Fortezza Nuova

The New Fortress, known locally as Fortezza Nuova or Néo Froúrio, is a historic Venetian military installation located on the hill of Saint Mark in Corfu City, Greece. Construction of this impressive stone structure began in 1572 under the direction of military engineer Ferrante Vitelli, following the devastating Ottoman siege of 1537 which exposed the city's defensive vulnerabilities. Built primarily from hewn ashlar stone, the fortress was developed in stages over more than a century, with significant expansions like the Skarponas Rampart added as late as 1728. Its strategic design originally boasted up to 700 pieces of artillery, capable of projecting power as far as the Albanian coast to deter Turkish attacks.

Throughout its long history, the fortress has served as a critical defensive point for various ruling powers, including the Republic of Venice, France, the Septinsular Republic, and the United States of the Ionian Islands. It witnessed significant historical events such as the Siege of Corfu between 1798 and 1799 and the Corfu incident of 1923. During the British rule of the island from 1815 to 1864, many of the current buildings within the complex were constructed, altering the interior landscape while maintaining the outer Venetian fortifications. These layers of construction reflect the evolving military needs and architectural influences of each occupying force over nearly three hundred years.

Today, the New Fortress remains in good condition and is owned by the Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports. It is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore its extensive ramparts and historical grounds. While parts of the site preserve their original defensive character, including a stone building formerly used for defense, other sections have been repurposed for modern use. Notably, a brick building within the complex currently functions as the headquarters for the Naval Station of Corfu. This blend of active military utility and public accessibility makes the fortress a unique landmark that continues to bridge the island's rich past with its present-day operations.