Arts & Lifestyle

One can find every possible type of food under the sun at Varvakios. Credit: Greek Reporter The Varvakios central market in Athens, located at Athinas Street, which connects Monastiraki to Omonia, is a monument to Greek produce, where every possible food under the sun is bought and sold.
Varvakios is a slice of traditional Greek daily life, beginning in the early hours of the morning and lasting until the late afternoon. In this crowded, noisy, fragrant, and lively place, one can find almost any basic source of protein, foodstuff, or exotic item that one’s heart desires.
The Market includes a meat market, or “kreatagorá,” a fish market, or “psaragorá,” and an open-air fruit and vegetable market, or “lachanagorá.”
Fish reign supreme, however, with almost a hundred fishmongers located in the heart of the building block taken up by the market complex. Meats are sold in a separate hall.
Fish reign supreme at Athens’ Varvakios Market. Credit: Greek Reporter Fruit and vegetables beckon from across the street. Fruit stalls are laden with seasonal produce, including gleaming cherries, apricots, the largest watermelons you have ever seen, and—in early autumn—green and purple figs.
A sprinkling of herbs and dried goods counters can be found all throughout the Market. If you are a fan of cheese, there are a few popular shops to buy some local cheeses. Apart from the famous feta cheese, look out for kasseri, graviera, and kefalotyri.
Nuts, seeds, and dried fruits for sale at Varvakios. Credit: Greek Reporter A stroll through Varvakios market is an Athens tradition
It has long been the tradition for Athenians to head to the Market once a week to buy locally grown seasonal fruit, vegetables, cheeses, meat, and fish as well as local herbs and spices. Today, there are market stalls and specialist shops in adjacent streets, too.
Merchants shout out to the public, advertising their products and competitive prices, and they try to initiate conversation in hopes of selling to you.
If you are brave enough in Varvakios you can try some Greek dishes for adventurous foodies. One example is “patsas,” a soup made from pork leg and tripe, and “mageiritsa,” a soup made from lamb offal and lettuce often enjoyed after midnight mass on Easter to break the fast. There are a couple of eateries inside the market that offer these and other very traditional Greek dishes.
Although the market closes at sunset, these eateries stay open 24/7.
The market was built in 1886 with funds donated by Ioannis Varvakis, a distinguished member of the Russian and Greek communities, as well as a national hero, a member of the Filiki Eteria, and a benefactor of the many places where he lived.
It is through a donation of his that the Varvakeion Lyceum was built near what is today Athinas Street. This was founded in 1857 as the country’s only Lyceum of its kind for many years.
The old building was destroyed during the December events in 1944, but, today, the famous “Varvakeio School” operates as a high school in a new building in Paleo Psychiko, Athens.
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What is Corfu famous for?
Last updated on September 17th, 2024 at 02:16 pm
Table of Contents
Toggle Corfu is famous for a series of things The Esplanade and Liston Promenade Kumquat Liqueur and Spoon dessert Easter Traditions and Celebrations Pontikonisi (Mouse Island) Corfiot Bands and Music Corfiot Dialect Historical Crossroads Venetian Architecture Old and New Fortresses Achilleion Palace Corfiot Cuisine Population and Historical Significance Palace of Saints Michael and George Royal Birthplace The Durrells Cricket Ottoman-Free Read More Corfu is famous for a series of things
Beyond its natural beauty, what is Corfu famous for?
Corfu is famous for many things. It was a melting pot of Greek, Venetian, French, and British influences, evident in its architecture, traditions, and cuisine.
These diverse influences make Corfu famous and distinct from the rest of Greece, with its Old Town resembling an Italian rather than a Greek town.
The following list highlights some unique architectural and cultural aspects that set Corfu apart from the Greek landscape:
The Esplanade and Liston Promenade
Corfu Guide: Esplanade square and the Old fortress
Spianada Square, one of Europe’s largest squares, is a central hub in Corfu.
It is bordered by the Liston Promenade, a historic arcade originally constructed as military barracks by the French in the early 19th century. Designed by architect Mathieu de Lesseps, the Liston was inspired by Paris’s Rue de Rivoli and was repurposed into a stylish promenade with elegant arched terraces.
Today, it is lined with cafes and restaurants, serving as a key location for social and cultural events on the island. The Liston’s architecture reflects both Venetian and French influences, contributing to Corfu’s unique character.
Kumquat Liqueur and Spoon dessert
Koum Kouat sweet
Corfu is renowned for its kumquat fruit, which originated in China.
The tiny citrus was introduced to the island by the British, and it has since become a local specialty.
Unique to Corfu and a few other European locations, kumquats are used to create distinctive local products.
The island’s kumquat liqueur captures the fruit’s tangy flavor, while kumquat spoon desserts are traditional preserves enjoyed as a sweet treat. These local delicacies highlight Corfu’s unique adaptation of this exotic fruit.
Easter Traditions and Celebrations
Corfu easter night 2016
Corfu’s Easter celebrations are renowned for their unique traditions, including the dramatic custom of throwing clay pots from windows during the Holy Saturday Resurrection ceremony.
This tradition, which symbolizes the renewal of life and the arrival of spring, fills the air with the festive sound of breaking pots.
During this period, Corfu becomes a bustling hub, with visitors flocking to experience the island’s vibrant Easter festivities. The influx of tourists highlights the significance of these celebrations in Corfu’s cultural calendar.
Pontikonisi (Mouse Island)
Mouse island and Vlacherna
Located near Kanoni, Pontikonisi, or Mouse Island, is a small but picturesque island. It is famously paired with the nearby Vlacherna Monastery, which enhances the island’s charm and beauty.
This serene spot is a popular attraction, offering stunning views and contributing to Corfu’s enchanting landscape.
Corfiot Bands and Music
Corfu – A Band in front of Palace
Corfu’s musical tradition is characterized by its use of wind and brass instruments, which are prominently featured during religious processions and festivals.
The island’s bands bring a unique and vibrant sound to local celebrations, reflecting Corfu’s rich cultural heritage and adding to its festive atmosphere.
Corfiot Dialect
The Corfiot dialect was a Greek dialect with a unique touch of Italian influence.
This influence is evident through the incorporation of Italian words that were Hellenized over time. Though now considered a dead dialect, with only a few elderly residents remembering it, the dialect remains a testament to Corfu’s historical connections with Italy.
Historical Crossroads
Corfu New fortress
Corfu’s rich history is marked by significant influences from the Venetians, French, and British. These diverse cultural impacts are reflected in the island’s architecture, traditions, and overall culture, creating a unique blend that distinguishes Corfu from other Greek locales.
Venetian Architecture
Corfu’s architecture is deeply influenced by Venetian rule, featuring narrow streets, arched doorways, and pastel-colored buildings. This distinctive style is particularly prominent in the town, showcasing the lasting impact of Venetian design on the island’s urban landscape.
Old and New Fortresses
Old fortress view from north
The Old and New Fortresses in Corfu are prominent landmarks offering panoramic views of the island.
Dating back to Byzantine and Venetian times, these fortresses are key historical sites that highlight Corfu’s strategic military significance and architectural heritage.
Achilleion Palace
Achilleion Palace
Built by Empress Elisabeth of Austria, the Achilleion Palace is a stunning neoclassical estate featuring statues and gardens inspired by Greek mythology.
The palace reflects a blend of grandeur and artistic influence, making it a key historical and cultural site in Corfu.
Corfiot Cuisine
Corfiot cuisine is a rich tapestry of Venetian, French, British, and Greek influences.
It features distinctive dishes such as Pastitsada, Sofrito, and Bourdeto, showcasing a blend of flavors and traditions unique to the island.
Population and Historical Significance
Corfu, the most densely populated Greek island, is notable for its historical achievements.
It is home to Greece’s first university, commercial bank, electricity factory, and modern theater, reflecting its significant role in the country’s development.
Palace of Saints Michael and George
Palace of St Michael and George
The Palace of Saints Michael and George is a unique architectural landmark, notable for being the only Georgian-style palace outside the UK.
Built during the British Protectorate of Corfu, it features elegant neoclassical design elements and was originally constructed to house the British High Commissioner.
Today, it serves as a museum and hosts various exhibitions, showcasing its historical and cultural significance.
Royal Birthplace
Mon Repos in Paleopolis
Corfu is the birthplace of several European royals, including Prince Philip of Edinburgh. This historical significance adds to the island’s rich cultural heritage and its connection to European royalty..
The Durrells
The Durrells house used on TV series
The renowned Durrell family lived in Corfu from 1936 to 1940. Their time on the island inspired Gerald Durrell’s famous memoir, My Family and Other Animals, highlighting the family’s deep connection to the island’s landscape and culture.
Cricket
Corfu is home to Greece’s only cricket team, a legacy of British influence on the island. This unique sport reflects the historical ties between Corfu and Britain.
Ottoman-Free
Corfu remained free from Ottoman rule throughout its history, resulting in a distinct absence of Ottoman influences in its culture and architecture.
Read More
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| | | Corfu, the musical heart of Greece, where the very air seems to harmonize with the soulful sounds of music when musical charm doesn’t stop at instruments and performances only.
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Corfu Musical Tradition – Literature and Intellectuals
Corfu Musical tradition
Corfu Spianada square
There is a huge long-lasting musical tradition on the island.
The city today has three main philharmonic societies. The Old Philharmonic, the Philharmonic of Mantzaros, and the Philharmonic of Kapodistrias, whose orchestras often give excellent concerts.
There are also bands in many villages, and on certain days they all play in Corfu Town to loud cheers from their supporters.
Italy influenced the musical tradition and many artists created their music schools with classical influences.
Is the so-called Ionian School of Music divided into two periods? The first until 1870 and the second until the early 20th century.
In Greece, the Ionian School was finally overthrown by the so-called National School, created by the “Germanists” Georgios Nazos and Manolis Kalomiris.
The Ionian School of Music
Greek-born Ionian musicians were the Corfiot George Lambellet and Cefalonian Dionysios Lavragas. Members of both the Ionian School and the “National School”.
They were in constant quarrels with “Germanist” Kalomiris who accused them of the Ionian music being related to the Italian.
The founder of the Ionian School of Music was Corfiot Nikolaos Chalikiopoulos Mantzaros(1795-1872).
Ionian school includes many important musicians and composers, of the first and second periods.
Corfiot and Ionian Islands Musicians
It is worth mentioning some musicians.
From Corfu
Domenikos Padovas (1817-1892), Spyros Xindas (1814-1896), and Spyros Samaras (1861-1917).
Eduardo, Louis, George, and Napoleon Lambellet are members of the large Lambellet family.
Other composers were Joseph Liveralis (1820-1899), Leonidas Alvanas (1823-1881), Joseph Caesaris (1845-1923), Spyridon Caesaris (1859-1946), Dimitrios Andronis (1866-1918), Sotirios Kritikos (1888-1945), and Alexandros Grek (1876-1959).
From Zante (Zakynthos)
Pavlos Karrer (1829-1896), Frangiskos Domeniginis (1809-1874), and Dionysios Viscardis (1910-1999).
Suzana Nerantzi from Zakynthos was a great woman pianist and student of Mantzaros in Corfu.
From Kefalonia
Dionysios Lavragas (1864-1941), Antiochos Evangelatos (1903-1981), and Spyridon Spathis (1876-1959) from Sami island.
From Ithaka
Dionysios Rodotheatos (1849-1892).
Others
Antonios Kapnisis (1813-1885), George Lambiris (1833-1889), Lavrentios Kamilieris (1878-1956), Georgios Axiotis (1875-1924), and Georgios Sklavos (1886-1976).
Literature
Corfu city hall at San Giacomo
But also in literature, the Ionian Islands have created their own Ionian School.
With writers and poets such as the prominent figure of Dionysios Solomos from Zakynthos (1798-1857), who lived for 30 years in Corfu.
Many others such as Aristotelis Valaoritis from Lefkada, Andreas Laskaratos and Ioulios Typaldos from Lixouri, Gerasimos Markoras from Kefalonia, Iakovos Polylas from Corfu, Georgios Terchetis, and Andreas Kalvos from Zakynthos.
The term “Eptanissian School” was founded by the great Greek poet Kostis Palamas.
Kostis Palamas introduced the literary consciousness and the rivalry between the Dimotiki and Katharevousa. Two forms of the modern Greek language.
One of the main features of the Ionian School was the use of Dimotiki in Poetry.
Corfu’s contribution to the formation of the modern Greek state
The immense contribution of Corfiot intellectuals to the formation of the modern Greek state is well known.
The island has produced world-renowned personalities accomplished in many different spheres.
Corfu has given and still gives a lot in Greece, both culturally and economically through its huge tourist growth, but has not necessarily taken back all that it deserves!
Without mentioning the younger generations, the famous personalities who were born or lived here include:
Corfiot intellectuals
Ioannis Kapodistrias was a politician who, for several years, served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia. He was a descendant of a noble family.
From his position, he was involved in many European political affairs, including the constitutional reform of Switzerland, before accepting the responsibility of becoming the first governor of modern Greece.
Nikolaos Mantzaros was another noble, musician, and composer of the Greek national anthem. He was the major representative of the so-called Ionian School of Music.
Dionysios Solomos our national poet was born in Zakynthos(Zante) and lived here for the last 30 years of his life.
Spyros Samaras, another musician was the composer of the Olympic anthem. Yes, the one played during the opening and closing ceremonies of every Olympics.
The famous Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi lived much of his life on the island. As did poets like Gerasimos Markoras, Lorenzos Mavilis, Andreas Kalvos, and Iakovos Polylas.
All above were members of the Ionian School of Literature.
A former Greek prime minister was Corfiot George Theotokis, whilst his relative Nikolaos Theotokis became the archbishop of Russia.
The important Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras and St Filomena were born here.
The unforgettable actor Nikos Kourkoulos originates from Corfu. Also, Albert Cohen and the singers Vicky Leandros and Nana Mouskouri were born here.
There are hundreds of others not mentioned. Even Giacomo Casanova spent much of his life in Corfu and finally was forced to leave as he had an affair with the young wife of the Venetian proveditore.
Summary
Corfu boasts a rich musical tradition, with three renowned philharmonic societies that regularly perform. Influenced by Italian music, the island became the birthplace of the Ionian School of Music, founded by Nikolaos Mantzaros, and produced notable composers like Spyros Samaras, creator of the Olympic anthem.
Corfu’s literary scene also flourished, with figures like Dionysios Solomos, author of Greece’s national anthem, contributing to the Ionian School of Literature. This vibrant cultural history continues to shape Corfu’s identity today.
Read also:
What is Corfu famous for?
| | | Beyond its natural beauty, what is Corfu famous for? as a melting pot of various civilizations, is famous for its architecture, traditions, and cuisine.
All Posts About Corfu Corfu Musical Tradition – Literature and Intellectuals
| | | Corfu’s rich cultural heritage features a strong musical and literary traditions that continue to shape the island’s cultural identity until today.
All Posts About Corfu Melodic Corfu: A Symphony of Culture, Music, and Beauty
| | | Corfu, the musical heart of Greece, where the very air seems to harmonize with the soulful sounds of music when musical charm doesn’t stop at instruments and performances only.
All Posts About Corfu Corfu Easter 2020: All Events Canceled Due to Coronavirus Pandemic
| | | For Easter 2020 it would be funny to think about events and celebrations and even more for visitors.
After all, to limit the COVID-19 disaster as much as we can, we have no other way than isolation.
All Posts About Corfu Sagrado – What does this word finally mean?
| | | Have you ever heard of Sagrado? No, not the restaurant in Corfu town, but a term that harkens back to Medieval and Venetian times.
All Posts About Corfu Corfu Dialect: Interesting Typical Words
| | | This process created the Corfiot dialect, a Greek language with Italian-Greek words that follow Greek grammar and syntax
All Posts About Corfu AtCorfu - Corfu Travel Guide
Source Link