Kassiopi is a village located in the northeast region of Corfu, whose history dates back over 2200
years to before Christ. There are two different stories as to who were the first inhabitants of Kassiopi.
One is that the first inhabitants were from a village of the same name from the mainland, who came
to Kassiopi during the years 227-160BC They came across because living conditions there were
made difficult by barbaric invasions. The second view is that the King of Epirus, with the intention
of creating a strategic shelter, decided to increase the population of Corfu and so he conquered
in 281BC and transfered inhabitants from the mainland. Kassiopi became an important hideaway
and significant port. Neronas, the King of Rome, stayed there and set up the baths in Kassiopi. It
had a workshop that made its own currency, a sure sign of power in the region. The first inhabitants
of Kassiopi worshiped the ancient Greek god Cassio Dia and built a temple in his honour, which
was one of the most beautiful temples of its time. The church on the main road to the harbour is
built upon its ruins and is called Yperageia Theotokos Kassopitra. Kassiopi was destroyed by the
Venetians during the Roman Empire and completely deserted by the Turkish during the invasion
of 1537. In 1604, priests from Epirus established themselves in Kassiopi so as to once again turn it
into a powerful state.
Although a major resort on the island, few people wander up to the old village where the castle
dates back to Byzantine times lies. The fortress was used as a fortification and lookout post against
invaders and is currently being renovated to its former glory. With a census population of over
1,000 it would be difficult to estimate the true village number as the boundaries have been blurred
by tourism. Look around the castle area, whose access is opposite the main church, and you will
find the old village houses behind the newer buildings. All this information was kindly supplied from the books written by Steve Ford and the money raised from sales of these goes to Corfu Charities. Please use the link below to download your own copy and find more information on all the villages listed and more from Steve
years to before Christ. There are two different stories as to who were the first inhabitants of Kassiopi.
One is that the first inhabitants were from a village of the same name from the mainland, who came
to Kassiopi during the years 227-160BC They came across because living conditions there were
made difficult by barbaric invasions. The second view is that the King of Epirus, with the intention
of creating a strategic shelter, decided to increase the population of Corfu and so he conquered
in 281BC and transfered inhabitants from the mainland. Kassiopi became an important hideaway
and significant port. Neronas, the King of Rome, stayed there and set up the baths in Kassiopi. It
had a workshop that made its own currency, a sure sign of power in the region. The first inhabitants
of Kassiopi worshiped the ancient Greek god Cassio Dia and built a temple in his honour, which
was one of the most beautiful temples of its time. The church on the main road to the harbour is
built upon its ruins and is called Yperageia Theotokos Kassopitra. Kassiopi was destroyed by the
Venetians during the Roman Empire and completely deserted by the Turkish during the invasion
of 1537. In 1604, priests from Epirus established themselves in Kassiopi so as to once again turn it
into a powerful state.
Although a major resort on the island, few people wander up to the old village where the castle
dates back to Byzantine times lies. The fortress was used as a fortification and lookout post against
invaders and is currently being renovated to its former glory. With a census population of over
1,000 it would be difficult to estimate the true village number as the boundaries have been blurred
by tourism. Look around the castle area, whose access is opposite the main church, and you will
find the old village houses behind the newer buildings. All this information was kindly supplied from the books written by Steve Ford and the money raised from sales of these goes to Corfu Charities. Please use the link below to download your own copy and find more information on all the villages listed and more from Steve
Websitehttps://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=steve+ford+corfu+villages&ref=nb_sb_noss_2
Emailcorfuvillageseu@gmail.com
Location:Kassiopi Bay, Kassiopi 491 00, Greece