The village of Giannades is located 13 km west of Corfu town and 7 km southeast of Paleokastritsa. Three kilometres south of the village is the beach of Ermones, while from above, the former swamp, which has dried up and today, is a plain; a cultivated area of 10,000 acres known as the Ropa valley. The beautiful village, with its long history and 18th century buildings, is a medley of hues.
The old buildings stand out and minimal interventions deviate, evident of the respect shown by the approximately 500 inhabitants of the village for preserving its tradition and history in its beautiful antiquated elements.
Back in time, the village of Giannades is said to have taken its name from the surname of a feudal lord, Giannades. The village monopolized the interest of the conquerors, from the Andeans to the Venetians, due to its special oak powder or tanning agent. The β€prinokokiβ€ as it is called, was a product that was exported for tanning, a crimson or
scarlet coloured dye. Later the olive groves, the vineyards but also the drying of the Ropa swamp and its cultivation, was of interest to the Venetians.
The important architecture of the village, testifies to its long history. The streets are narrow, as in many villages of the island. From the main square of the village there is a panoramic view of the current, fertile Ropa valley, a tapestry of colour.
Do not forget to enjoy the tasty, traditional dishes that you will find in the colloquial tavernas of the village and drink your coffee in one of the traditional cafes while
enjoying images that take you back in time to a bygone era. All this on the island of Corfu, that manages to combine mountain and sea at close quarters, and to include magnificent, miniature landscapes of everything that makes Greece famous around the world.
A journey to the past
