There are several interesting museums in town and two major fortresses as well as numerous small squares and fountains. The town itself was built so that it could be defended. The buildings in the old city remain intact and wandering through the narrow streets is like a lesson in history and architecture. Even though some buildings were destroyed in the German bombings of the second world war, the town of Corfu contains a large number of buildings which have survived the centuries and is on the list of Europe's most historic cities.
You can rent a horse drawn carriage for a tour of the town or take the little train that rides through the old city. The old fortess is separated from the rest of the town by a moat and this area is one of the most quiet and beautiful spots in the city.

There are fishing boats, tree-shaded grass and a 60 foot metal bridge which now stands where the old draw-bridge used to be. The Turks beseiged the island in 1537 and 1571 and it is during this period that most of the fortifications were built by the Venetians. The fortess has been inhabited continuously for 1500 years and is one of the most historically important and beautiful places on the island with great views of the city. During the summer this is where the sound and light is performed.

The New fortress was built between 1576 and 1588 in an effort to protect more of the houses of the people of Corfu. The Venetian fortifications are considered a masterpiece of military architecture.
Of the four gates to the fortress only two survive, the Porto San Nicolo at the north end of the esplanade and the Porta Spillia, east of the fortress. Later the British and the French added fortifications Corfu island's patron saint is Spyridon and his mummified body lies in the church dedicated to him. Origianlly from Cyprus island, he was the bishop of that island who performed miracles, took part in the first Ecumenical council of Nicea in 325AD and died a martyrs death shortly thereafter. His remains were taken to the center of the Byzantine empire in Constantinople in the church of the Holy Apostles until 1453 when the city fell to the Turks and he was brought to Corfu along with the remains of Saint Theodocia.

They say that when the Turks attacked the island on August 11, 1716, Saint Spiridon appeared with a lighted torch and scared the invaders away. That day is now a commemorative day of the Saint as is December 12th, Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday when the saint saved the island from the plague and an epidemic. Most of the boys on the island are named Spiros. Corfu town is the transportation hub for the island and you can get anywhere by bus, taxi or by renting a car. There are many different catagories of hotels for those who want to stay in town to enjoy the pleasures of city-life and assortment of excellent restaurants and nightlife and venture to the beaches by day.