Spianada
Municipality of Central Corfu and Diapontia Islands
square in Corfu, Greece
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Spianada
Welcome to the Spianada, the grandest and largest square in all of Greece, and indeed one of the largest in the Balkans. As you stand here, you are at the literal and metaphorical crossroads of Corfu's identity. …
Listen in the app2The Liston — Parisian Elegance in the Ionian
We begin at the Liston, the most iconic structure bordering the Spianada. Built during the French occupation of the island (1807–1814) by the engineer Mathieu de Lesseps, the Liston was modeled after the Rue de Rivoli in Paris. …
Listen in the app3The Cricket Pitch — A British Legacy
Look toward the large green area in the center of the square. This is perhaps the most surprising feature of a Greek city: a cricket pitch. …
Listen in the app4The Maitland Rotunda — Neoclassical Memorial
At the southern end of the Spianada, we find the Maitland Rotunda, also known as the Peristyle of Maitland. This circular, neoclassical monument was built in 1821 to honor Sir Thomas Maitland, the first British Lord High…
Listen in the app5The Palace of St. Michael and St. George
At the northern edge of the Spianada stands the imposing Palace of St. Michael and St. …
Listen in the app6The Statue of Ioannis Kapodistrias
Moving toward the center-south of the square, we encounter the statue of Ioannis Kapodistrias. This monument honors Corfu’s most famous son, the first Governor of independent Greece and a former Foreign Minister of the Russian…
Listen in the app7The Pentofanaro and the Social Pulse
Finally, we come to the 'Pentofanaro'—the Five-Lantern post. This central lamppost is the traditional meeting point for locals in the Spianada. …
Listen in the app8Spianada
Our tour of the Spianada concludes here, but the square’s story continues with every step taken on its paths. We have walked through five centuries of history, seeing how Venetian defense, French elegance, British sport, and…
Listen in the app
What is Spianada?
Spianada is a place in Municipality of Central Corfu and Diapontia Islands with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Municipality of Central Corfu and Diapontia Islands |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 39.6230, 19.9250 |
| Last updated |