Corfu Synagogue & Jewish Quarter: A Complete Visitor’s Guide

JEWISH QUARTER & SYNAGOGUE AT A GLANCE

LocationCorfu Old Town (Evraiki)

Famous ForHistoric Synagogue & WWII History

VibeHistoric, Poignant & Hidden Gem

AccessBy Foot (Donations Welcome)

Key SightsScuola Greca Synagogue Interior

Best ForHistory Lovers & Cultural Insight

An Overview of the Jewish Quarter & Synagogue

Tucked away in the narrow streets near the New Fortress lies the historic heart of Corfu’s once-thriving Jewish community, known as the ‘Evraiki’. At its center stands the beautiful Scuola Greca Synagogue, the only one of four on the island to survive the bombing of WWII. This sacred place is more than just a building; it is a living monument to a community that flourished here for centuries before being almost entirely destroyed in the Holocaust. A visit is a deeply moving and important experience, offering a quiet space for reflection on Corfu’s rich, multicultural, and sometimes tragic past.

Quick Planner

⏳ Time Needed
45 Mins – 1 Hour

⭐ Don’t Miss
Memorial Plaques

📍 Plan Your Day
Combine with Corfu Old Town

How Will You Get Here?

By Car (Parking & Walk)

You cannot drive directly to the synagogue. Park at the New Port or Old Fortress car parks and enjoy a short walk.

View Parking Guide

By Bus (Walk from Terminal)

The main Blue Bus terminal at San Rocco Square is a 10-15 minute walk away, leading you into the Old Town.

View Bus Guide

Join a Guided Walking Tour

Explore the Old Town’s hidden gems, including the Jewish Quarter, with a knowledgeable local guide.

View Tour Options

In-Depth Guide & Details

Getting There & Location

The synagogue is located on Velissariou Street, deep within the pedestrianized Old Town.

By Car & Parking: You cannot drive here. The best options are the large paid car parks at the New Port or below the Old Fortress. From the New Port car park, it is a short 5-10 minute walk into the historic quarter.
By Bus: The main Blue Bus terminal at San Rocco Square is a 10-15 minute walk away. The Green Bus (KTEL) station is slightly further, around a 20-minute walk.
By Foot: This is the only way to reach the synagogue. Navigating the maze-like streets is part of the experience. It is best to use a GPS map to guide you to Velissariou Street.

Tickets & Access

Tickets: Entry to the synagogue is usually free, but donations are gratefully accepted and are vital for the maintenance of this important historic site.
Access & Hours: The synagogue is an active place of worship, not a full-time museum, so opening hours for visitors can be very limited. It is best to check locally for the current times, which are often posted on the door. Please dress modestly and be respectful of the sacred nature of the site.

What to See: Key Highlights

The experience is one of quiet contemplation and historical discovery.

The Scuola Greca Synagogue: Step inside to admire the beautiful interior, with its elegant Aron Kodesh (Holy Ark), central Bimah (pulpit), and upper women’s gallery, typical of the Italianate style.
The Memorial Plaques: Take a moment to read the poignant memorial plaques inside and outside, which list the names of the thousands of Corfiot Jews who were arrested and murdered in Auschwitz-Birkenau in June 1944.
The Jewish Quarter (Evraiki): While the community is now very small, you can still feel the history by simply wandering the surrounding narrow streets, such as Velissariou, Palaiologou, and Agias Sofias, which once formed the vibrant heart of the quarter.

Is the Jewish Quarter & Synagogue Worth Visiting?

You’ll Love This Site If…

You are interested in Jewish history and heritage.
You have an interest in World War II and Holocaust history.
You want to gain a deeper, more complete understanding of Corfu’s diverse past.
You are seeking a meaningful, quiet, and non-touristy experience.

Important Things to Know…

Opening hours are very limited. You must plan your visit and may need to be flexible.
This is a solemn place of memory and worship. It is not a typical tourist attraction.
Modest dress is required to enter the synagogue (covering shoulders/knees).
The experience is deeply moving and historically significant.

Visitor Reviews