Primary School of Mandouki Corfu CORFU GREECE These

Primary School of Mandouki -Corfu CORFU GREECE These are the top options for the city of Corfu (kerkyra). Hope to captivate the beauty and culture of our island.

SPIANADA SQUARE AND LISTON � � Spianada Square is the main square of the island the central meeting spot for locals and visitors, situated in Corfu (Kerkyra) Town. It was constructed to resemble the European Royal Gardens. It is the largest square in the Balkans and one of the largest in Europe. During the summer months, symphonic orchestras perform at the kiosk that is situated in the square. Next to Spianada Square is Liston, a wide promenade with French and Venetian style buildings, which is always full of people enjoying their coffee, drink or snack at one of Liston's many cafes.

THE OLD FORTRESS (PALAIO FROURIO) � The Old Fortress, located on the eastern side of Corfu's (Kerkyra's) port, was built initially during Byzantine times. It was reinforced by the Venetians and later by the British. It had a moat and a draw bridge, which has now been replaced by a steel bridge that connects the fortress to the city. The most significant monuments in the fortress premises are: the central gate, the Savornian, Martinengo and Mandrakios ramparts, the land sea towers, St. George's Church, the Roman Temple, the prison, the British hospital and the British barracks. The fortress is also home to several public offices such as the Municipal Library, the Archives, the Byzantine collection, the Conference Center, as well as the clock tower and the lighthouse.

THE CHURCH OF ST. SPYRIDON � � St. Spyridon is the patron saint of Corfu (Kerkyra) Island. The church was built in 1589, in Corfu Town. It holds many excellent relics and has magnificent icons. The church of Saint Spyridon is located in the Old Town of Corfu, right behind Liston. It has the largest bell tower of all churches in the city and it is its red dome that visitors first see when they arrive by boat to Corfu. This saint is the protector of the island, as the myth says that he saved the town from a plague in the 17 thcentury The remains of St. Spyridon are held in a silver reliquary in the church, which comes out in procession during the town litanies.

MUSEUM OF ASIAN ART � The Museum of Asian Art of Corfu is the only Asian museum in Greece and is housed in the Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George. It was founded in 1927 when Gregory Manos, an ambassador, donated to the prefecture his private collection of 10, 500 objects of Sino Japanese origin. The museum was first a Chinese and Japanese Art Museum (until 1974) and became an Asian Art Museum later, when its collection was enriched with other private collection objects and items from Asia.

THE NEW FORTRESS (NEO FROURIO) � � The construction of the New Fortress in Corfu Town began in 1576 and was completed in 1645. The fortress overlooks the old port and is considered a masterpiece of fortress architecture. The most significant attractions of the New Fortress are: the British barracks, the underground stoas, water ducts, ammunition storage rooms etc. The Museum of Ceramic Art is housed here. Theatrical performances, exhibitions and concerts are also held on the fortress premises.

MON REPOS PALACE � The villa was built as a summer residence for the English Commissioner Thomas Maitland, and his Greek spouse, Corfiot Nina Palatianou, in 1828 -1831, although they had to vacate the villa soon afterwards when Maitland was sent to serve in India. The villa was rarely used as a residence for the British governors. In 1833, it housed a school of fine arts, while in 1834, the park was opened to the public. Empress Elisabeth of Austria stayed in the palace in 1863. Here she fell in love with the island, where she later built the Achilleion Palace. After the union with Greece in 1864, the palace was granted to King George I of the Hellenes as a summer residence. He named the villa Mon Repos. The royal family used it as a summer residence up to the end of monarchy in 1967. The palace became derelict, but was restored in the 1990’s.

KANONI - PONTIKONISSI � � A French battery canon still remains. There is a lovely view of Pontikonissi and the Monastery of Virgin Vlachernas from the site. Pontikonissi (Mouse Island ) is a picturesque isle just off the coast of Corfu (Kerkyra). Boats depart frequently to the isle to visit the Byzantine church and sit in the cafe that is located amongst the trees. It lies near Corfu Town.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM � � The archaeological museum stands in Vraila Street, near the Garitsa coastal road and was built to house the Gorgon pediment from the temple of Artemis which was found in the area of Paleopolis. This pediment is dated back to 580 BC and is supposed to be the oldest one in Greece. In the archaeological museum of Corfu, visitors will also admire other founds from excavations from the archaeological sites of the island, from the ancient town of Cassiopeia and items from a private collection.

THE ACHILLION PALACE � The Achillion Palace was built in 1889 -1891 as the home of Princess Elisabeth von Witelsbach of Austria (known as Princess Sissy). Princess Sissy was captivated by Greek Mythology and thus named the mansion "Achillion" after the Greek mythological hero Achilles. Throughout the palace and its grounds there are statues of the Olympian gods and the 9 musses. A huge statue of Achilles stands in the gardens, and another on the outdoor stairwell. On the terrace there are busts of Greek writers and scholars. Inside the palace much of the furniture is engraved with Greek gods and mythological tales. After Princess Sissy's death Kaiser Wilhelm II bought the palace and used it as his summer house till WWII. The Achillion Palace is located a short distance from Corfu Town, in the settlement of Gastouri.

PELEKAS � � Location: 13 km west of Corfu Town The small village of Pelekas is quite busy in summer. Due to its central location, it is used as a starting point for excursions around the island. It’s said that Pelekas has the most beautiful sunset in Corfu.

Primary School of Mandouki, Corfu 491 00 – Mandouki Corfu Greece Xenofondos Stratigou 58, Street Tel : 2661039804 Fax : 2661039894 E-mail : mail@dim-mantouk. ker. sch. gr