The old town of Corfu is known for its long history. Its architecture, urban planning, and the everyday life of its inhabitants make it special and unique. Having been influenced by dozens of conquerors over the years, the districts of the town have adopted distinct characteristics and elements that remain alive to this day. One of the best-known districts of the old town is that of Campiello. Known for its characteristic narrow streets, sculptures, towering houses, and small squares, Campiello still exudes a character that dates back centuries.
The history of Campiello dates back hundreds of years. This area began to be inhabited to a large extent when the medieval town of Corfu within the Old Fortress became overpopulated and the “Xopoli” was built. At the same time, the first Jews, driven from Spain, arrived in Corfu and settled on a hill northwest of the Old Fortress, which was called Ovriovouni (Mountain of the Jews). This hill will gradually adopt the name of Campiello. The source of the name could only come from Italian and, more specifically, the Venetian dialect. Thus, the word campo, meaning open space, took on a linguistic ending, creating the phrase Campiello, which essentially means small square, characterizing the picturesque images of the district.
Campiello hosts some of the most compelling examples of Corfiot history and culture. One of them is the square of Kremasti. This small square hosts the famous Venetian well in its center. This small water tank is evidence of the way of life of the local inhabitants and their everyday lives. Next to the renowned well stands proudly the homonymous church of Panagia of Kremasti, a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which received its nickname from the candle that hangs right next to the entrance and used to be its exonarthex.
Another wondrous church of pivotal historical meaning is that of St. Nicholas of the Elders (San Nicolo dei Vecchi). Built as early as the 16th century, it was the Cathedral of the Great Head Priests for several years until 1712. A vital moment for the church was the 11th of February 1776, the day on which the first governor of Greece, Ioannis Kapodistrias, was baptized. The Church of St. Nicholas of the Elders was named either because the Elders council once met there or because it was the oldest church in the district.
A simple stroll through the narrow streets of the Campiello district will take you through unique, picturesque neighborhoods that seem to have been left over from a completely different era. Furthermore, if you are lucky, you will have the opportunity to discover some of the best hidden secrets of the old town. One of them is located at the border of the district and, more specifically, at 18 Filellinon Street. It is probably the oldest house in the old town of Corfu. The Venetian architecture is characteristic, while what stands out is the uniquely decorated entrance, which indicates the year of construction of the building as 1447! This unique structure still hosts shops and offices, counting almost six centuries of life.
Whichever street you choose, you will have the opportunity to observe images of exceptional beauty, most notably the spreading laundry, which from window to window creates a unique scene, much similar to that from the neighborhoods of southern Italy and Naples.
The countless narrow streets, the well-known strolls, such as that of Kokkini, the high-rise buildings and the inhabitants themselves, with their characteristic style and temperament, make up the character of the Campiello district, a neighborhood that has many more stories to tell.
