The Esplanade, also known as Spianada is the largest and most popular area of Corfu town (Kerkyra) and the second largest square in Europe. It is located between the Old fortress and city. Until the 19th century this area was a vast wasteland and was used by the citizens for defense purposes.

The Esplanade as we see it today, became a public square and Park area of the city in the period of French rule on the island. It is the French broke here a nice city Park with plenty of greenery and cozy alleys. The square is surrounded by buildings from different historical periods, which have played an important role in the development of the town and island. Sea side is the Old fortress Paleo Frourio. On the North side of the square stands the majestic British neoclassical building of the Palace of St. Michael and St. George (the Royal Palace). The building was built from Maltese limestone in 1819-1824 years by the British engineer, Colonel, sir George Whitmore. On the Western side of the area bounded by the street, above which rises a massive complex of arched structures, known as the Liston. It was built in 1807 by the French architect Matthieu de Lesseon in the image of the Parisian Rue de Rivoli. Nowadays it hosts a cozy and gourmet restaurants and cafes.

On the square is a statue of Ioannis Kapodistrias was born in Corfu and the first President of Greece. Here is also the monument to Thomas Maitland (the first high Commissioner of Britain on the island). The fountain is a marble monument dedicated to the unification of the island of Corfu and Greece, on which are carved the symbols of all the Ionian Islands.

Today the Esplanade is the busiest part of modern Corfu and a favorite meeting place for residents and visitors alike. This is sort of a center of Commerce, recreation, social activities and most important city events. Every year in the summer on the square held a tournament for the game of cricket, which became popular in the period of British rule.