Corfu, January 12, 2026 – The Corfu Port Authority S.A. (OLKE S.A.) and the Corfu Reading Society have officially announced the re-release of the bilingual historical album, “Corfu, Journey Through Time.” This collaboration, aimed at promoting the island’s history and culture, marks the second edition of the successful publication, which originally debuted in 2019 and quickly sold out.
A Journey Through Corfu’s Rich History
The album, authored by Mr. Giannis Pieris, honorary president of the Corfu Reading Society, offers a comprehensive exploration of Corfu’s historical trajectory from antiquity to the present. The decision for this second edition was initially made by the late Spyros Zervopoulos, former Managing Director of OLKE S.A., and its completion was overseen by the current Managing Director, Mr. Dimitris Apergis. The publication is dedicated to the memory of Spyros Zervopoulos.
Luxurious Edition with Enhanced Content
The second edition is a luxurious, hardcover volume spanning 180 pages, measuring 29×29 cm. It is enriched with 120 color photographs of artistic and historical artifacts, designed to appeal to both specialized and general readers. The book meticulously unfolds Corfu’s history in 13 parts and 28 subchapters, presenting a coherent and accessible narrative.
Mr. Pieris, drawing from his deep personal connection to the island, focuses on the cultural wealth of Corfu, emphasizing its Hellenic education, Orthodox faith, and Western European culture. He highlights the continuity of these elements as a central axis of the island’s historical development.
Key Historical Periods Covered
- Mythical Era of the Phaeacians: The album begins with the legendary period of the Phaeacians.
- Greek and Roman Antiquity: Comprehensive coverage of these foundational eras.
- Byzantine Period and Angevin Occupation: Detailing these significant periods of rule.
- Venetian Rule: Approximately 60 pages are dedicated to this era, with extensive references to institutions, the Orthodox Church and Saint Spyridon, education, the city’s architecture, Ottoman sieges, and the intellectual movement of the 18th century.
- Ionian State and French Occupations: Chapters exploring these transitional periods.
- British Protection: A substantial section is devoted to this period.
- Union with Greece: The culmination of the island’s journey to become part of the modern Greek state.
The book concludes with a section titled “Corfu’s Contribution to the Creation of Modern Greece,” underscoring the island’s enduring role in shaping contemporary Greek identity.
Extensive Visual Documentation
The visual material in the publication draws from various collections, including those of the Corfu Reading Society, the Holy Metropolis of Corfu, Paxos and Diapontia Islands, the Ephorate of Antiquities of Corfu, the General State Archives of Corfu, the Municipal Art Gallery, the Public Library, the National Art Gallery, the Giallina Foundation, the Kapodistrias Museum, the Parliament Library, the Benaki Museum, the National Historical Museum, and numerous private collectors, with a primary source being the collection of Mr. Spyros P. Gaoutsis.
This rich mosaic of diverse documents was carefully selected to illustrate the breadth and richness of the local culture and history.
Acknowledgements and Future Endeavors
The Administrative Committee of the Corfu Reading Society expressed its sincere gratitude to the Corfu Port Authority S.A. for its substantial contribution to the project’s realization, and personally to Managing Director Mr. Dimitris Apergis and Director Ms. Vasso Martzoukou for their excellent and constructive cooperation.
This publication serves as further tangible proof of OLKE S.A.’s consistent commitment and long-standing interest in promoting and highlighting Corfu’s history and culture, within the framework of its fruitful collaboration with the Corfu Reading Society. The book is available at the Corfu Reading Society and in bookstores.
Publication Credits:
- General Editing: Dimitris K. Zymaris / Fileni Lorandou
- Illustration Documentation: Dimitris K. Zymaris
- Linguistic Editing: Eleni Martzoukou
- Translation: Aphrodite Kamara / Evangelia Kazantinou
- Artistic Design: Fileni Lorandou
About OLKE S.A.
The Corfu Port Authority S.A. (OLKE S.A.) is a Public Limited Company with the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund as its sole shareholder, managing the port of Corfu. OLKE S.A. primarily provides services related to ship mooring and the movement of passengers and vehicles. The organization aims for continuous improvement of services and safety for visitors to the island, faster and better service, while promoting sustainable practices for the creation of a “green” and innovative port. Furthermore, it continues to promote and enhance Corfu’s image and its advantages, such as its natural beauty, hospitality infrastructure, the UNESCO World Heritage City, and its numerous ferry and air connections to important destinations.
Source: https://tornosnews.gr/eidiseis/ellada/organismos-limenos-kerkyras-epanekdosi-toy-leykomatos-kerkyra-poreia-ston-chrono.html
