Spianada

Spianada
Esplanade
Σπιανάδα
Interactive map of Spianada
Type	Public square, Urban park
Location	Corfu, Greece
Coordinates	39°37′24″N 19°55′28″E / 39.62333°N 19.92444°E / 39.62333; 19.92444
Administered by	Municipality of Corfu
Water	Fountain (Vagianos well)
Parking	Yes
Monuments	Maitland Rotunda, Monument of the Union of the Eptanese
Facilities	Playground, cricket field

Spianada (Greek: Σπιανάδα, pronounced [spi.aˈna.ða], "esplanade") is a large central square located in the city of Corfu, Greece. It is the largest square in Greece by area and is situated directly in front of the Old Fortress.

The Upper Square (Pano Plateia) forms the southern part of the Spianada. It is an elongated area characterized by dense vegetation, flower beds, and landscaped walkways. At its center stands the circular Maitland Rotunda (locally known as "Rotunda") and the musical bandstand (Palko), where events and concerts by the local philharmonic societies take place.

The Lower Square (Kato Plateia) occupies the northern part of the area and extends parallel to the Liston complex. It is an open, flat, grass-covered space that hosts the city's Cricket field. The Palace of St. Michael and St. George dominates the northern end of the square.

The name of the square is derived from the Venetian word for an "open flat area," reflecting the four centuries of Venetian rule over the island of Corfu.

Its current form dates back to the temporary period of French occupation of the Ionian Islands, including Corfu, during the Napoleonic Wars.^[1]

The cricket ground, a major part of the park, occupies a significant portion of the square. The local passion for cricket is of British origin, dating back to the period of the British Protectorate (1814–1864).

The square is one of the most central and popular landmarks of the city, serving as a major attraction for tourists.

The Spianada fountain, or Vagianos well to the locals, was a donation by the Greek physician and benefactor Georgios Vagianos, originally from Konya in Asia Minor.^[2][3][4]

• 
  Arcades of the Liston.
• 
  View of the Church of Panagia Mandrakina.
• 
  The Maitland Rotunda.
• 
  Traditional houses overlooking the square.
• 
  View of the fountain in the square.
• 
  A Philharmonic Society performing during an event.

• Media related to Spianada at Wikimedia Commons