The Ricci mansion

   In Moustoksidi street (colloquially known as "Plati Kantuni") stands the 17th century venetian mansion which belonged to the Ricci family. 

   Originally it had two floors and its main feature is the arched portico decorated with busts known as "mouronia". Above the portico there is a balcony from which the nobles watched the giostre, the venetian horse riding tournaments which took place during the carnival. 

   Afterwards, another two floors were added and the mansion served as a hotel named "Pension Suisse". It destroyed during the Second World War but it was restored by the end of it.

   Here are the nine busts ("mouronia") that adorn the portico of the mansion.

Α little concert with songs by the corfiot composer Giorgos Katsaros

   Yesterday the Philharmonic Society of Corfu performed four famous songs of the well-known corfiot composer Giorgos Katsaros.
    First song was "Kathe Limani Kai Kaimos".



Then, "Kithira"...



...and finally, "To Petinari" and "Kerkyra me to Pontikonissi" originally sung by the old corfiot actress Rena Vlachopoulou





All videos taken from CorfWeb1 channel in YouTube.

The Mustoksidi ("Plati Kantuni") alley

   The Mustoksidi street (colloquially known as "Plati Kantúni" which means "Wide alley") is one of two important streets of Porta Remunda district. During the Venetian occupation it was named Strada Larga (Wide street) because it was considerably wider than the neighbouring "kantunia" (alleys). It is a 5,30 to 7,65 metres wide street while most of old Corfu town's alleys are 2 to 3 metres wide. 

    The last Thursday of the venetian carnival a horse riding competition took place, the so called "giostre" in which noblemen on their horses had to pass a lance into an iron ring. The authorities used to assist the giostre from the balcony of the Ricci mansion (below). This competition was considered the most important event of the year during the venetian era.

   Next to the Ricci mansion, the Dimomitsi mansion houses today the Serbian museum.  

   The alley had been fully pedestrianised few years ago and parking is prohibited. Without a doubt, it is one of the most important and beautiful streets of our town.

The Ionian Parliament building

   The Ionian Parliament building is a neoclassical construction built in 1853 by the corfiot architect Ioannis Chronis. It is located at the end of Moustoxidi street (colloquially known as "Platí Kantuni") and is made of marble. In this building, in September 1863 the Ionian Parliament voted for the unification of the Ionian islands with the rest of Greece. After the union, it was turned into an Anglican church until the building's bombardment in 1943. It was completely restored in 1962 and now it houses the museum of the Fighters for Heptanisian Independence, a memorial to those who struggled for the liberation of the Ionian island. The building is also hosts cultural events, exhibitions and lectures. 

There is a commemorative plaque in english inside the porch, next to the building's entrance.

   The main entrance of the building is made of wood and above it there is an ornate ironwork. 

    The statue of Stefanos Padovas, the last president of the Ionian Parliament.

   Its columns have an intense Doric-Tuscan influence. 

   The eastern and western side of the building features windows which permit natural light enter inside.

The C.U.L.T.U.R.E project video about Corfu's historic centre

   Most of you already may know that the old Corfu town is a monument protected by UNESCO. Recently, the municipality of Corfu published a video funded by the organization and the E.U. about the protection and enhacement of the cultural identity of  the historical urban center. In the video, the neglect and indifference of the local authorities and a large part of the residents is discussed who don't appreciate this unique historic core, one of its kind in Greece and in Europe as a whole.

   The video is very interesting. The views of some locals who love their town and feel sad about its deterioration are expressed  and share their ideas on what should be done in order the beautiful historic centre become alive again.

The Holy Trinity Anglican Church

   The Holy Trinity Anglican Church is situated at the southern end of the Ionian Parliament building. It was established in 1864 to serve the needs of the local british community. It was damaged during Second World War and reopened in 1971.

   The services take place every Sunday at 10.30 a.m. and 19:00 p.m. For more information please visit the website of the corfiot anglican community: http://www.holytrinitycorfu.net/