Holy Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna: Self-Guided Audio Tours

This self-guided walking audio tour introduces first-time visitors to Corfu Town through its fortresses, churches, grand public spaces, and layered cultural history. It will especially suit travelers interested in architecture, local identity, Venetian and British influences, and the lived texture of the old town. The route starts at the Old Fortress, where rock, moat, and sea reveal why Corfu was so fiercely defended. From there, you walk through Bosketo and across the broad Spianada to the Liston, then reach the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, home to the Corfu Museum of Asian Art. The tour continues into the old town to the Church of Saint Spyridon and Casa Parlante Museum, then leads to the Bell Tower of the Annunziata, the Jewish Synagogue, and ends at the New Fortress above the harbor. On this walk, you will see fortress walls rising from the sea, arcades filled with café life, a palace turned museum, the island’s most beloved church, and streets that still hold traces of vanished communities. Memorable moments include the views from the defenses, the sweep of the Spianada, the red-domed bell tower of Saint Spyridon, and the striking contrast between Corfu’s military stonework and its elegant, everyday beauty.

This audio tour is designed for explorers keen to discover the rich tales behind Corfu Town's New Town. It is perfect for history buffs and culture enthusiasts looking to dive deep into the island's lesser-known stories. Starting your journey at the Old Fortress of Corfu, this tour takes you on a winding path through the town's enchanting streets, leading you to the summer house of Ioannis Kapodistrias, Greece's first Governor. You'll wander from the imposing stronghold that has stood guard over the town throughout the centuries to the quiet spot where Georgios Theotokis, a revered local politician, is immortalized in bronze. The route guides you past the Church of Saint Spyridon with its striking bell tower, through cultural hotspots like the Municipal Theatre, and introduces you to the opulent legacy of British architecture in spots like the Old Palace of St. Michael and St. George. The tour also edges outside the town center to unveil the grandeur of Mon Repos Palace, birthplace of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. As the tale unfolds at each stop, you will not only gaze upon the stunning facades of noble homes and palaces but also sense the layers of history that have shaped Corfu's identity. From the Casa Parlante Museum’s snapshot of aristocratic life to the symbol of knowledge at the Public Library of Corfu, each step on this tour offers the thrill of discovery.

This Self-Guided Audio Tour is tailor-made for anyone interested in the captivating history and rich culture of Corfu Old Town. Immerse yourself in the allure of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, unraveling its stories as you stroll at your own pace. Ideal for history buffs and cultural enthusiasts, this tour links the timeless marvels sprinkled across the town, offering an intimate glance into Corfu's vibrant past and present. Starting at the Archaeological Museum of Corfu, trace the steps of bygone eras across ten remarkable landmarks, culminating at the peaceful Vlacherna Monastery. Your adventure takes you through a realm where each cobblestone, church, and fortress whispers tales of antiquity. Concluding this enriching journey, you'll carry with you the tranquility of the monastery, the resilience witnessed at the Old Venetian Fortress, and the regal air surrounding the Palace of the Saints Michael and George. The memories of these sights, framed by the Ionian Sea, will linger as enduring souvenirs of Corfu's timeless beauty.