The Old Fortress of Corfu was constructed by the Venetians in the 15th century on the site of a former Byzantine castle. To make it more secure, they made an artificial fosse. The fortress was connected to the land by a movable, wooden bridge. In 1819, the British replaced this bridge with the present stable pathway, which is 60m long and stands 15m above the fosse, locally known as contrafossa. Today it is one of the most impressive sights on Corfu.
The New Fortress of Saint Mark in Corfu is also referred to as the Fortress of San Marco. It was built by the Venetians and is strategically located in close proximity to the Old Harbor of the town. It took a rather long time to be built (1576 and 1645).