Day 7 - Monday - 30 November 2015 - Corfu Greece

Upon an 8:30 am arrival we have a panoramic bus tour of the east side of Corfu, the second largest of Greece's Ionian Islands.   A stop in Kanoni provides a view  of the runway of the airport (of which they are very proud), Pontikonisi Island (also known as Mouse Island because of its shape), and the Vlacherna Monastery.  On the way back down to sea level, we pass by a Roman archaeological site and Mon Repos Villa -- the birthplace in 1921 of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.  

Phil at Kanoni -- see Mouse Island and Pontikonisi Island.

 After the bus tour -- we begin a walking tour of the old town with Irene, our local guide who points out several buildings in the area including the Old Fortress and  the Palace of St. George and St. Michael built in 1817.  She tells us about the popularity of Cricket on this island -- it was introduced by the British in the 19th Century -- and she points out St. Spyridon Church in the middle of old town.    After the tour we take advantage of the complimentary beverage (and free bathrooms) offered by a café along the promenade.

Patte, Dave and Pat -- taking a cafe break in Corfu.

 Phil, Patte, Dave and I go back to  Saint Spyridon Church -- built in 1580. The church's namesake was a Cyprus Bishop who lived from AD 270-348.  He married, had one daughter, -- his wife died -- he entered  a monastery -- his daughter entered  a convent.   When the Arabs overtook Cyprus in the 7th Century his body was disinterred and taken to Constantinople.  At the time it was noted that St. Spyridon's body was incorrupt meaning there was little,  if any, decomposition.  When, in 1453, Constantinople fell to the Turks his relics were brought  to Corfu by a wealthy Greek monk.  Today -- his remains are in a  silver sarcophagus at the church.  Every Palm Sunday the sarcophagus is taken in a procession for veneration by the faithful.  This guy traveled more after he died than when he was alive.  BTW -- the relic of his right hand is now in Rome -- not sure why.

There is such dedication to this saint that a great number of men on Corfu are named Spyridon -- seems to me that would be confusing but they seem to have figured it out.

Tower of St. Spyridon Church - Corfu

Next for Phil, Patte and I is a visit to the Old Fortress -- we're able to get a senior discount -- 2 Euros each.  

Old Fortress - Corfu

Pat and Phil at entrance to Old Fortress!

Moat of Old Fortress -- see Albania in the distance!

The original design of the Old Fortress  is Byzantine dating to the 6th Century.  Many changes occurred  through the years -- but it was when the Venetians were in charge (1385-1797) that the bastion system of fortification came to the Old Fortress.  When cannons (rather than arrows) became popular in warfare, this system provided better passive resistance and allowed for defensive fire in all directions.      When the British gained control of Corfu (1814 to 1864) several military buildings were added to the Old Fortress.   We pass one of these buildings which has  music coming from it and young students milling about carrying instruments -- we make the assumption that it is a music school. 

 A visit to the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George (tapestry of him slaying the dragon is inside). A walk around the grounds inside this very large ancient place is a nice way to spend time on a beautiful day.  From this promontory point one can see in all directions.   We have a very clear  view of Saranda, Albania - a popular resort town across the Ionian Sea..

Patte decides to stay in town -- I take the shuttle to the ship (Phil left when we approached St. George's -- he didn't need to see "ABC" -- another beautiful church).   

This island is different from the other Greek Islands we have visited -- it has been heavily influenced by past rulers particularly the Venetians and the British.   It is truly a lovely spot.

Thanks for Reading.

Pat