The Nerantzicha Tower is an archaeological monument in Corfu Town, and the only surviving part of the city wall of ancient Paleopolis.
The construction of the Nerantzicha Tower dates back to the 5th century BC. The reason this particular section survived while no other parts of the defensive walls remain, is that the tower was transformed into a Byzantine church around the 11-12th century. Therefore the historical monument, of which only one wall remains, characterizes two different eras: the Classical and Byzantine periods.
The church was a single-ailed basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary of Nerantzicha. Around 1900, the western wall, as well as the bell tower, collapsed. However, the wall containing the icon of the Virgin Mary remains preserved to this day.
If you’re interested in seeing more of the history of Corfu and ancient Paleopolis, you can also visit the remains of the Temple of Artemis, the Holy Monastery of Saint Theodore, and the oldest cemetery of Corfu in the surrounding area.
