The Old Town is one of the most charming parts of the Corfiot capital and owes its peculiar architectural planning to the rules set by the Venetians for its defence. Built between the walls and the two Venetians Fortresses , the Old Town offers both resident and visitor the opportunity for romantic strolls in enchanting surroundings.
Here , in the picturesque maze of narrow streets "kantounia" , under the tall buildings and old churches , the present meets the past , and it seems that time stands still. The charming housing blends harmoniously with the impressive arcaded colonnades of the Liston and the majestic 19th century Palace of St. Michael and St. George , which border the largest and most beautiful square in Greece: The Esplanade.
The architectural richness of the Town continues in the picturesque streets of the busy commercial centre and also in more quite neightbourhoods where among old mansion-houses stand the present Town Hall (17th century)

the Ionian parliament (1852) and the old Government House (1840). Most important amongst the many churches (mainly from the 16th to 18th centuries) are the Metropolis Church (16th century) and the church of the Patron Saint of Corfu St. Spiridon (16th century) where , the holy relics of St. Theodora Augusta and the island's holy protector are kept.

The most important town monuments are the Maitland Rotonda (19th century) in the upper square of the Esplanade, the burial monument of Menecrates (circa 600 BC) in Garista and the Byzantine church of St. Jason and St. Sosipatros (circa 1000 AD) in Anemomylos as well as the ruins of the early Basilica of Paleopolis and the archaic temples in the Kanoni peninsula. The local local customs , the processions, theatrical and especially musical activities, the artistic festivals offer many opportunities for recreation both in and out of the town, and complete the enchanting atmosphere of the historical capital of Corfu.