The city of Kerkyra was under Venetian rule for more than four centuries. Venetian rule, as well as the later British rule, left a distinctive imprint on the architecture of the city.
An excellent landmark is the bright red dome of St Spiridon's Church, visible from almost everywhere. The church was built in 1589 and was consecrated in honour of the main patron saint of the city. In the church in a silver coffin rest the relics of the saint. В Church one can see a lot of silverware, utensils - these are offerings of pilgrims.
The centre of life in the city is the Spianada promenade. There are many shops and cafeterias. In the square stands a rotunda surrounded by columns, a monument to the first English Lord Protector. English Lord Protector of the island, Sir Thomas Maitland. Nearby is monument to the Venetian Marshal Schulenburg, who saved the city from the last Turkish siege of 1716.
Nearby is the Old Fortress (Paleo Frurio). The fortifications here were built since the 7th century, but the present fortress was built by the Venetians in the middle of the 16th century. in the middle of the 16th century. An explosion in the 18th century destroyed most of the fortifications. of the fortifications. From the top of the fortress there is a magnificent view of the city and the eastern coast of the island. coast of the island.
The cathedral was built in 1577, and in the 19th century the church was considerably enlarged. in the 19th century. The relics of St Empress Theodora are wound in a silver frame at the altar in the church's aisle of the same name.
The Palace of St Michael and St George was built by the British in the early 19th century. It now houses government offices and the Museum of Asian Art. Asian Art Museum, which is based on the personal collection of diplomat G. Manos. By the sea is located Archaeological Museum of the city, the exposition of which includes items from excavations in the temple. The Archaeological Museum of the city is located by the sea and contains objects from the excavations at the Temple of Artemis and at the Villa of Mon Repo. В The Byzantine Museum houses about a hundred ancient icons, including works by by artists of the Cretan school. In the Museum of Paper Money you can see a complete collection of Greek banknotes and learn about their printing techniques.
