Alcinoos harbor was initially built for military purposes, which is why was fortified and well defended, but eventually became a commercial port, so it was surrounded by both military and commercial installations. It was the center of the public, religious, social, and commercial life of the ancient city (Paleopolis).
Location
39.610699,19.928118
Chronology
Mythical times, 7th cent. BC, 5th cent. BC, Roman Times, 2nd cent. AD
Visible / Reachable by public?
Yes, reachable by the public, by car or public transportation.
Heritage Value
Alcinoos harbor was initially built for military purposes, which is why was fortified and well defended, but eventually became a commercial port, so it was surrounded by both military and commercial installations. It was the center of the public, religious, social and commercial life of the ancient city (Paleopolis-Παλαιόπολις). The Agora (Αγορά, Market) was the place of concentration of citizens and, at the same time, a trading venue, the commercial market. Its location should be easily accessible to the means of transport arriving from the harbor or inland, and to provide facilities for refueling. It was also a meeting point for the Corcyreans. Traders were dealing with customers, while people made their walk there, discussing political issues, learning the news. The Agora in the Hellenistic and Roman era was covered with pavement, made of large slabs, under which there was a drainage system. Next to the Agora, the houses of rich merchants and consuls were built.
Touristic exploitation
Yes, no admittance fee.
Eco-Touristic added value
The natural environment of Alcinoos harbor is of exceptional beauty. It offered a wonderful view of the Old town of Corfu, also of the Albanian coast and of Epirus coast. Apart from that, it is near a park with trees and a fountain, while the Mon Repos installations, where a Palace is sited, are also in high vicinity. A public and a private beach is a parallel attraction to visitors of the site. Anemomylos is another site worthy of seeing at a very close vicinity. It is a promontory, situated at the edge of Garitsa bay, now used as a harbor hosting mainly sailing vessels. The combination of the visit of the archaeological site with the visit to the beach, to the park, as well as to the ‘lake’ of the Hyllaic port, two sites that have also a pristine seascape and landscape will guarantee the sustainability of the site.
Proposed activities
Boat trip through Garitsa gulf; tourist guidance from the boat; sailing; walking tour through the ancient installations. Guided tour in Paleopolis ruins, the Early-Christian Basilica. Cycling tour all over the area, in the peninsula hosting the two ancient harbors. Swimming activities in vicinity in Anemomylos and Mon Repos. A modern open theater (Mon Repos) is in close vicinity and hosts performances and activities, so it could be used for the presentation of the site. Cycling from the city of Corfu (5-10 min.).
