Greece, Corfu

Corfu is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea. It lies off the coast of Albania, from which it is separated by straits varying in breadth from 3 to 23 km (2 to 15 mi), including one near Butrint and a longer one west of Thesprotia. The island is part of the Corfu Prefecture.

Its Greek name, Kerkyra, is connected to two powerful water symbols: Poseidon, god of the sea and Asopos, an important Greek mainland river.

The island's history is full of battles and conquests, indicative of Corfu's turbulent position in a historical vortex that lasted until modern times, when after the unification with modern Greece in 1864 the history of the island became one with the mainland's, with no more foreign intervention.

Geography and urban landscape

The name Corfu is an Italian corruption of the Byzantine ????f? (Korypho), meaning city of the peaks, which is derived from the Greek ????fa? (Koryphai), meaning Crests or Peaks, denoting the two peaks of the fortresses that enclose the city.

Archaeology and architecture

Corfu contains a few very important remains of antiquity. The site of the ancient city of Corcyra (Kerkyra) is well ascertained, about 1½ miles (2 km) to the south-east of Corfu, upon the narrow piece of ground between the sea-lake of Halikiopoulo and the Bay of Castrades, in each of which it had a port. The circular tomb of Menekrates, with its well-known inscription, is on the Bay of Castrades.

Corfu Culture

The Corfiots are cultured people, with a great heritage of music and arts. This is why there are a lot of choruses that sing on a regular base during different events. They are called "kantades" singers.

Tradition in Education

Apart from being a leading centre for the Fine Arts, Corfu is also the home of the first University of Greece, the Ionian Academy, that carried and strengthened the tradition of Greek Education while the rest of Greece was still fighting against the Turkish occupation.

Museums and Libraries

Kerkyra has always been a cultural centre of distinction. The museums and libraries are full of irreplaceable books and artifacts.

Transportation

The Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport, named after John Capodistria distinguished Corfiot European diplomat and first Governor of Greece, is located around 3 kilometres south of Kerkyra just half a kilometre north of Pontikonisi.