The Venetian Fortress in Corfu, Greece, also known as the Old Fortress or the Fortezza Vecchia, is a historic fortification built by the Venetians in the 15th century. It is located on a rocky promontory at the eastern end of the old town of Corfu, overlooking the Ionian Sea. The fortress was built to protect the town from invasion and served as a military stronghold for centuries.
The fortress consists of two parts, the lower fortification, which was built in the early 15th century, and the upper fortification, which was added in the late 16th century. The lower fortification is surrounded by a moat and is connected to the mainland by a bridge. It contains various buildings, including barracks, storehouses, a chapel, and a prison.
The upper fortification is a pentagonal structure with five bastions, each named after a Venetian city. The fortress has two entrances, one on the landward side and one on the seaward side. The seaward entrance is known as the Gate of the Lion and is adorned with a relief of a lion, the symbol of the Venetian Republic.
The Venetian Fortress played an important role in the history of Corfu and the surrounding area. It was besieged several times, most notably by the Ottomans in the late 16th century and the French in the early 19th century. Today, the fortress is a popular tourist attraction and is open to the public for exploration. Visitors can climb to the top of the fortress for panoramic views of Corfu town and the surrounding sea.