The impressive group of residences in Spianada, the famous Liston, was built between 1807 and 1814, from the French Imperialists. It is a group of buildings that are developed linearly in front of Spianada square. The name Liston was given by the Kerkyreans and it comes from the word “list” in the Venetian dialect that means “straight line”, or maybe, because mainly those registered in the list of the city's aristocrats used to walk along its pavements.

The building was designed by the French architect Lesseps, who was influenced by the architects Percier and Fontaine that have designed the famous arcaded facades in Rue de Rivoli in Paris. In the design and in the construction of the building, the Greek engineer Ioannis Parmezan had an active role.

The arcades, in the ground floor of Liston, have for many years been used for recreation, entertaining restaurants and cafes. Liston always constituted the most social point of the city and a place for meetings and entertainment for the aristocrats of the city.

The big arcade of Liston, in combination with the big square of Spianada contributed to creating the most impressive and lively public place of Greece.

back to sights