Early on Pulm Sunday morning, the holy relic of Saint Spyridon, the island's patrol saint, is carried in prcession. The custom dates back to 1630 and it is connected to the deliverance of the island in 1629 from a deadly plague. The procession sets back from the church of Saint Spyridon and follows the old venetian walls of the town.
On Holy Monday the women of Corfu make "mandolata", which is a kind of sweet, columbines a type of bread of venetian origin ang fogatsa, which tastes like brioche.
Held on Good Friday, the carrying in procession of Jesus Christ's portable Holy Sepulchre is perhaps one of the most spectacular Easter events in Greece. Each fyneral bier is followed by a filarmonical orchestra and a choir.
On Holy Saturday morning, after the first Resurrection service, Corfu echoes to the famous sounds of earthen pots of water smashing against the cobblestoned streets of the island. The origins of the custom are uncertain. According to one version, it dates back to the Early Christian times and it is connected with ancient worship practices. According to another version, however, the custom has been strongly influenced by the Venetians who used to throw various objects out of the balcony on New Year's Day, in the hope that the new year whould bring them new ones. The Easter vigile service is even more magnificent. It takes place on the night of Holy Saturday at the upper Espanade Square. The Resurrection is celebrated with a thunderous roll of drums and an impressive firework display.
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THE BRITISH RULE
In 1814, the French surrendered Corfu to the British. In
1815 the Congress of Vienna recognized the Ionian
Islands as an independent state under the protection of
Great Britain. During the British administration, the
infrastructure was improved, the Greek language was
establish as the official language of the island, the
Constitution was amended to include freedom of press and
various literary and financial societies were founded.
THE UNIFICATION OF CORFU WITH GREECE – MODERN DAY CORFU
Corfu and the Ionian Islands were united with Greece on
May 21st, 1864 by a decision of the Ionian Parliament
and the ratification of the British Government. In
September 1943, the Nazis bombarded Corfu, causing
considerable damage to the island. The Nazi occupation
was terminated on October 9th, 1944. Since then, Corfu
has worked on developing its natural resources and
tourism, becoming one of Greece's most prosperous
islands and most popular tourism destinations.
THE FIRST FRENCH RULE
From 1576 to 1645, the New Fortress was constructed on
the hill of St. Marcus. The fortress included some of
the most powerful and advanced defensive constructions.
The fortifications were again reinforced in the 17th
century with the building of a second wall. In July
1716, a Turkish fleet besieged the island but the
Turkish forces were repelled by the Venetians.
THE RUSSIAN RULE
In 1797, Napoleon Bonaparte took over the administration
of Corfu along with the other Ionian Islands. French
occupation brought with it the ideas of the French
Revolution. A municipal council was instituted, headed
by Spiridon Theotokis. During this occupation, a
municipal library was established, the police force, the
judicial system and the educational system were
reorganized for the better, and the first Greek printing
press was established.
THE SECOND FRENCH RULE
In 1799 the island came under the control of the Russian
Admiral Ushakov, while the Septinsular Republic
Constitution was implemented in 1800. Corfu then became
the first Ionian State to be recognized as a
semi-autonomous republic since 1453. During this period,
the Orthodox Bishop of Corfu was reinstated. In 1807,
with the Treaty of Tilsit, the 7 Ionian Islands were
ceded to Napoleon again, who also continued the
reinforcement of the fortifications to counteract a
possible British attack. The French improved the
stylistic appearance of the city by planting trees on
Splianada Square and the Liston Promenade, in the style
of the Rue de Rivoli in Paris. They introduced the
cultivation of potatoes and the vaccination of citizens,
founded the School of French Art and the Ionian Academy
in 1808, the first university of Modern Greece.
THE VENETIAN RULE – THE DESPOT OF EPIRUS – THE ANJOU
RULE
In 1204, the Venetians laid claim to Corfu after the
conquest of the Byzantine Empire by the 4th Crusade. In
1214, the island was recaptured by Michael I Angelos
Komninos, Despot of Epirus, who restored the old
privileges of the inhabitants and reinforced the
island's fortifications until 1258-1259, when the region
was ceded by Duke Michael II to his son in law Manfred.
The battle of Beneventum and the Treaty of Viterbo
resulted in the transfer of the island to Charles I of
Anjou for the next 120 years. Charles I of Anjou had
many anti-orthodox feelings and replaced the Orthodox
churches with Catholic churches. More and more people
were gathering in the basin between the two hills,
seeking protection and refuge. It was during this time
that the Old Fortress was constructed.
THE SECOND VENETIAN RULE
In the second half of the 14th century, the island once
more sought the protection of Venice, which bought the
island from Naples and undertook to defend it for the
next 412 years. The Venetian administration was carried
out by short-term members of a council that was
appointed by Venice. During this period the Byzantine
fortifications were further reinforced. The island was
besieged by Turkish forces in 1537. Many acres of
cultivated land were destroyed and at least 20,000
inhabitants were killed. The island though, was not
captured due to its great defense.
The ancient inhabitants of Corfu were most probably descendents of the Phaeacians and Nafsika and King Alkinoos. The island has been inhabited since the Paleolithic Era. It was occupied originally by the Eretrians and then by the Corinthians, by whom the island was named Korkyra, after the daughter of the river-god Esopos.
ANCIENT TIMES
During the Corinthian occupation, Corfu became a large
commercial and naval power of the ancient world and
produced many notable works of art. In 585 BC, the
island recovered its independence from Corinth. It
contributed 60 triremes to Persian War battles. Later
the alliance of Corfu with Athens during the
Peloponnesian War in 431 - 404 BC led to the island's
eventual decline. In order to protect itself against
pirates, Corfu voluntarily accepted Roman sovereignty,
which lasted up to 337 AD. The island converted to
Christianity around the 1st century AD.
THE MEDIEVAL ERA
Following the division of the Roman Empire, Corfu joined
the Eastern Roman Empire in 395 AD. The island at
various times during the Medieval Ages was plundered by
the Huns, Vandals, Goths and Arabs. These raids
devastated Corfu and resulted in the Corfiots moving to
more secure grounds, a naturally fortified location
between two rocks, from which the name Corfu was derived
(from the Greek word ‘Korifi’ which means peak). Later
the island was occupied by the Normans and was
eventually liberated by the Byzantine Emperor Emmanuel I
Komninos.
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Corfu is considered by many as the most beautiful island in Greece. Why is that? It could be the Corfu Town, the capital of Corfu, a beautiful city that is the outcome of a blend of European influences. The old and the new fortress, the remains of which date from the mid-12th and the late 15th century respectively, are only two of Corfu’s highlights. The Esplanade, a mixture of park and town, is one of the reasons the Corfu town remains such an attractive place. Corfu is also one of the few islands where the greenery remains fresh even during the hottest months of the year, thus maintaining its intrinsic beauty.
Corfu, the northernmost island of the Ionian Sea, is the most popular and cosmopolitan of the Ionian Islands group. Corfu has a lot to offer, relaxed holidays and vibrant nightlife, entertainment and sightseeing. Its amazing natural landscapes are described by lush vegetation, due to the high humidity, golden sandy beaches, colorful gardens and panoramic views from mountainous hills. The Town is known for the picturesque narrow alleys, known as “kantounia”, the Venetian-style built houses and the historical sights, while tradition revives lively through culture, with events attracting thousands of visitors.
Corfu is known for its cultural activity in every form. The well organized, traditional Corfiot Carnival Festival is one of them. In any case, don’t miss visit the island at Easter. The famous colorful festivity, with unique local customs, such as the famous breaking of the junks, offers images that attract thousands of visitors every year. Easter on Corfu is a great unforgettable experience found nowhere else.


“Villa Elpida” is a family business consisting of seven apartments furnished with A/C, a grate Pool for you and your children and Snack-Bar near the pool. Most of the apartments have pool view. Five apartments with two rooms (4+ beds) kitchen and bathroom and two studios (2+ beds) kitchen and bathroom. They are ideal for couples as well as families.
Situated on the green island of
Corfu
in
a beautiful place near the beach of Ipsos “Villa Elpida”
offers to visitors a grate vacation in Corfu Greece. In
about 15klm from the Historic center of Corfu town and
only 200m from the beach of Ipsos and the Restaurants,
Bars and Super Markets.There is regular public transport
connecting Ipsos to the city centre. Ipsos has a vivid nightlife and many
restaurants and shops for you to visit.Many interesting
locations to visit are within easy reach either by
public transport or by car or motorbike that you can
rent locally
We will be pleased to contact with us for further
information about
“Villa Elpida” and visit us for your
holidays. We are sure that you will be pleased by having
a great time relaxing either in the Pool or in the Bar
near the Pool as many of our gests do every Summer.
“Villa Elpida” is waiting for you.

email : info@villaelpida.com
telephone : +30 26610 93834
mobile : +30 6978167931
mobile : +30 6937201982
address : Ipsos - St Marcos

In about 15klm from the Historic center of Corfu town and only 200m from the beach of Ipsos and the Restaurants, Bars and Super Markets.
The island of Corfu has a very long and tumultuous history,
as many different cultures and nations sought to capture the
island as its own. Their influence can be seen in every
aspect of present day Corfu, from its physical
appearance and historical monuments to its inhabitants’
disposition and the local cuisine
Early on Pulm Sunday morning, the holy relic of Saint Spyridon, the island's patrol saint, is carried in prcession. The custom dates back to 1630 and it is connected to the deliverance of the island in 1629 from a deadly plague. The procession sets back from the church of Saint Spyridon and follows the old venetian walls of the town.
Our apartments
furnished with A/C, a grate Pool for you and your children
and Snack-Bar near the pool.Five apartments with two rooms
(4+ beds) kitchen and bathroom and two studios (2+ beds)
kitchen and bathroom. They are ideal for couples as well as
families.
email : info@villaelpida.com
telephone : +30 26610 93834
mobile : +30 6978167931
mobile : +30 6937201982
address : Ipsos - St Marcos
There is regular public transport connecting Ipsos to the
city centre. Many interesting locations to visit are within
easy reach either by public transport or by car or motorbike
that you can rent locally. Ipsos has a vivid nightlife and
many restaurants and shops for you to visit.