CORFU TOWN SPIANADA SQUARE by Vlasis Tsonos

Between the city and the old castle there is so called “Spianada Square” which is not really a square but is the biggest most lively and impressive square in Greece. Its name originates from Italian word “Spianare” that means “to flatten”. The area used to be a fortification because it was necessary to have vacant area between the city and the castle. No construction was allowed to be made on this vast territory as any time military activities could take place there. It was finally shaped in 1628 and contributed in the constitution of concrete urban identity influencing the social life of Corfu. Unusual for Greece, Spianada has removed the city from the sea, creating however the liveliest part of modern life, combining trade, recreation, social activities and important happenings of the city. In the biggest open space of Spianada, you can see: Peristyle of Maitland, in the southern tip of Spianada is a simple, circular, ionic monument that was erected to honor the first English Commissioner Thomas Maitland (1816 - 1824). General and the Head of British forces of the Mediterranean, Maitland was the most difficult English Commissioner.
Nowadays it is one of the most popular places in town for visitors and the meeting point for most social gatherings. Three important historical periods are surrounding the square in stone: The City Palace that reflects the British era in the history of Corfu, The Old Venetian Castle and “French” Liston with its beautiful arches lightened by Venetian lanterns.
***IMPORTANT NOTE***:
"Copyright © – Vlasis Tsonos Photography.
The reproduction, publication, modification, transmission or exploitation of any work contained herein for any use, personal or commercial, without my prior written permission is strictly prohibited. 

All rights reserved. "