A storm has blown in, cold and blustery, clouds heavy with rain. I’m hiding away inside, watching Miss Marple as I wait for a loaf of seeded, whole-grain bread to finish baking.
It’s the perfect sort of day to escape to a Greek isle for a sunny trek around Corfu’s Old Fort (Paleo Frourio). Even if it’s only in our imaginations.
I visited this 15th Century fortress three years ago with my brother and a group of dear friends.
Although it was only May, it was blisteringly hot, and we guzzled water as we gazed up at the crumbling rock walls that have protected Corfu for centuries from pirates and invaders.
Built by the Venetians on the site of a Byzantine castle, it used to be connected to the mainland by a moveable, wooden bridge.
The British replaced it with the current solid pathway in 1819.
The fortress has seen fierce battles, parades of prisoners condemned to death, and worshipers gathering at the only Doric-style church in all of Greece.
Historians believe it was the site of an ancient temple, and others have found written evidence of a settlement there, complete with churches, water cisterns and storehouses for gunpowder.
Walking down to see the Doric columns of the church, we craned our necks up the cliff face and saw a lighthouse towering high above us. In spite of the heat we were determined to see it, so up we went, one scorching step at a time.
Our steps led us around and through the Old Fort, deserted now after hundreds of years. I wished I could’ve closed my eyes and seen soldiers tramping through or heard lookouts hollering that they’d seen a ship.
I wondered what they’d eaten, where they’d slept, what their lives were like.
At last, huffing, puffing and drenched from exertion, we reached the top.
It was worth it.
The views were stunning, providing brilliant vistas of Corfu Island and the sea.
Even better were the breezes that swooped around us, cooling us just enough to let us enjoy the view we’d worked so hard to see.
What is the best view you’ve worked hard to see?
The best view I worked hard to see was in Haworth village in Yorkshire – the moors! I climbed a long way to see them.
Oh and is there anything better than Agatha Christie on TV? I think not.
I would love to visit Yorkshire and see the moors, Hila. 🙂 After all your posts on Wuthering Heights, I would love to read it for the first time in England. 🙂 I agree with you completely. Agatha Christie is always time well spent. 🙂
All of these buildings and structures are so breathtaking and awe-inspiring!
I’m so glad you feel that way, Joanne, I was in awe of them!! The walls so thick and massive, they made you feel safe. 🙂
Can I just be you for a week? I’m always blown away by the beautiful photos of all the places you visit all over the world, and Corfu’s old fort in Greece is no exception. I’m sorry I haven’t been around in a while..I’ve been dealing with some stuff in life..but I need to visit you on a much more daily basis..your posts always soothe..make me feel as if I’m experiencing it myself 🙂
Oh, now worries at all, dear Lisa!! Life has been topsy-turvy for me too, so I totally understand. 🙂 I’m so glad you’re back and will love chatting with you soon. 🙂 You wouldn’t want to be me today. I gardened nearly all day until after dark and am so sore I can barely move!!! Greece sounds like a very, very good idea. 🙂
amazing isn’t it what man has built that stays long after he is gone….
It sure is, Susan. I am always staggered by them, especially in light of the disposable buildings so often built today. 🙂
A delightful armchair travel session that you are so good at tempting us with Krista.
Thank you, Linda. 🙂 I do love taking trips, even if it’s from an armchair. 🙂
Those are definitely some gorgeous views – I love how old it all is!
Aren’t they fantastic, Andrea? 🙂 I just loved them. 🙂
You have seen some really beautiful parts of this world, wow!
Aaaah, Corfu… Love that island! We only had 2 days in Corfu Town and never had time to tour the castle as we were too busy shopping and eating LOL! Hope you got to go shopping in the little alleys in the old town too 🙂 The view from the top of Lion’s Head in Cape Town was quite a walk but oh so worth it!