an island in the Ionian sea, at the mouth of the gulf of Venice, formerly called Corcyra and Pharusa, famous for the gardens of Alcinous. It belonged formerly to the Venetians; but was transferred to France in 1797. It was reduced by the Turks and Russians jointly in 1799, was again given up to France in 1807, and in 1814 was given up to Great Britain, as protector of the Ionian islands. This island forms the seat of the government, and contained 60,000 inhabitants in 1807. See Ionian Islands, Supplement. The inhabitants are of the Greek church. The soil is very fruitful, and produces a great deal of wine, olives, and several other fruits, particularly figs, which are exceedingly good.

During the Venetian government this island was the residence of the governor general, whose jurisdiction extended over all the islands subject to the republic of Venice, in the Levant seas, and was considered as one of the greatest honours they could confer on a subject. He was always a nobleman of the first rank, and had his appointment for three years only, in which time he made a tolerable addition to his fortune, and on his return to Venice was generally advanced to the honours of the senate.

the chief city of the island of that name. It is situated on the east side of the island, and is built in the form of an amphitheatre on the northern slope of a promontory, at the foot of which the port opens. It is neither large nor well built, but is extremely strong. It has two citadels; the one the residence of the governor, separated from the city by an esplanade, and the other, called the fort, situated a little to the west. The harbour is rather small, admitting only merchant vessels and sloops of war, but the road is capacious and secure. Part of the suburb Kastrados stands on the site of the ancient town. In front of Corfu, at the distance of a mile, is the island of Vido, anciently called Pichia, where the lazaretto is kept. It is protected by a triple range of batteries, and forms a strong outwork to the fortifications of the harbour. The inhabitants of the town amount to 15,000, and carry on a considerable trade. In the war the Venetians had with the Turks in 1716, this town was attacked by an army. army of 80,000 men, and attempted to be stormed several times by the enemy; but the garrison, which consisted of 12,000 men, under the command of Count Schulenburg, made so brave and gallant a defence, that they always repulsed them, and obliged them to raise the siege, and abandon the place with considerable loss. For this piece of service the republic caused a magnificent statue to be erected in memory of the count, with an elegant Latin inscription, setting forth the many eminent services of his military achievements. In the city are many handsome Greek churches, the principal of which is that of St Speridione, or the cathedral. It is embellished with some excellent paintings, and most superbly ornamented. The body of the saint from whom it was named, is preserved entire in a rich shrine within the church. The Greeks are most of them such fanatics as to be continually offering their devotions at this shrine, believing that through the intercession of the saint they will obtain all their wants; and that by offerings of money their sins will be forgiven them; by which means the church has amassed an immense treasure. The relic of the saint is deposited in a silver coffin, richly decorated with precious stones. It is in an amazing state of preservation: he having died in the island of Cyprus upwards of 700 years ago; and after remaining 400 years there, was transported to this place. The chief diversions of this place in the winter are operas; they have always a company of comedians for the season from Naples. In the summer they pass their time in walking upon the ramparts; few except the governor and great officers of state are permitted to keep carriages. The Corfu people perfectly resemble the Zanteots in their manners (see ZANTE); thought it must be observed, in praise of the former, that assassinations are uncommon among them, their laws being too severe to permit such practices with impunity. E. Long. 19. 58. N. Lat. 30. 50.