DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.4098#0051
28 ARRIVAL AT CORFU.
the end of the Adriatic, and beginning of the Ionian Sea. The
Epirote mountains were covered with snow, which had fallen during
the late storm. At a great distance inland the lofty Tomaros,1 and
the still more magnificent Pindos, were distinguished rearing their
white and pointed summits above the clouds.
On the 27th, after passing near the Phalakron promontory,
formed by Mount Pantokrator, we entered the narrow canal which
separates Corfu from the coast of Epiros. The rocks which
rose on our right, at the distance of a few yards, are the northern
end of the highest mountain in the island, called Pantokrator ; the
city of Cassiope, and temple of Jupiter Cassius, were in this
situation; in the vicinity is a church dedicated to the Madonna di
Cassopo. On the opposite coast of Epiros was another Cassiope,
the exact position of which is unknown ; but it was between Onches-
mos and Buthroton, nearest to the latter. The ancient walls of
Buthroton remain, and are composed of well-joined polygonal blocks.
This place is called Bothrentos by Cantacuzene,2 which name it still
retains, although it is commonly called Butrinto by the Italians.
Having passed this narrow strait, and an insulated rock called
Serpa, we entered the widest part of the canal, which in some
places opens into an expanse of about twelve miles broad. On
our left was the grand range of the Epirote mountains; on our
right, the green and fertile Corfu, with its olive groves, its undulating
and variegated hills, its capital, and its fortifications. We sailed
close to the island of Vido, the ancient Ptychia, and cast anchor
under the walls of the city. We presented our passport and letters
to Mr. Foresti,3 (British consul-general, and since minister) who
received us with all possible civility. We took up our abode at a
miserable inn, the only one in the town, where every thing was so
filthy, that during the nights, we were quite infested with insects;
1 Or Tmaros—Strabo, b. 7. now Tomaritz. - Hist. b. 2. c. 37. p. 321. Paris edit.
3 Now Sir Speridion Foresti, Knt.
the end of the Adriatic, and beginning of the Ionian Sea. The
Epirote mountains were covered with snow, which had fallen during
the late storm. At a great distance inland the lofty Tomaros,1 and
the still more magnificent Pindos, were distinguished rearing their
white and pointed summits above the clouds.
On the 27th, after passing near the Phalakron promontory,
formed by Mount Pantokrator, we entered the narrow canal which
separates Corfu from the coast of Epiros. The rocks which
rose on our right, at the distance of a few yards, are the northern
end of the highest mountain in the island, called Pantokrator ; the
city of Cassiope, and temple of Jupiter Cassius, were in this
situation; in the vicinity is a church dedicated to the Madonna di
Cassopo. On the opposite coast of Epiros was another Cassiope,
the exact position of which is unknown ; but it was between Onches-
mos and Buthroton, nearest to the latter. The ancient walls of
Buthroton remain, and are composed of well-joined polygonal blocks.
This place is called Bothrentos by Cantacuzene,2 which name it still
retains, although it is commonly called Butrinto by the Italians.
Having passed this narrow strait, and an insulated rock called
Serpa, we entered the widest part of the canal, which in some
places opens into an expanse of about twelve miles broad. On
our left was the grand range of the Epirote mountains; on our
right, the green and fertile Corfu, with its olive groves, its undulating
and variegated hills, its capital, and its fortifications. We sailed
close to the island of Vido, the ancient Ptychia, and cast anchor
under the walls of the city. We presented our passport and letters
to Mr. Foresti,3 (British consul-general, and since minister) who
received us with all possible civility. We took up our abode at a
miserable inn, the only one in the town, where every thing was so
filthy, that during the nights, we were quite infested with insects;
1 Or Tmaros—Strabo, b. 7. now Tomaritz. - Hist. b. 2. c. 37. p. 321. Paris edit.
3 Now Sir Speridion Foresti, Knt.