Spianada

Spianada, also known as the Esplanade, is a large public square in Corfu Town, on the island of Corfu, Greece. The name derives from the Italian spianata, meaning a flat open space. The square is a central feature of the town’s layout, bordered by the Liston arcade to the east and the Ionian Sea to the south, with the Venetian-era fortifications nearby. It is widely described as one of Greece’s largest squares and among the largest in Europe.

The heart of the Spianada is a broad lawn, flanked by avenues and shade trees, with paths radiating outward. The Liston arcade forms an elegant covered promenade along the eastern edge, and the square opens toward military fortifications and the waterfront. The area links the town’s historic core with its seaside promenade.

Development began under Venetian rule in the 16th–17th centuries as a parade ground and drill yard. The space was later modified under French and British administration, and the adjacent Liston arcade was added in the early 19th century. In the 19th century, the open lawn was used for cricket matches played by British officials, a distinctive feature of its colonial past.

Today the Spianada serves as a major public and ceremonial space. It is a popular site for walking, relaxation, outdoor concerts, and festivals, and it provides views of the Old Fortress and the harbor. The Esplanade remains a symbol of Corfu Town’s social life and is part of the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Corfu.