www.facebook.com/johncorfuworld

5 years John's Corfu world and...a goodbye...!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 16:44:00 +0000

Exactly five years ago, on November the 5th, 2007, I decided to create a blog about my beloved island, Corfu. Back then blogging was more popular than it is today. Now that social networking services are on the rise, there is the possibility to share things there without having to be directed to another site. For that reason, I decided to stop writting in this blog and update my facebook page more often. The fan page will be upgraded with more photos, links and stories. You don't need to have a facebook account in order to view the page. All you have to do is to visit and check regularly the following url: https://www.facebook.com/johncorfuworld.

I would like to thank all of my followers for keeping up with this blog for half a decade. Your love and interest gave me the strength to continue blogging. Let's see some statistics now:

FIVE YEARS OLD OF EXISTENCE IN NUMBERS
- 435 posts
- 1.404 fans in Facebook
- 42 followers
- 58.988 visits from 157 countries
- 113.061 individual visitors

A BIG THANK YOU AND SEE YOU ON FACEBOOK!

Panayia Neradziha and the ancient wall

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Panayia Neradziha is an important monument which clearly reveals its two construction periods: Classical and Byzantine.

The lower part is the only surviving and visible section of the wall of the ancient city of Kerkyra and its construction is dated to the Classical period (5th century AD). It is a fortification tower, probably connected to the nearby Hyllaian narbour, which is now the airport lagoon and with the north gate in the fortifying wall.

In the Byzantine period, the tower was converted into a small aisleless basilica with a three-sided sanctuary apse and elaborate ornamental brickwork on the exterior. The latter is a typical feature of the Byzantine architecture of the 11th and 12th centuries, when the church was founded. From this period survives almost the entire north side, with two blind arches and an arched opening. In the post-Byzantine period (after 1453), the church was repaired and a narthex was added to the south side. According to the written sources, the church was in a ruinous state in 1753-4. The monument took on its present form when the belfry, the apse and the west wall collapsed cerca 1900.

The church must have been dedicated to the Virgin Mary (Theotokos Odigitria), the patron of Constantinople, for special prayers are still said every year on 23 August, her feast day, in front of the iconostasis. It probably acquired the epithet "Neradziha", which is still used today, from the surrounding district.

The doric temple of Artemis

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 20:01:00 +0000

The sanctuary of Artemis was a significant place of worship of the ancient city of Corfu. This doric temple had 8 columns in the short and 17 in the long sides, while its interior was divided into a pronaos, cella and opisthodromos.

Its western pediment is on display at the local archeological museum with Gorgo as its central figure. It dates back to the early 6th century (580 BC) and constitutes the earliest stone pediment with relief decoration in greek art.

Ruins of the temple's foundation still survive as do as the altar and and part of the slate-paved road that connected the altar with the temple of Artemis.

Alongside with the temple's northern face, part of an analemma still remains, in front of which a crepidoma was discovered - possibly supporting the lateral columns.

The Monastery of St. Theodore the Recruit and St. George Triumphant

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 16:51:00 +0000

The Monastery of St. Theodore the Recruit and St. George Triumphant is the oldest (as regards the katholikon-main church) most important and most characteristic example of monastery architecture in Corfu. It combines an early christian basilica of the 5th century AD, the katholikon with the post-byzantine monastery architecture of 17th century which is typical of Corfu and the Ionian islands in general.

Αn early 19th century german map of Agioi Theodoroi area

The katholikon was probably built in the 5th century as a three-aisled basilica with a narthex almost entirely out of materials from the nearby ancient greek temple of Artemis Gorgo. Access between the nave and the aisles (only the south aisle survives now) was through colonnades of piers, which are visible today inside the church and on the north facade. The large sermicircular sanctuary apse survives intact, as does the triple opening with relief crosses on the impost blocks of its colonnettes.

It was probably in the Middle Byzantine period that the north aisle was lost, the colonnade was sealed up and the church was left with one only aisle and the nave. The present monastery complex was built in at least two phases between the 16th and the 18th century and it owned a considerable amount of property. The republican French, who succeeded the Venetians and occupied Corfu in 1797, seized the estate, closed the monastery down and installed a military garrison on the premises. In 1816 Sr. Thomas Maitland, British High Comissioner of the Ionian islands, repaired the monastery and restored it to its use as it is recorded by the relief inscription over the north entrance to the church.

During the Second World War the monastery was bombarded by the germans but it was restored by the nannies who lived there.

A walk through Paleopolis neighbourhoods

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 19:35:00 +0000

Today we will walk through some suburban neighbourhoods of Corfu town built on Paleopolis, the ancient greek town. These neighbourhoods are the following: Desilla, Ayioi Thodoroi and Stratia.

Our walk begins from the neighbourhood right next to now derelict Desillas factory (see the green point in the map below).

The area's houses are old and small. Most of them belonged to the Desillas factory workers next door. The factory manufactured cords which covered not only the greek market, but it exported its goods to Italy and beyond. It closed its doors in the early 1980s.

Few metres away, a house bearing some statues made of plaster reminds us that we are approaching the area which in the antiquity was the heart of the old Corfu town.

On Dessila street, there are some other interesting old buildings, some of them recently renovated, others left to their fate.

As we walking down Desilla street, the Garitsa proper ends and we are heading towards the greener and more suburban Kanoni peninsula. We turn right and follow the road leading to the old Ag. Theodoroi monastery and to the byzantine Nerantzicha temple.

You can get some good views of the old fortress while walking down Ag. Theodoroi street which feels like being in the countryside rather than a place few hundred metres away from busy town.

The remnants of an industrial building (?) seem out of place in this peaceful area.

Turning left towards the Mon Repos estate, there is Stratia, a neighbourhood built a couple of centuries ago in order to accomondate some venetian soldiers and their families.

In the middle of Agioi Theodoroi street, there is the homonymous monastery, established in the 5th century although the current church and its adjacent buildings were built during the 16th-18th centuries.

There is a hill across the monastery. Its top is dominated by a couple of antennas which belong to the Civil Aviation Authority (the airport facilities are located pretty close to the neighbourhood).

Next to the monastery there is the ancient greek temple of Artemida.

Finally at the end of Ag. Theodoroi street, on the top of a hillock there are the remnants of the byzantine church of Nerantzicha, built on the ancient greek defensive wall of Paleopoli.

Few hundred yards away, there is the southern entrance to the central cemetery of Corfu. At this point our walk has come to an end. In the following days there will be a couple of posts dedicated to the monastery, the Artemida temple and to Nerantzicha church.

Corfu: A Tale Of Two Islands

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 17:02:00 +0000

An ITV documentary following the lives of expats and tourists enjoying the attractions of the Greek island.

Episode: 1/8

Tucked away in this jolly film about the lives of expats on Corfu is an extraordinary snippet. It is, according to Mary (a Shirley Valentine who arrived in 1980 as a holiday rep and married taverna owner Nico) cheaper to order certain food online from a UK supermarket and pay someone to deliver it than buy it locally. Such is the state of the Greek economy, even olive oil is cheaper. The rest of the documentary focuses on the work of wedding planner Sally, another rep who stayed, although she didn’t marry because of her fiance’s fiercely traditional attitude to women.

Episode: 2/8

Marcus sells and develops multimillion pound, beachfront properties. He’s profiting from Corfu’s shift in industry from the agriculture that dominated the economy up until the 60’s, to tourism today. But as the island grows more popular it is becoming increasingly difficult to track down the picture-perfect plot.
Marcus’s most recent client is Oxfordshire housewife Susie who, along with husband Mark, has scoured Corfu for the perfect retreat from the stresses of life in the UK.
Further inland in the shadow of the “The Almighty”, Mount Pantokrator, lies a village where one couple are trying to reinvigorate the old ways. Mark Hendriksen and his Dutch wife Saskia Bosch fell in love with the abandoned village of Old Perithia while on holiday. The pair have now started an ambitious project to breathe life back into the idyll, and the first step is to get theirBoutique B&B up and running.

Episode 3/8:

This episode focuses on Bernard and Heather, who are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary during their annual holiday. Also featured are Tim and Victoria, who love Corfu so much they built their own house there, and a couple of pop stars looking to make it big.

Episode 4/8:

The series meets 17-year-old Abi who is finding it hard to get work over the summer season and an ex-antique dealer from Kensington attempting to live the artistic dream in Corfu. The show also meets Scarlett who came to Corfu on holiday and never went back home.

Episode 5/8:

A hotel manager feels the impact of the economic downturn and a group of tourists takes a trip to Kavos in memory of a deceased friend. Plus, the story of a boat-mad Brit who lives life in the fast lane.

Episode 6/8:

A barrister considering a permanent move to Corfu, a man enjoying life in its agricultural heartland and a club promoter who has spent the past five years working in the lively resort of Kavos.

Episode 7/8:

Landscape architects Alithea and Marcus, and entrepreneur Trevor, who is launching his new venture in Kavos. Lucy, who only intended to complete one season in Corfu as a holiday rep but fell in love with a local, decided to stay.

Episode 8/8:

In the final episode, Lisa and Marc explain why they have spent their last 17 holidays at the same resort. Plus, Tanya talks about her success in the Kavos tattoo trade since relocating from Kent, and Mary reveals why her children are having to move abroad.

"Here lived Don Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra 1571-1572"

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 12:10:00 +0000

At last! The plaque which commemorates the fact that the greatest spanish writer spent a year in Corfu is up!

Few people, including the locals, are aware of the fact that most probably Cervantes lived for a year in the Annunziata monastery recovering from his cut arm after the battle of Lepanto. Some people say that in fact the famous spanish writer spent a year in the St. Giustina monastery in Garitsa, where now stands the Blondell house.

Whatever is the truth, the good thing is that the Annunziata monument will gain popularity, especially among the spanish tourists from the cruise ships. And who knows, maybe the spanish goverment will decide to help renovate it.

The Kolokotroni street detached houses

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 22:24:00 +0000

Walking down Kolokotroni street from the prison towards the center of the town there is a row of some detached houses dating from early to mid 20th century. They are surrouded by small gardens and they look suburban despite being located less than 10 minutes walk from the busy Sarroko square.

]

At the point where Kolokotroni street meets busier Methodiou and Donatou Dimoulitsa streets, there is an old building probably dating from 19th century. In the first floor there is a traditional mini-market owned by an ederly woman while the second floor is for residential use.

I would really love to live in that neighbourhood because it is so close and far away at the same time from bustle and hustle of Corfu town.

Τhe old hospital building

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:50:00 +0000

Right across the prison complex there is an old three-storey building which is home to the 3rd and 4th Corfu high schools. Almost all sides of the edifice and its backyard are encircled by tall wall which probably has to do with the fact that the schools are located a breath away from the maximum security prisons. But why they choose to build a school up there?

The reason is that the building originally was home to the old hospital until 1966 when it moved to the St. Irene hospital on the slope of the Avrami hill (now vacant as it was moved again to the brand new Kontakali building). Then, the authorities choosed to house two high schools in the existing building most probably in order to cut costs.

The building across the prison was built in 1820s, when Corfu was still under the british rule in order to house the prison administration and sanitary department. By that time there was need for a bigger hospital building, so in 1851 the institution moved from the small edifice in Mantouki to that which was bigger and more efficient.

Now functioning as home for two educational institutions, some parents complain about the school's location close to a penitential institution demanding its relocation.

The shiny brand new law courts building

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 22:05:00 +0000

At last! After many years of under construction status, the new law courts building has opened its doors. Now the judges and the lawyers have a better place to work, an important upgrade to the old smaller building at Spilia square.

The building is huge. Because it was built on the top of a hill, its bulk can be easily noticed when approaching the town by Lefkimis national road. There are two entrances: the first one and the least impressive can be found across the prison complex, while the second one, the most imposing is in Kolokotroni street downhill where can be found some parking spaces.

In the lobby area, a scale model gives us an idea of how impressive and modern the buiding is looking.

Corfu then and now 12: The Old Fortress peninsula 1500 years ago

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 13:18:00 +0000

The peninsula on which the Old Fortress has been built was uninhabited until 550 A.D. when occured the sack of Palaiopolis by the Goths of Totila. As a consequence, the city was gradually transferred to the naturally fortified and more secure nearby rock of the two peaks, the modern-day Old Fortress. This small rocky peninsula which extends eastwards into the sea would henceforth comprise the middle byzantine city called Koryphó. Much later, in the 16th century, the venetians constructed an artificial defensive canal, the so called "Contrafossa" which separated the peninsula from the island.

Below you can see an imaginative depiction of the peninsula made by Theofilos Tzikas before the byzantine Koryphó been built and a modern photo of how it looks like today from the same angle.

Corfu then and now 11: The Spilia square

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 17:55:00 +0000

Most of you have probably passed by the two pretty large squares in the old port area, where the new city marina is under construction. Well, before the 2nd WW bombings by the germans, the area was a major commercial centre bustling with activity. Many buildings and residences had been scattered around on what later became known as Spilia square. Among them, the famous "Markas" building, the town's old market building.

In the early 1800s engraving below you can see the Markas area looking towards east. In the centre of the engraving stands out the Markas building, which original façade and cupola looked lush. On the right, the old cereal storage building complex which survive up to our days and is home to the Agricultural bank. On the other side there were some residences which no longer exist.

Which of the two images you prefer? It's a pity that the Markas building no longer exists, it would have been great to have it too standing in the middle of the square serving as the main town's farmer's market.

The area in which Spilia square is located today in the early 1800s.

The same view today...

"Carmina Burana" in the OId Fortress

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 18:21:00 +0000

Yesterday there was a great concert inside the Old Fortress. The Greek State S.O. in collaboration with the local municipal choir "San Giacomo" presented Carl Orff's masterpiece "Carmina Burana". Although I did not attend the concert, it should have been an amazing event. More than three thousand people attended, filling in the esplanade in front of Saint George neoclassical church.
There are two videos of "O Fortuna" (the most famous part from "Carmina Burana") below. As you can see, the atmosphere was amazing. It was a really unique event for our island.

Corfu then and now 10: Μantouki as seen from Kefalomantouko hill in 19th, 20th and 21st century

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 13:25:00 +0000

Mantouki is a suburb of Corfu Town which since the late 19th century was home to several factories. Most of its residents came from Epirus. It was practically a small fishing village, an aspect which still can be noted in the area's architecture today.

In the three images below we can see how Mantouki changed throughout the centuries. From a quiet fishing village back in early 19th century to the industrial suburb of the early 20th century and to the busy port of nowadays. Note that the seaside throughfare (Ethnikis Antistaseos) did not exist until the early 1960s when the new port was constructed and the shore was extended in order to make room for it.

Mantouki in 1837

Mantouki in early 20th century

Mantouki today

An almost full moon as seen from Pyrgi

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 19:54:00 +0000

I'm posting three pics I took yesterday from a grill house in Pyrgi. The almost full moon was enchanting as well as the views over Ipsos. Tomorrow will be the second August full moon, the so called "blue moon" which occures every two or three years. Are you going to take some photos of it?

Vivaldi's "Juditha Triumphans" oratorio by the Philharmonic Society of Corfu

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 17:02:00 +0000

On August 11th, Corfu celebrates the abandon of the turkish siege of 1716 which was very crucial for the european history. On that day a tremendous thunderstorm forced the turks to break the siege and leave the island. The locals believe that it was St. Spyridon that saved the island from the muslims.
The doge, in order to commemorate the victory, commisioned the famous venetian baroque composer Antonio Vivaldi to compose a musical piece dedicated to this important event. He eventually composed "Juditha Triumpans", a war oratorio. The plot takes place in ancient Israel where Judith, a young Jewish widow, behead Assirian general Holofernes saving the country from the assyrian king Nebuchadrezzar. Judith's victory is an allegory of Venice defeating the invading turks in Corfu.
This year, Philharmonic Society of Corfu symphonic wind band performed the famous "Arma, caedes, vindictae, furores" part from the oratorio. On the solo trumpets: Andreas Riggas and Aggelos Protopsaltis.

The old 12th primary school of Corfu building

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 17:08:00 +0000

Across the road where the 1st and 5th high school buildings are, another old building can be found. The two storey building used to house the 12th primary school until 2005 when the school moved nearby in Marasli street. The upper floor is home to few catholic nanies but the ground floor is home to the Caritas organization of the Catholic church and to the Union of Northern Epirots of Corfu.

That was the school were I learned how to write and spend my first six years of my life as a pupil. I consider myself lucky to spend a part of my childhood there because the enviroment was friendly and there was a large lawn with palm trees and other trees in which we were playing during the break.

Hopefully, that old beautiful building still stands thanks to the christian catholic community of the island which takes care of it.

A lecture about the 1716 siege of Corfu (in greek)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 13:46:00 +0000

Professor George Zoumpos gave recently a lecture at the palace's gardens about the great siege of Corfu which took place in 1716. This important battle is commemorated every August the 11th with the litany of St. Spyridon who, according to the local religious beliefs, saved the island from the ottoman turks.
During this one hour-long lecture, mr. Zoumpos is giving us a detailed discussion about the siege after many years of personal research.

A special concert featuring only percussion instruments

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 15:43:00 +0000

Last Monday in the front of Town Hall there was a special concert given by Philharmonic Society of Corfu's percussionists. They performed a wide range of pieces, some of them directed by the dutch percussionist and music teacher Ruud Mourik.
Below there are two videos from Monday's concert. In the first one, a group of percussionists who back in 1994 performed the first rhythmic solo for percussion while giving a marching show at the Esplanade. The second one is the well-known "Sabel dance" by Khacharturian performed by xylophones, metallophones and other percussion instruments.

Τhe 1st and 5th Corfu High school

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 17:24:00 +0000

Near the tennis court area, on Rizospaston Voylefton street, there are two neoclassical buildings which are home to two high schools, the 1st and the 2nd one. Until the Second World War those buildings were home to the Italian School which was founded by the italian state in late 19th century. Apparently, the italians constructed the buildings in a neoclassical style which was dominant that time.

There are two courtyards. The front one is the smallest while the rear one is far more spacious where the students can play basketball.

There are some palm trees in the rear courtyard which look beautiful even if trees of that kind are not famous for their shade.

Zisimos' traditional cafeteria is closing its doors soon...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 17:01:00 +0000

I have some bad news... Today I read that one of the most famous and historic cafeterias of the island, "Ta Olympia" (colloquially known as "Zisimos") soon will belong to the past and there will be a fast-food restaurant in its place.

The cafeteria opened in 1928 suceeding St. George's hotel restaurant-bar. Soon it became very popular among corfiots and visitors alike to the point that the word "Zisimos" became synonymous to Liston. During the late 1930s the young Rena Vlachopoulou made some appearences in the establishment singing jazz and other popular songs.

The interior is magnificent. It preserves the original belle epoque decoration of St. Georges hotel bar which makes it special. The cafeteria not only famous for its coffee but for its pastries. Below there are few photographs taken from "Zisimos Ta Olympia" facebook account .

I really hope that the magnificent interiors will be respected and preserved. Unfortunately, after the closure of "Lykoudis" bookshop and "Occassion" shop, Corfu is loosing another piece of its identity.

The Philharmonic Society of Corfu & Philharmonic Society "Mantzaros" junior band concerts at "Plakada Tou Agiou" square

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 11:05:00 +0000

Last Friday 20th of July and yesterday, 23rd of July the junior bands of the Philharmonic Society of Corfu and the Philharmonic Society "Mantzaros" respectively gave two marvellous concerts at the Plakada tou Agiou square demonstrating to corfiots and tourists alike the high quality of music education in Corfu.
The young musicians performed a wide selection of music with passion and dedication and were warmly being applauded by the public each time a musical piece ended.
I would like to congratulate them for those great concerts, the future belongs to them! Corfuweb1 was there and uploaded five videos from the concerts. Hope you will like them.

"Indiana Jones Raiders March" by the Philharmonic Society of Corfu junior band

Ruud Mourik's "City Hopper Marsch" by the Philharmonic Society of Corfu junior band

"Cine...Manos" by the Philharmonic Society of Corfu junior band

"The Mantzaros theme" by the Philharmonic Society "Mantzaros" junior band

"Come back to Sorrento" by the Philharmonic Society "Mantzaros" junior band

An adaption of Monty Pythons' "Bright Side of Life" shot in Corfu

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 15:16:00 +0000

The song is the greek version of Monty Pythons "Bright Side of Life" by the band "Makrina Xadelfia". The video represents the song's lyrics in the greek sign language. It is a really good idea to shot a video of such a happy song in the sign language around Corfu Town. We would like to thank them for this iniciative. Enjoy!

Vidos northern beach...a secluded paradise across the town

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 18:35:00 +0000

For the next two weeks I'm going to post things about Vidos, the small island just across the busy port of Corfu Town. The island has no permanent residents. During summer, it is full of tourists and locals who cherish its calmness.

There are few beaches around the island. For me, the most beautiful is the north one which faces the Pantokrator mountain range while most of the little ones face the port. It is an organized beach with cabins, WC and tables. There is no beach bar or any other sign of civilization.

It is unbelievable how close but at the same time far away from the hustle and the bustle of the town is this beach. I recommend a visit to such a beautiful little island full of pines and secluded little beaches with crystaline blue waters. Check the photos below, click to enlarge them.

Another music videoclip shot in Corfu: 2Carat feat. BigJay - Sinanay 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 18:04:00 +0000

Not my kind of music but I like this video just because it was shot in our favourite island, Corfu. The video seems to had been taped in a tourist resort and in some beaches which I can't recognize. The group comes from Germany and they sing in german.
Can any german speaker translate the lyrics in english for us please?