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.

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.

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.