Easter in Corfu our Deluxe Package
Old Town of Corfu
Old Town of Corfu is is one of the most charming and romantic places of all in Greece and is also known for being a certified UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has this accolade because of the stunning Venetian architecture and Byzantine art and history. Walking around the streets you can see the Venetian influences and will be awed at the beautiful buildings everywhere. The town is built in the past between the two fortresses and this makes it wonderful to walk it.
Spianada Square
The Spianada square is one of the first thing you can see in the Old Town of Corfu island. It is the largest square in Greece and it is said to be the largest in the Balkans, covering an area of 42,000 sq.m. with a perimeter of about 950 meters.
It took its name from the Italian verb “spianare” (level) and very rightly so, since in 1576 the Venetians began the demolition of the houses in front of the Old Fortress, aiming at improving the defensive potential of the island. The French later on planted trees, creating the liveliest meeting point of modern life, combining it with the important events of the island.
The address is Viktoros Dousmani 70, Kerkira 491 00.
Liston Street
Liston is the name of a pedestrian street and district in the western edge of Spianada square. It was constructed during the French rule in the Ionian Islands (1807–1814) imitating the Rue de Rivoli.
It is one of the most popular sites in the city, with numerous coffee spots and restaurants. Liston is where Corfu citizens meet during their social outings since it was created. The famous Epitaph procession on Holy Friday, one of the traditional customs of Corfu Easter also takes place there. The cobbled Liston is also the main entrance to the narrow alleyways of Corfu’s Old Town, making it wonderful to walk.
Old Fortress
The Old Fortress of Corfu is one of the most impressive fortifications works in Europe. It stands on the eastern side of the town, on a rocky peninsula that gets into the sea.
Venetians separated the promontory from the rest of the city of Corfu by creating the Contrafossa as part of their defensive plans, a moat which is a sea channel connecting the Gulf of Corfu to the North with the Bay of Garitsa to the South, converting the citadel into an artificial island. This fortress is called Old in contrast to the New Fortress (of Saint Mark), that was also built to protect the town from enemies and pirates.
The opening hours are daily from 08:00a.m. – 08:00p.m.
The address is Corfu 491 00.
New Fortress
Corfu has another fortress, the New Fortress. It is a Venetian fortress built on the hill of St. Mark in Corfu in stages. The original architect of the fort was the military engineer Ferrante Vitelli.
The current buildings which exist within the fortress were built by the British during their rule of the island. You will find the entrance at the end of a small hill and there is a small Catholic church adjacent to the entrance.
The opening hours are daily from 08:30a.m. – 03:30p.m., Tuesday closed.
The address is El. Venizelou 13, Kerkira 491 00.
The Palace of St. Michael & St. George - Asian Art Museum
The Palace of St. Michael & St. George is the largest and the most significant building of the Ionian State period, which started in 1815 and ended in 1864 when the Ionian Islands were unified with the rest of Greece.
It was built at the request of the then British Lord High Commissioner, Sir Thomas Maitland, to become his own luxurious residence and to house the High Commissioner’s administrative headquarters, which was until then located in the Old Fortress. Today it houses the Museum of Asian Art and the Municipal Art Gallery.
The opening hours are daily from 08:30a.m. – 03:30p.m., Tuesday closed.
The address is Palea Anaktora, Kerkira 491 00.
Church of Saint Spyridon
It is worth visiting the Saint Spyridon church while you are in Corfu. It is a Greek Orthodox church located in Corfu, Greece with a single-nave basilica and a bell tower which is the highest in the Ionian Islands. It is the most famous church in Corfu, built in the 1580s and houses the relics of Saint Spyridon.
The opening hours are daily from o7:00a.m. – 08:00p.m.
The address is Saint Spyridon 32, Corfu 49100.
Epitaphs
On Holy Friday before noon the churches are filled with believers for the ceremony of the procession of the dead Jesus in a white sheet, in a moving atmosphere and with a funeral bell.
All the churches of the city organize the procession of their Epitaphs, in a specific order and with the participation of music bands, choirs, schools, scouts and others. The Epitaph of the Pantocrator comes out first at o2:00p.m., to be followed by all the others until 10:00p.m., when the Epitaph of the Holy Metropolitan Church, always majestic, takes place.
Philharmonic Bands of Corfu
There are 17 Corfiot philharmonic bands in town and the most famous are the following: The Philharmonic Company of Corfu (or else called “Palaia”, the old one), Mantzaros (the Blue one) and Kapodistrias, (the Red one).
All of the 17 bands around the island play an important role in Corfu’s everyday life and have a huge impact on local music tradition and culture. During the Holy Week, the bands participate in the religious events, give concerts and create an eerie atmosphere with their unique sounds, including adaptations of the classical works.
The Great Earthquake
On Holy Saturday morning, Corfu always wakes up with a “Great Earthquake”. In the Church “Lady Mary of Foreigners”, the custom of the artificial earthquake caused by noise, shaking of all the icons and candlesticks is revived.
The custom takes place after the end of the “Apostle” and is a representation of the earthquake described in the Holy Gospel, as a consequence of the Lord’s Resurrection.
The address is Pl.Iroon Kipriakou Agona, Kerkira 49100.
The Epitaph of Agios Spyridon
The procession of the Epitaph of Agios Spyridon is at 09:00a.m. It is the only epitaph that takes place on Saturday. The custom has been maintained since 1574 when the Venetians, for security reasons, forbade the Orthodox to circumambulate the Epitaphs on Good Friday and only allowed the litany of the Saint on Holy Saturday.
It is the oldest litany and the most imposing of all the litanies, which was established in memory of the miracle of the Saint who saved the Corfiots from famine. The procession moves rhythmically to the mournful sounds of the city’s three Philharmonics.
The “Botides” Custom
After the end of the Saint Spyridon Litany, the “First Resurrection” is celebrated exactly at 11:00a.m. and that is the moment when the custom of “Botides” is revived. The custom has been around since the Venetian period on the island.
The bells ring joyfully and from the windows of the houses fall hundreds of “Boots”, clay jugs, filled with water, with a narrow mouth and two handles on the side for carrying them, tied with red ribbons. This custom is a combination of Venetian and Orthodox traditions, while there are many versions of how it started. The people of Corfu say that by breaking the “boots” the “pollutions”, the evil and malicious spirits that tempted people the previous year, are expelled.
Achilleio Palace
The Achilleio palace was built in Corfu for the Empress Elisabeth of Austria, also known as Sisi, after a suggestion by the Austrian consul Alexander von Warsberg. Elisabeth was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of her only son, Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria, and a year after his loss she had this summer palace built as a refuge.
While you are visiting the palace you will see the Huge Statue of Achilles in the Garden of the palace. The palace is a treasure of cultural elements with Ancient Greek inspired masterpieces which decorate the place, so a visit while you are here at Easter time is a must!
The address is Achilleio 490 84.
Official Resurrection
On the evening of Holy Saturday, the Resurrection is celebrated at Spianada Square. The procession comes from the neighbouring church of Agia Paraskevi with the participation of the Bishops of both the Orthodox and the Catholic Churches, Clergy, local authorities, the Philharmonics and thousands of people.
The fireworks create a marvellous sight. Once the Resurrection ceremony is complete, the bands roam the streets of the town playing cheerful marches and people follow singing and saying “Christos Anesti” (Jesus has risen).
Olive Oil Experience - The Governor's Olive Mill
In this tour you will have the chance to admire the untouched olive area and meet the resident olive expert in the groves. You will hear the story of the oldest olive variety in the world. Experience being an islander yourself.
When you arrive at the mill, enjoy the “taste like a pro” program to learn how the production is made, combining tradition with the latest technology. Later on, learn how to taste and recognize high-quality olive oil just as the professionals do. During the program, enjoy some olive delicacies with a local wine. At the end of the tour you will be awarded a certificate of participation.
The opening hours of Governor’s Olive Mill are Monday – Saturday from 9:00a.m. – 09:30p.m. and Sunday from 09:00a.m. – 05:00p.m.
The address of Governor’s Olive Mill is Agios Mattheos, Corfu 490 84.
Corfu Winery Tour with Wine Tasting at the Theotoky Estate
If you are a fan of organic wine and wine-tasting, this tour is for you! Visit this boutique vineyard and taste their delicious wines. You will visit a lovely estate in the Corfiot countryside and get to know the process of the wine and olive oil making from the collection of the grapes and olives, until the final product.
Then a tour of the winery facilities and cellar will take place with a detailed description of the wine and olive oil production. The tour concludes with a tasting of the Estate’s wines.
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, with tour guide. There is transportation with additional cost.
The opening hours of Theotokis Estate are Monday – Saturday from 10:30a.m. – 05:00p.m., Sundays are closed.
Theotokis Estate’s address is Koilada Ropa, Giannades, Corfu, 491 00.
Village of Afionas
The village of Afionas is one of the most beautiful villages in Corfu and a popular place to visit thanks to its dramatic location on the top of a hilly coastal headland with incredible views on either side. Near the village, one of the most beautiful beaches, Porto Timoni, is located. In fact, it consists of two different but equally beautiful beaches that are separated by a strip of land, resulting in a unique formation that resembles a tombolo beach.
The village of Afionas is located in Ag. Georgios, Corfu, 490 81.
Village of Benitses
Not so far from the main town of Corfu, there is a nice, small fishing village, the village of Benitses. It is a charming combination of mountains and sea, just 15 minutes away from the town of Corfu. Benitses boasts a wonderful yacht harbour (Marina), a sandy beach, hotels nearby and restaurants, ready to satisfy even the most demanding guest.
Taste traditional Easter Recipes
Once the Resurrection ceremony is complete, families gather and a grand feast takes place, after days of abstinence and fast. Do not miss the chance to taste the traditional local plate of “Tsilichourda”, a texture of a very thick soup, with pieces from the liver of the Easter lamb, fresh vegetables, herbs and spices, the famous red eggs, and “Fogatsa”, the Venetian sweet bread or “Colombine”, a type of Christ bread.
