A fairy-tale labyrinth of Venetian tenements, squares with old wells and fountains decorated with marble reliefs, churches, narrow streets with laundry hanging out to dry. The Campielo, to the north-west of the Spianada, still retains a definite atmosphere of past times. It was to here that the centre of corfu town was removed when the Ancient Fortress was no longer large enough to accommodate it. The Campielo was the most densely-built suburb of the Xopoli (the Venetian town outside the walls) and consisted of a number of different neighbourhoods,
such as Antivouniotissa, Kremasti and Agios Nikolaos. It was here that the first Venetian tenements were built, to house as many people as possible in a limited area. You won't need a compass to explore the Campielo, just surrender to the charm of the town and the surprises each little corner holds in store. Don't expect to find many tourist shops and monuments, just enjoy the unspoiled atmosphere of a unique town, from an architectural point of view.
The most characteristic of the squares, Kremasti, is on two different levels. In the middle, next to the famous 17th century marble well-head, stand the tables of one of the town's loveliest restaurants, the Venetsianiko Pigadi. To get to the square, take Filarmonikis St. from Nikiforou Theotoki St. and then turn left on to Themistokleous St. and right on to Agias Theodoras St. At the end of Filarmonikis St., turning right on to Sof. Dousmani St., you will find yourself in front of the flower-filled grounds of the church of Agios Nikolaos ton Geronton. Enter the church and admire the superb carved screen, one of the oldest in the town. A flight of steps leads from the church to the lovely little Agias Elenis or Kyropoulas Square, with the palm tree in the centre and the lofty buildings all around.