corfu had a feudal system - like most places in Europe in the Middle Ages and before the French Revolution.
  
  In my opinion, this house is one of the most beautiful and splendid residences still standing in the island. It reminds us that Corfu was a place which many people from different cultures have been living together, enjoying the beauty and the quality that Corfu offered.
  
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 27.06.2009
• 18:39

  Matisse live @ Spianada, Corfu 21/06/2009

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 13.06.2009
• 19:09

  Mirtiotissa beach, the official nudist beach of the island.

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Mirtiotissa is located on the western coast of the island and is the official beach for the nudists of Corfu. Being hailed as one of the most fine beaches all over the world, the place surely is less developed than nearby cosmopolitan Glyfada. One can only find a restaurant and the Mirtiotissa monastery, from which the beach was named. Waters are usually colder than Glyfada or Kontogialos, because of the currents and the rocks which surround the beach. Access to the beach is a little bit difficult; the road is narrow, winding and pebbly but you are awarded by one of the clearest and most secluded beaches Corfu can offer.
  
  
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 11.06.2009
• 20:14

  Agios Gordios (or Ai Gordis): Another "sunset" beach

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Panorama of Agios Gordios beach:
  
  On the way to the beach; the place has developed into a touristic little town:
  
  A pathway at the beach
  
  Ai Gordis hotel: the biggest establishment in the area
  
  Some random guys playing football at the beach:
  The characteristic little rocky island on the south side:
  
  
  AloBar: the well-known local beach bar.
  
  Having a coffee at AloBar!
  
  Sun has already started setting - time to get home!
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 25.05.2009
• 23:42

  An amazing video from Youtube: Vocapeople

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  An orchestra of human vocals: The Vocapeople! They are amazing, aren't they?
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 17.05.2009
• 18:14

  Flor-de-Lis - Todas As Ruas Do Amor: Eurovision 2009 performance

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Flor-de-Lis - Todas As Ruas Do Amor: Eurovision 2009 performance (Portugal finally achieved to win the No. 15 position) (16-05-2009)
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 08.05.2009
• 13:17

  Photos of Benitses - the so called "Riviera of Corfu"

   »  John's Corfu Blog
                                                       Benitses marina:
  
  A little tunnel on the road to Lefkimmi:
  View from Kaiser's bridge:
  
  Kaiser's bridge:
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 29.04.2009
• 19:03

  Corfu is like a postcard: Paleokastritsa, Bella Vista and Aggelokastro

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Corfu is really beautiful during springtime. Nature is blossomed and the weather is getting warmer and dryer so it is the perfect time for brief excursions. Last Sunday, me and my friends decided to visit some famous spots of the island on the northwest side: Paleokastritsa, Lakones and Aggelokastro. All these spots are neighbouring. The two former offer you breathtaking and exclusive views of west Corfu and Ionian Sea.
  
  Here is a sample of the photos I took last Sunday:
  
  St. George Pagon panorama:
  
  
  Rocks in the sea- petrified boats?
  
  
  Central Corfu and Lazareto island from Aggelokastro:
  
  
  A rather macabre image: A commemorative plague of a man who commited suicide back in 1993 and the gravity the view gives.
  
  
  Paleokastritsa from Aggelokastro.
  
  
  Paleokastritsa again.
  
  
  Entrance to Aggelokastro:
  
  
  View of Aggelokastro:
  
  
  The rather mountainous west coast of Corfu:
  
  
  A village and Corfu Town at the back - zoomed picture taken from Aggelokastro:
  
  
  Paleokastritsa from the balcony of Bella Vista in Lakones village:
  
  
  A more general view of Paleokastritsa from Bella Vista:
  
  
  Paleo's full of hotels and tourist oriented ventures:
  
  
  Isn't it lovely?
  
  
  A fisherman in one of Paleokastritsa's coves.
  
  
  
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 24.04.2009
• 15:32

  Forgotten Corfu: Kyprou Street commemorative post

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  As somebody walking down Kyprou street (Cyprus street)in Garitsa, may his/her eye catch a billingual old street sign post, just across the primary school.
  
  
  
  This post has a monumental shape and bear a plague on where somebody can read the following text, written in Greek and English:  
  "ΟΔΟΣ ΟΥΑΡΔ, ΚΑΤΑΣΚΕΥΑΣΘΕΙΣΑ ΥΠΟ ΤΩΝ ΕΝ ΤΩ ΣΩΦΡΟΝΙΣΤΗΡΙΩ ΔΕΣΜΙΩΝ ΕΝ ΕΤΕΙ ΑΩΝΔ"
  "WARD'S ROAD, MADE BY THE PRISONER'S OF THE PENITENTIARY IN THE YEAR 1854" 
  
  
  
  Unfortunately, this ancient post is vandalized by some mindless and spoilt "anarchic" youths who have drawn an anarchic symbol with a black paint on the monument's plague. But it is, indeed another remnant of the british occupation (1812-1864).
  
   
  
  By the time that post was erected, Garitsa was a suburb of Corfu Town (or "borgo" in the local idiom) which was considerably smaller than the present day settlement and was not merged with the capital, as it is today. I reckon that the British called the street "Ward's Road" from the english word "ward", which means "a division of a city, a borough". Garitsa, as a suburb, always was one of the various divisions of Corfu Town (like Mantouki, Anemomylos, Stratia, Koulines, Sarroco etc.). Also, as being the old peripheric road, it acted as a frontier between Garitsa and the other divisions of the old town.
  
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• Κέρκυρα, 19.04.2009
• 01:44

  Happy Easter!!

   »  John's Corfu Blog
  Happy Easter from "John's Corfu World"!
  
  Corfu Easter Fireworks 2009 at Esplanade, Corfu Town:
  
  
  
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