Inside the construction site of the new farmers market (inexcusably built on the New Fortess western ditch) was found some ruins of an old building dated from the period of the british occupation of Corfu (1812-1864). Its use most probably was a defensive one. It might have served as mews, as an arsenal or even as a watchman's house.
Anyway, an extensive and systematic archeological survey should be done in order to assess and decide whether this finding should be protected or be buried and swallowed by the new farmers market. Unfortunately, the evaluation is going very slow and the market has been under construction for some 3 or 4 years now (it should have been constructed in under a half year's period!).
In my opinion, the farmer market should never have been constructed on that historic site. Being on the venetian 16th century ditch, it should have been preserved and reconstructed in its former state, showing off to locals and greeks alike the extensive and unique defensive system that Corfu had in the past.
2 comments:
Many developers, when preparing new sites, are disappointed at finding archaeological remains and are often reluctant to declare their findings because it delays their plans, interrupts their cash flow and reduces their profit. I've heard of private and public developers (not only in Greece) reburying the remains of ancient constructions they've uncovered in order to avoid disrupting their plans and protect their investment. In UK archaeologists have refined swift ways to excavate, analyse and map development sites, removing any artefacts to their safe keeping. Because they have developed a reputation for doing this swiftly and efficiently, developers are encouragaed to be more public-spirited, sometimes incorporating these discoveries into their developments as a feature of the building that can be open to the public. Thus history is preserved and the business gets good publicity, indirectly and through receiving so many visitors.The business may contribute to costs of the dig and gain tax relief for allowing the delay and public access.
Very good blog. Congratulation admin.
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