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Banknote Museum of the Ionian Bank: A Numismatic Journey Through Greek History

Explore Greece's financial past at the Banknote Museum of the Ionian Bank in Corfu Town, featuring a vast collection of banknotes and monetary artifacts.

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Explore the fascinating world of Greek currency at the Banknote Museum of the Ionian Bank in Corfu Town. Housed in the historic first branch of the Ionian Bank, the museum showcases a comprehensive collection of banknotes, coins, and related artifacts, tracing the monetary history of Greece from 1822 to the introduction of the Euro.

A brief summary to Banknote Museum of the Ionian Bank

Local tips

  • Allow at least 30 minutes to fully explore the museum's collection, but those with a keen interest in numismatics may want to allocate more time.
  • The museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
  • Take advantage of the free admission to discover the fascinating history of Greek currency.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through Corfu Town's charming Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Banknote Museum is located in Corfu Town, a 7-minute walk from the central bus station and a 10-minute walk from the nearest parking lot. From Liston Square, walk east along Nikiforou Theotoki. The museum will be on your right.

  • Public Transport

    Corfu Town is served by both blue city buses and green intercity buses. The main hub for both is San Rocco Square. From San Rocco Square, walk along Georgiou Theotoki until you reach Nikiforou Theotoki. Turn right; the museum will be on your left. Bus tickets range from €1.10 to €1.80.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Corfu Town. A short taxi ride from the Corfu International Airport to the museum in Corfu Town typically costs between €15 and €20, and the journey takes around 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Ensure the driver resets the taximeter at the start of the journey, with a base fare of €3.60 and a price of €1.10 per km.

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Discover more about Banknote Museum of the Ionian Bank

The Banknote Museum of the Ionian Bank, located in the heart of Corfu Town, offers a unique glimpse into the financial history of Greece. Situated within the historic building that once housed the first Corfu branch of the Ionian Bank, established in 1840, the museum's collection spans nearly 200 years of Greek monetary evolution. The museum's exhibits begin with the bond notes in piastres issued by the Provisional Government of Greece in 1822 and the "phoenix" banknote issued by Ioannis Kapodistrias in 1831. The collection progresses through the various banknotes issued by the Ionian Bank, the National Bank of Greece, and the Bank of Greece, culminating with the last drachma banknotes before the adoption of the Euro in 2002. Visitors can view a wide array of monetary-related items, including checks, documents, stamps, and printing machines, offering insight into the daily operations of the bank during its active years. One of the museum's prized possessions is a rare Chinese banknote dating back to 1300 A.D., considered among the oldest in the world. The museum also highlights the various stages of banknote production, including the creation of watermarks and the engraving of metal plates. The building itself, designed by renowned Corfiot architect Ioannis Chronis, is a neoclassical masterpiece, adding to the museum's appeal. The museum is located on the first floor of this historic building. The second floor often hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events. Admission is free, making it accessible to all. The museum provides information in both Greek and English, ensuring a comprehensive experience for a diverse audience.

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