Corfu Town, the capital of Corfu Island, is one of the most appealing cities in Greece due to the extensive influence of the Venetians, however, British, French and Roman elements are also apparent across it. The town's Spianada Square is the largest square in Greece and the Balkans and among the largest in the world. The name Spianada is derived from the Italian word spianare which is translated to "to level". The reason is that, when the square was created (around the 16th century), the Venetians decided to tear down all structures around the Old Fortress for the locals to have increased visibility and a larger field of fire in the case of an invasion. Others believe that it is a paraphrase of the English word "esplanade". Spianada became a square much later, though. It was the construction of the majestic Liston complex of residencies (built by the French) and the Palace of Michael and George (built by the English) that turned Spianada into the most significant area and the most cosmopolitan meeting point of Corfu.
