# Old Fortress, Corfu

- **Country:** Greece
- **Coordinates:** 39.623000, 19.930000
- **Century Built:** Venetian period
- **Location Text:** Corfu (city)

The Old Fortress of Corfu is a prominent Venetian military installation located on a strategic promontory in Corfu City, Greece. Situated between the Gulf of Kerkyra to the north and Garitsa Bay to the south, the site originally housed Byzantine defenses before being extensively rebuilt by the Republic of Venice. Construction occurred in several major phases, beginning in the early 15th century and continuing through significant expansions between 1545 and 1555, with further additions in the 1720s. A defining architectural feature is the Contrafossa, a massive artificial moat or sea channel dug by Venetian engineers to separate the citadel from the mainland, effectively converting the fortress into an isolated island for enhanced security.

Historically, the fortress served as a critical bulwark for Western Europe against Ottoman expansion in the Mediterranean. It successfully withstood three major Ottoman sieges in 1537, 1571, and 1716, cementing its reputation as an impregnable stronghold. The name Corfu itself is derived from the Greek word Coryphe, referring to the fortress's twin peaks. Over the centuries, control of the site shifted among various powers including France, the Septinsular Republic, and the United Kingdom, before finally becoming part of modern Greece in 1864. The structure has witnessed dramatic events, including a catastrophic lightning strike in the 18th century that detonated the powder magazine.

Today, the Old Fortress remains a well-preserved historical monument owned by the Greek state and is fully open to the public. Visitors can explore the extensive grounds which still feature the original protective walls and the marina that has been in continuous use since the 16th century. As a key component of the city's defensive history, the site stands as a testament to Venetian military engineering and the turbulent geopolitical struggles that shaped the Ionian Islands.

![Photo of Old Fortress, Corfu](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/78/Old_Fortress_Contrafossa_and_Bridge.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Fortress,_Corfu (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)