The new Fortress was built during the first phase of the walling of Borgo or Xopoli (the settlement –city) that was outside of the Old Fortress. This first phase lasted twelve years from 1577 until 1588 under the supervision of the Venetian engineer Francisco - Ferdinanto Vitelli. The entire walling of Borgo, which was an enormous project at the time, was the decision of Loredan and for its implementation stones and materials from Paleopoli were used. In order for space to be opened for the walls, 2.000 houses were demolished and thousands of golden Venetian ducats were spent.

The impressive fortifications of the New Fortress overlook the north-western side of the Old City, on the elevation of St. Mark, for this reason the Fortress is also called the Fortress of Saint Mark. In order to approach it, the visitor must go across the entire waterfront, the area of Mouragia and finally reach the old Harbour, where right above it stands the New Fortress. The Leon of Saint Mark distinguishes from the impressive main entrance of the New Fortress from the sea. One can enter the New Fortress from the southern gate, from the side of city with an entrance, which is less impressive than the main gate. The New Fortress is smaller than the Old Fortress in size.

The new Fortress is organised in two levels. The lower level, which protected the new harbour, includes a pentagonical rampart, an additional rampart and the small fortress “Punta Pepretura”. There is a three floor impressive building of 19th century here that accommodates the port authority.

In the highest level of fortification, that protected the side of the countryside, there are two ramparts in the west, which are called ramparts of the “Seven Winds”. They support a three-floor impressive building which was Barracks during English domination (1854), with marvelous interior that today accommodates exhibitions and a municipal refreshment stand. There is also a permanent exhibition of Ceramic Art with important samples of ceramics of Kerkyra, from various types and from various historical periods.

In almost all the magnitude of the Fortress, in the interior of ramparts and fortresses, there is an extensive network of underground galleries that were occasionally used as shelters. The galleries are not yet open for visiting. However, it is foreseen that the underground network of galleries will be restored and distinguished, and therefore, in the eyes of visitor, the picture of the importance of this technical work will be complete. In the remainder area of the Fortress, the tour is pleasant, while the view is impressive.

The Gates of the Old City
The gates of the city walling that ensured its communication with the sea, the surrounding settlements and the countryside, were four:

The Royal gate (Porta Reale), the most significant work of the Western walling, which constituted by the main entrance of the city from inside the island, was manufactured between 1576-78, and was demolished in 1894 for the opening up of G. Theotoki road.

Porta reale
The Raimonda gate (Porta Raimonda) in southern tip of Spianada. It was demolished in 1837 from the English for the opening of the watefront road to Garitsa.

The Cave gate (Porta di Spilea) incorporated in the barracks ensured the communication of the city with the new harbour. It was formed in the 16th century and constituted the main entrance from the sea.

The gate of St. Nikolaos (Porta S. Nicolo) in northern Spianada, it was incorporated in the Venetian building of the military Hospital.

The New Fortress is in the western side of the Old City and its access is either from its main entrance from the Old Harbour or from the smaller gate, in the south side, from Lohagou Sp. Veikou street.

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