Wanderyn
Spianada Square
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · GR

Spianada Square

Getting around: In the center of Corfu Town, between the Old Fortress and the Old Town's main streets; fully walkable, the natural starting point for exploring the town.
Hours: Always open as a public square and park.

One of the largest public squares in the Balkans, an open green expanse between the Old Town and the Old Fortress that's served as parade ground, cricket pitch, and public gathering space through Venetian, French, and British rule alike. The cricket ground on its southern end, still occasionally used for matches, is a distinctly British leftover rarely found anywhere else in Greece.

The Maitland Rotunda, a circular neoclassical monument to a British High Commissioner, sits within the square, and Liston runs along its western edge, so the two attractions are effectively part of the same space rather than separate stops.

It's less a single sight than the connective green heart of the town — a place to cross, sit, or watch a cricket match rather than a destination with a defined visit time.

Spianada Square FAQs

Why is there a cricket ground in Greece?

It's a legacy of British rule over the Ionian Islands in the 19th century; cricket has continued to be played on the Spianada occasionally ever since.

Is the Spianada the same thing as Liston?

No, Liston is the arcaded row of buildings and cafes along the square's western edge; the Spianada is the large open green space itself.

Is there shade in the square?

Some trees line parts of the square, but much of the open cricket-ground area is unshaded.

What is the Maitland Rotunda?

A circular neoclassical monument built to honor a British High Commissioner during the period of British administration.

Is the square used for events?

Yes, it regularly hosts festivals, concerts, and public gatherings in addition to occasional cricket matches.

Your travel graph

Ready to plan Spianada Square?Planning a trip soon? Add it to build an itinerary.

Reviews/Comments

No comments yet — be the first.