Liston, Corfu (must see)

It is generally believed that "Liston" is derived from the Venetian "lista," meaning a wide, pedestrian street. Others say that before Corfu was united with Greece in 1864, access to Liston was restricted to the nobility of Corfiot society. Their names were posted on a "List" at the head of the street. Ordinary people could walk somewhere else.

This may all be a myth. There is no documentary proof, but one thing is for sure. It is a delightful place to walk, at any time of day, in any season. Liston lies beside Spianada Square, the largest square in the Balkans and the scene of many a cricket match.

The boulevard connects the historical center of the Old Town (with the Old Fort and the Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George) with the South end of Spianada Square. It also lies close to the Church of Saint Spyridon, the patron saint of Corfu.

Liston is a popular social area and a venue for many cultural events. Philharmonic bands and traditional dancing and singing groups in 19th-century costumes often appear. There are, as well, book and photography exhibitions.

Huge Easter events take place in Holy Week. Innumerable lanterns glow in Liston, emitting a mournful purple light throughout the week. The epitaphs and processions end on Easter morning with the traditional throwing of jugs in front of Saint Spyridon's.

Liston lines the northern half of Spianada Square. It owes its elegant arcades and Rivoli street "rue de Rivoli" Paris-style buildings to the French occupiers of 1807 to 1814. Under the canopied arcades sprawl see-and-be-seen cafes, touching the Spianada and the Kapodistriou behind the block. The Napoleonic era was not all bad for everybody.

In the mornings, take coffee in a cafe under the arcades. Enjoy delicious Corfiot sweets with kumquat or ginger beer. Watch the people go by and listen to a cricket match in the square.