Public market
The New Fortress of Corfu (Fortezza Nuova) lies on the hill of Saint Marcus and was built by the Venetians in the 16th century. According to the history, the Venetian architect Francisco Vitelli had to demolish more than 2.000 buildings in order to find the construction materials needed. It was built on two levels in order to fulfill its double role: the protection of the port and the control of the inland. Its gate is decorated with a magnificent embossed lion of Saint Marcus, which is the emblem that ties the Fortress to Venice eternally. The fortress was attacked many times during the centuries but the culminating point was the bombings during the Second World War.
Its interior is characterized by the underground tunnels, the vaulted passageways, the emplacements and the imposing ramparts. Inside the fortress, there are two English barracks, one of them by the gate and the other one on the second floor, while there is also the temple St. Mary Spileotisa, probably dating back to the 17th century.
Today, apart from the navy installations, the New Fortress hosts photography and painting exhibitions etc., while music concerts and other cultural activities are also held on the fortress premises.