Throughout the long and rich history of the island of Corfu, dozens of significant settlements, traditional villages, and locations of special importance have emerged. These places have not only shaped the cultural and social identity of the island but have also contributed to its evolving character over the centuries. However, Corfu’s history does not end in the present day, it reaches back into the past and uncovers villages and communities that once thrived but today no longer exist. Perhaps the best-known example of such a place is Old Perithia in the northern part of the island. Nevertheless, central Corfu, too, offers a range of interesting historical traces and forgotten stories.
One truly unknown village of the past, whose remnants cannot be found today due to extensive urban development, is the village of Mamaloi. The name “Mamaloi” derives from the family name “Mamalos,” and it appears that the area was a well-organized village as early as the 16th century. The location attributed to it is what we now know as the hill of Kogevinas, a site that today forms part of the greater Corfu Town area. Although we do not know for certain whether it was ever completely abandoned, it is highly likely that the village gradually merged into the neighboring regions of Alepou and Kotsela, transforming over time into residential suburbs.
A few kilometers south of the town of Corfu, and specifically between today’s villages of Kastellanoi Mesis and Kamara, once lay the village of Sgourades. Many people might confuse it with the village of the same name in the northern part of the island, but this was an entirely separate settlement that survived until just a few centuries ago. The existence of the village is confirmed by notarial documents dating from the 16th century, with the first known reference occurring in 1512. This community had its own church dedicated to Saint John the Kalyvitis and was administratively linked to Kamara, as noted in the documents of that time. The settlement seems to have been abandoned during the 17th century, although there is no clear information as to why it disappeared. Its demise was not due to a pirate raid, as the village continues to be mentioned in documents until at least 1590. The most probable cause appears to be the collapse of a rocky cliff from Mount Agioi Deka, which may have destroyed much of the village. The fate of its residents is also unknown, and the recurrence of the same surnames in neighboring villages makes it difficult to trace their relocation or integration.
These two villages, Mamaloi and Sgourades, have each written their own unique chapter in Corfu’s history. While they may have had different endings, one perhaps absorbed into the expanding urban sprawl, the other lost due to natural catastrophe, both remain integral to the island’s historical narrative. One could say that Mamaloi now exists in the form of the residential area that spreads across the Kogevinas hill, while Sgourades survives in the memories of Kamara’s residents, preserved in place names and the few ruins left behind.
Exploring the central part of Corfu offers visitors the opportunity to discover villages that appear to have been frozen in time. If you are fortunate, you may come across the ruins of abandoned churches or manor houses. However, it is quite rare to find visible remains of entire deserted villages in this region, due to natural overgrowth and modern development. Still, if you’re seeking a journey into the island’s past, a visit to Danilia is a must. Formerly known as the village of Bouas, Danilia is now essentially a large open-air museum designed to transport you back in time to the rural life of old Corfu.
At Danilia, you will have the chance to explore traditional Corfiot architecture and examine various tools and everyday objects from the island’s past. Walking through its cobbled streets, you’ll find carefully reconstructed buildings that reflect the architectural style and spirit of the island as it was centuries ago. As you sit down to enjoy a coffee in this beautifully preserved setting, you’ll feel as though you’ve taken a genuine step back in time. Far from the distractions of tourism, technology, and modern comforts, Danilia offers the atmosphere of a forgotten village and allows you to experience the essence of Corfiot life as it once was.
