New Fortress of Corfu
Venetian fortress of the 16th century on the hill of Saint Mark, with a relief of the winged lion and a view from the Bastion of the Seven Winds.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The New Fortress dominates the hill of Saint Mark at the north-western tip of the town and is an example of late Renaissance fortification architecture. The Venetians built it in the 16th century, after the Corfiots had complained in Venice about the lack of fortifications outside the walls of the Old Fortress; work began around 1576 and was completed in 1645.
According to tradition, more than 10,000 workers were employed every day, and the Venetian architect Ferrante Vitelli was forced to demolish about 2,000 houses and churches to secure building materials. The fortress played an important role in the last Ottoman siege of 1716.
During the British Protectorate (1814–1864) several alterations were made. Previously the two fortresses were joined by walls that enclosed the entire town, but in the mid-19th century, before the union of the Ionian Islands with Greece in 1864, the British demolished large sections of the perimeter fortifications. The eastern gate is still adorned with the relief of the winged lion of Saint Mark, the emblem of Venice, dating from 1728, while from the Bastion of the Seven Winds the view over the town and the open sea is among the best.
Highlights
- Relief of the winged lion of Saint Mark on the eastern gate (1728)
- Bastion of the Seven Winds with panoramic views
- Late Renaissance fortification architecture
- Open only from 1 April to 31 October
- Operated by
- Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού – Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτων Κέρκυρας
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3 |
Free admission: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September, 28 October and the first and third Sunday of every month from 1 November to 31 March.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
An accessible area is available for visitors with disabilities.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Νέο Φρούριο
Bus lines 2A and 15, stop “Neo Frourio”.
The fortress is a 15-minute walk from Spianada Square, 20 minutes by car from the airport and 10 minutes from the port.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Toilets on site.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
