Corfu's Jewish history: the quarter, the synagogue and the Holocaust
Corfu's Jewish community goes back almost a thousand years. Today you can visit the working synagogue, the old Jewish quarter and the Holocaust memorial.
- Jews lived in Corfu by the 12th century and were later joined by Jews from Apulia, Spain and Portugal.
- In June 1944 about 1,900 Jews were deported to Auschwitz; only about 180 survived.
- The synagogue at 4 Velissariou Street still operates, and a Holocaust memorial from 2001 stands near the New Fortress.
Visitors can add a short Jewish heritage walk to Corfu Old Town: the quarter, the synagogue and the memorial are all within walking distance.
The Romaniotes
According to the Central Board of Jewish Communities of Greece, Corfu's first Jews were Romaniotes, Greek-speaking Jews of the Byzantine world, living on Kambielou hill in an area called "Ebraida". Benjamin of Tudela mentions them in the 12th century.
Spain, Apulia and Portugal
Venice ruled Corfu from 1387, and new waves arrived:
| Period | Who came |
|---|---|
| After 1492 | Exiles from Spain |
| 1494 | Jews from Apulia in southern Italy (community recorded 1551) |
| 1589 | Former conversos of Portuguese origin |
The Jewish quarter
In 1622 the Venetians defined a Jewish quarter, bounded roughly by Velissariou, Agia Sofia and Palaiologou streets, all within today's Old Town.
1891 and emigration
The community numbered about 5,000 in the late 19th century. Anti-Jewish riots in 1891 led many to leave. About 1,900 Jews remained before the Second World War.
The Holocaust
German forces occupied Corfu on 27 September 1943. On 8 June 1944 the Jews were ordered to report and were arrested the next morning, then sent via Athens to Auschwitz. About 200 escaped or hid; only about 180 deportees survived. In 1946 the community had about 140 members.
What to see today
- The synagogue at 4 Velissariou Street, built during British rule (1814–1864), still in use. Check visiting times in advance.
- The Holocaust memorial, erected in 2001 in the square by the New Fortress, near the port.
- The quarter's streets, easy to add to an Old Town walk. See our complete Corfu guide and Corfu.
The community is now very small; contact it or the Central Board before visiting.
For kosher food see kosher food in Corfu and Shabbat times.
FAQ
Is there an active synagogue in Corfu? Yes, at 4 Velissariou Street in the Old Town. Check opening times in advance.
How many Jews lived in Corfu before the Holocaust? About 1,900. Most were deported to Auschwitz in June 1944 and about 180 survived.
Where is the Jewish quarter? In the Old Town, roughly between Velissariou, Agia Sofia and Palaiologou streets.
Where is the Holocaust memorial? In the square by the New Fortress, near the port, erected in 2001.
