Byzantine Collection of Kerkyra

About the museum

The Byzantine Collection is housed in the central gate of the Old Fortress and outlines the historical and artistic development of medieval Corfu. It includes mosaic floors from the early Christian basilica of Palaiopolis, detached wall paintings from the Byzantine church of St Nicholas Korakiana, and sculpted architectural elements from Palaiopolis and other Byzantine monuments on the island.

The Old Fortress is the most emblematic monument of Corfu. The first fortifications on the rocky peninsula date back to the middle Byzantine period, when the Byzantine town of Koryfos was organised there, from which the name Corfu derives. The most important fortifications were built by the Venetians after the 15th century, who also dug the moat and turned the peninsula into an artificial island. Inside, the British barracks, the Venetian prisons and the Church of St George, built in 1840 in Georgian style, stand out.

The ticket to the fortress includes a visit to the collection. The Historical Archive and the Public Library of Corfu also operate in the same building, while the barracks of the British officers house the Music Department of the Ionian University.

Highlights

• Mosaic floors from the early Christian basilica of Palaiopolis
• Detached wall paintings from the church of St Nicholas Korakiana
• Sculpted architectural elements from Palaiopolis and other Byzantine monuments
• The visit is included in the Old Fortress ticket

Permanent exhibition

• Μόνιμη έκθεση της Βυζαντινής Συλλογής – Mosaics, wall paintings and sculptures that tell the story and art of medieval Corfu.

Operated by

Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού – Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτων Κέρκυρας

Admission & discounts

Free admission: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September, 28 October and every first and third Sunday of the month from 1 November to 31 March.

The ticket price includes a visit to the Old Fortress.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• 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

Toilets for people with disabilities. Access to the fortress is via the bridge over the moat.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The Old Fortress is a 5-minute walk from Spianada Square, 10 minutes by car from the airport and 10 minutes from the port.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Refreshment kiosk and shop at the Old Fortress.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit