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impression of the island is unique, its medieval fortresses, the
stunning architecture of the town, the islets by the harbor, its
high mountains and the beauty of the coastline are all features that
would anyone become a romantic,,,no wonder Homer in the Odyssey
chose the island of the Phaeacians as the place the shipwrecked hero
met Nausicaa.. Topography: Corfu lies at the far northwestern corner of Greece, off the Albanian coast. It belongs to a group of the Heptanese, or widely known as the Seven Ionian Islands. Today a narrow strip of sea separates Corfu from Mainland Greece, but during prehistoric they were by land. History: The Island's history in 734 BC when the Corinthians exploiting its strategic position established a colony in Southern Italy that soon became very prosperous. The second most powerful maritime city-state of Greece, Corfu was one of the causes for the outbreak of the Peloponnesian war. During the Roman and periods, Corfu and the Ionian islands lost importance and regatned it only when the Venetians occupied them during th e 13th century. The Venetian's presence influenced Corfu not only in architecture but also in language, forming a local dialect that was enriched with many Italian words. The Aristocracy, along with theatre and music, played a prominent role on the island. Occupations by the French, the Russians and the British left their marks on Corfu as well as on the other Ionian islands which in 1864 finally rejoined the then liberated Greece.Corfu Town is charming, with its unique architectural style and location. The most important church of the island is the church of St. Spiridon, patron Saint of Corfu due to all the miracles that are credited to him. Over 16,000 of the island's population are named Spiros or Spiridoula, a name used for both men and women. Did you know that: The largest square of the Balkans is the one of Corfu Town. The first University and philharmonic orchestra of the whole of Greece were founded on Corfu. Corfu has three palaces, the one of Sts. Michael and George that was built by the British in Corfu Town, the Mon Repos Palace, where Prince Philip of England was born and the Achillion Palace that belonged to the Empress of Austria, Elizabeth, or more familiarly known as Sissy! The composers of the Greek national anthem and the anthem of the Olympic games were Corfiots. Local products: 1. Koum Kouat, a small orange cultivated throughout the island, used to produce well-known liquor and sugared sweets. 2. Mandoles, sugared almonds; mandolato, a sweet made with almonds, egg white and sugar. 3. Noumboulo, smoked pork filet, a delicacy with a good glass of wine. |
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9/23/08 |
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