Corfu’s landmark Old Fortress, set on a rocky point above the sea, now sits at the heart of a new community effort: free guided walks that make the island’s defensive past feel close and real. Shown yesterday evening on ERT3, the tours are led by historical researcher Theofilos Tzikas and invite anyone who wants to learn more about the city’s past without sifting through archives or libraries.
Why are the free tours drawing crowds?
Many locals admit they know little about the places they pass every day. How often do we walk by without a second look? These walks tap into that curiosity, linking residents with a heritage that runs from the Middle Byzantine period to the Second World War. The idea comes from his website about Corfu’s fortifications, built to help the community see the value of these structures and why they deserve care and smart presentation.
Who is leading the initiative?
Tzikas has spent about fifteen years digging into the island’s fortifications. Through public briefings and free on-site tours, he turns specialist research into clear stories about how Corfu defended itself over the centuries.
What will you learn during the walk?
The route shows how the Old Fortress grew into a sophisticated bastion system. You’ll hear about early raids by Vandals and Goths in late antiquity, Saracen incursions in the 7th to 11th centuries, and later Norman attacks. As 16th-century threats mounted, residents put fortification first, and historical accounts say roughly 2,000 houses and churches were torn down to reinforce the walls.
How the fortifications evolved
A turning point came in 1537, when renowned military architect Michele Sanmicheli refined the bastioned defenses and added a drawbridge that could be lifted to block entry. Stone stairs still climb from the fortified acropolis to twin towers that once served as Venetian lookout posts. Today they open up wide sea views that make it easy to picture defenders scanning the horizon for enemy masts.
How are residents reacting?
According to the organizer, “people are thirsty to learn”. Early feedback suggests the initiative is rekindling pride in the fortified Old Town, a group of monuments that often competes with modern construction for space and attention. Hearing these stories on site helps participants see why preservation and careful promotion matter.
Why does it matter now?
Corfu’s historic core is a one-of-a-kind monument inside a living city. Bringing residents back into conversation with the Old Fortress supports informed debate about conservation, tourism management, and everyday respect for the fabric of the past.
Where to find details and next dates?
ERT3’s segment pointed viewers to more material on ERT’s platforms. Tzikas’ website is mentioned as the hub for updates on briefings and walks, but the source did not include a specific URL or a confirmed schedule and these details need checking. If you’re interested, keep an eye on announcements from the organizer and local media.
What should visitors expect?
- A free public walk focused on Corfu’s fortifications, starting at the Old Fortress.
- Plain-language explanations of key periods, from Byzantine times to WWII.
- Background on how Venetian-era engineering shaped the city you see today.
The idea behind it is simple: the more Corfiots and visitors learn about these defenses, the stronger the case to protect them for generations to come.
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