Corcyra, Archaeological site in Palaeopolis, Corfu, Greece
Corcyra is an archaeological site in Palaeopolis that preserves the remains of an ancient Greek settlement on a peninsula between Garitsa Bay and the former Hyllaian Harbor. The acropolis rises on the southern highland, and many foundations and structures are still visible today, though parts lie beneath modern construction.
The ancient city was founded as a Corinthian colony in 734 BC and quickly grew into a major naval power. It participated in the first recorded sea battle between Greek states in 664 BC, marking a turning point in early Greek history.
The Temple of Artemis on the northern slopes displays some of the earliest stone pediment sculptures in Greece. The famous Medusa figure found there represents an important moment in how ancient Greeks learned to carve stone.
The site lies beneath and around the Mon Repos Museum, which displays artifacts and provides context about the ancient settlement. Most areas can be explored on foot, though some parts are interrupted by modern roads and the airport runway.
Parts of the ancient city lie beneath the modern airport runway, where Venetian salt pans once operated. This unusual layering of ancient, medieval, and modern history makes this a rare case where different periods literally rest on top of one another.
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