Gate of Saint Nicholas: A Venetian Relic in Corfu Town
Explore the Gate of Saint Nicholas in Corfu Town, a historic Venetian gate offering a glimpse into the island's fortified past.
The Gate of Saint Nicholas stands as a testament to Corfu Town's rich Venetian history. Constructed during the late 16th century, between 1576 and 1588, by the Venetian authorities, the gate formed part of the city's fortifications designed to protect it from Ottoman invasions. It provided passage between the town and the sea. Named after the nearby Church of Saint Nicholas, the gate is located on the northeastern side of Corfu Town, close to Faliraki beach. It is one of the few remaining gates of the original eight that once punctuated the Venetian-era fortifications. The gate offers a glimpse into the architectural and strategic importance of Corfu during Venetian rule. Today, the Gate of Saint Nicholas provides access from the town to the seafront. The gate is located on the northern side of Spianada square, at the base of the walls below the level of the coastal road.
Local tips
- Take a stroll along Faliraki beach after visiting the gate for scenic views of the Ionian Sea.
- Combine your visit with a walk around the Old Town of Corfu to explore more Venetian-era architecture.
- Visit the nearby Church of Saint Nicholas, after which the gate is named.
A brief summary to Gate of Saint Nicholas
- Kapodistriou, Corfu, 491 00, GR
Getting There
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Walking
From the Old Fortress, walk west along the coastal road for approximately 10 minutes. The Gate of Saint Nicholas will be on your left, at the base of the fortification walls. There are no costs associated with this approach.
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Public Transport
From San Rocco Square in Corfu Town, take any of the local blue buses that head towards Faliraki. Alight at the bus stop closest to Faliraki beach and walk towards the coast; the gate will be visible on your right. A single bus fare costs approximately €1.10 - €1.80.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Corfu Town. A short taxi ride from the Corfu International Airport to the Gate of Saint Nicholas typically costs between €15-€20 and takes around 10 minutes. Ensure the driver resets the taximeter at the start of the journey; the base fare is €3.60, with a price of €1.10 per km.
