The Archbishops’ Palace is a historic Venetian building on Dimarchiou Square, also known as Town Hall Square, in the historic center of Corfu Town. The palace is located on the highest part of the square, the southern side, right opposite the Sian Giacomo Theater (former Town Hall).
The Archbishops’ Palace was initially built for two Venetian councilors but was given to the Latin Archbishop as his residence in 1652. Earthquakes in 1743 and 1754 caused severe damage to the building, after which the Latin Bishop of the time, Archbishop Antonius Nani, took care of its reconstruction. The restoration works were completed in 1754, an event which is commemorated with a plague on the facade of the building.
When Corfu came under French rule in 1797, the Bishop was expelled and the building became a city hall. It was later shortly used to house the Ionian Senate, and under British rule (1814-1864), it became a courthouse.
In 1943, the building suffered severe damage again, this time by the World War II bombings. After the war, the Archbishops’ Palace was bought and restored by the Bank of Greece. At this time, it was also declared a historic monument.
The Archbishops’ Palace has a typical Venetian architecture, which can be easily identified by its windows, balconies, and Doric columns. The building is located at a higher level than the rest of the square, and a large staircase leads to its entrance.
