At the foot of Mount Pantokrator lies Ano Korakiana, a village whose settlement stretches from east to west. Its location and extent offer two practical points of reference for getting your bearings. In the broader context of Corfu, the village can also be distinguished from the urban cultural themes of the Old Town: Ano Korakiana focuses on village history, old churches, cobblestone lanes and sculpture.

Village Layout and Historical Traces

Ano Korakiana was built in the 14th century. The village developed in a location sheltered from view and pirate raids. It has a total of 37 old churches. The Church of Agios Athanasios at Nerosyrmi is the parish church of Ano Korakiana and is protected as a historic monument. For travelers interested in ecclesiastical architecture, the total number and the named parish church offer two distinct points of reference: the extent of the collection and a specific protected monument.

The street scene is also part of the village’s character: a labyrinth of cobblestone lanes connects the picturesque neighborhoods of Ano Korakiana. So the village is defined not only by a single building; its lanes and the connections between its neighborhoods are also part of its character. Those interested in the historic setting can take in both a named monument and the layout of the village.

Sculpture in the Village

Another cultural highlight is the private sculpture museum in Ano Korakiana. It displays sculptures on a range of themes, created by sculptor Aristidis Metallinos. Alongside the history of the old churches, the collection offers another way to experience local art, with a focus on sculptures and their varied themes. If you would like to include the museum in your travel plans, check visiting arrangements in advance.

Other Cultural Themes in the Wider Destination of Corfu

In the wider destination of Corfu, Corfu Old Town offers a distinct urban historical setting. Its historic urban fabric has been almost entirely preserved, and its buildings date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The Old Town and its two fortresses are UNESCO World Heritage sites. A digital guide to the Old Town is intended for residents and visitors and provides audiovisual information about more than 80 points of interest within the city. Check its availability before your trip.

The museums in the Old Town also explore a range of subjects. The Museum of Asian Art houses more than 11,000 objects from China, Japan, India, the Himalayas and Central Asia. The Archaeological Museum of Corfu has a different focus: it was built primarily to exhibit the Gorgon Medusa pediment from the great Temple of Artemis. The pediment dates to 585 BC and was excavated in 1911 near the Monastery of Aghioi Theodoroi. While Ano Korakiana focuses on village history, old churches and sculpture, Corfu Old Town offers other cultural themes with a distinctly different emphasis.

Discover more destinations: Pentati, Corfu, Boukaris, Karoussades, Moraḯtika, Apraos, Sfakera, Kanakades.

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