Achilleion, Corfu, Greece - SpottingHistory

Achilleion is a palace built in Gastouri on the Island of Corfu for the Empress Elisabeth of Austria, also known as Sisi. Elisabeth was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of her only son, Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria following the Mayerling incident in 1889, and a year later she had this summer palace built as a refuge.

Achilleion is located about ten kilometres south of the city of Corfu and provides a panoramic view of the city to the north, and across the whole southern part of the island to the Ionian Sea.

The architectural style was designed to suggest an ancient palace of mythical Phaeacia. The motif centers on the hero Achilles of Greek mythology, from which the name is derived. Corfu was Elisabeth's favourite vacation destination and she wanted a palace to gratify her admiration for Greece, its language and its culture.

The property currently operates as a museum under the management of Hellenic Tourism Development Company, within the Greek National Tourism Organization.

User Reviews

Luna Batota (3 years ago)
When we visited in May 2021, not much could be visited inside. Only the ground floor was accessible due to renovation works. Outside was definitely an added value (nice view) but we were a bit dissapointed... (FYI: entree fee was 10 euros)

Arthit Yodyunyong (3 years ago)
Easily the most visited place on Corfu. You can see a kilometer rows of cars parking on the road before the palace. The palace's not as grand as the one in Vienna so it was even more crowded. And don't expect to use a toilet here. the line was incredibly long. P.S. This was in 2018.

Станислав Ким (4 years ago)
It was hot and full of people, but nevertheless I like it very much

Olga Fedorchuk (4 years ago)
Something interesting, and very lite ... I would be a princess Sisi...

Pericles Papamichalis (4 years ago)
An elegant and beautiful little palace dedicated to Greek mythology and ancient culture. The centerpiece statue of Dying Achilles is a masterpiece depicting Achilles agonizing moment of trying to remove the poisoned arrow from his heel. The Gardens, decorated with the 9 Muses, 3 Graces, Apollo and Achilles two statues are stunning. Being at the top of the hill offers breathtaking views of the city of Corfu and the Ionian Sea.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Infomastern

Historic Site of the week

Visby Cathedral

Visby Cathedral (also known as St. Mary’s Church) is the only survived medieval church in Visby. It was originally built for German merchants and inaugurated in 1225. Around the year 1350 the church was enlarged and converted into a basilica. The two-storey magazine was also added then above the nave as a warehouse for merchants.

Following the Reformation, the church was transformed into a parish church for the town of Visby. All other churches were abandoned. Shortly after the Reformation, in 1572, Gotland was made into its own Diocese, and the church designated its cathedral.

There is not much left of the original interior. The font is made of local red marble in the 13th century. The pulpit was made in Lübeck in 1684. There are 400 graves under the church floor.

Achilleion

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historical Gems of Costa Verde

Historic Site of the week

Visby Cathedral