Lesson 03

Through the Old Town

Kantounia, fortresses, and saints

The narrow alleys of Corfu Town — called kantounia — were laid out by Venetian engineers. Use these words to read the town like a map.

Phrases

Καντούνι

kantoúni

Narrow alley (Corfiot dialect, from Venetian 'canton')

Λιστόν

Listón

The arcaded promenade modeled on Paris's Rue de Rivoli

Σπιανάδα

Spianáda

The great esplanade — largest square in the Balkans

Παλιό Φρούριο

Palió Froúrio

Old Fortress

Νέο Φρούριο

Néo Froúrio

New Fortress (1576, also Venetian)

Άγιος Σπυρίδων

Áyios Spyrídon

Saint Spyridon — patron saint of Corfu