The Achilleion Palace is located close to Achilleio. Its architecture and depictions of the mythological Achilles give a visit a clear cultural focus: both the history of the palace and different moments from the hero’s life take centre stage here.
Achilles and the history of the Achilleion
The statue “Dying Achilles” shows Achilles dying as he tries to pull the spear from his ankle. “Victorious Achilles” depicts a different moment: the largest statue of Achilles shows the hero at the moment of victory. Comparing the two works takes you from the wounded to the victorious Achilles, without suggesting that both depictions tell the same story. The palace also contains frescoes depicting scenes from the life of the mythological hero.
The architecture is also part of the picture: the Achilleion Palace is designed in the style of a Pompeian house. The summer palace was built in this style in Gastouri in 1892; construction of the retreat for Empress Elisabeth of Austria, known as Sisi, took place from 1889 to 1892. In 1907, German Emperor Wilhelm bought the palace. The architecture, frescoes and statues thus offer different ways to explore the same place: through the design of the building, its history or the mythological figure depicted in the artworks.
More cultural highlights on Corfu
Corfu’s Old Town offers a different historical focus. Its urban fabric is almost entirely preserved, and its buildings date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The Old Town and its two fortresses are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Museum of Asian Art is also located in the Old Town. Its collection comprises more than 11,000 objects from China, Japan, India, the Himalayas and Central Asia. This offers a thematic contrast with the depictions of Achilles at the Achilleion: rather than a single mythological figure, the focus here is on a diverse collection from several regions.
Bus route 2, on the Mantouki–Kanoni route, is listed for travelling from Corfu Port to the Museum of Asian Art. Check the timetable before travelling. The Archaeological Museum of Corfu offers another museum highlight: it displays the Gorgon Medusa pediment from the great Temple of Artemis. The pediment dates from 585 BC and was excavated in 1911 near the Aghioi Theodoroi Monastery. The museum was built primarily to display this find.
The permanent exhibition at the Kapodistrias Museum explores the history of Corfu, Europe and Greece through the life of Greece’s first governor, using important artefacts and documents. The museum is set beside a lush garden on a hill, offering views across Corfu’s landscape and over the island. This theme thus brings together historical documents and a scenic outlook, while the Archaeological Museum highlights a specific find and the Museum of Asian Art a wide-ranging collection.
Landscapes, trails and events on Corfu
Corfu also offers different starting points for outdoor activities. In the municipal unit of Achilleion, ancient paths wind through the wooded mountains of Agii Deka, Stavros and Garouna and are suitable for hiking. The 180-kilometre Corfu Trail passes through several settlements; Benitses is one of its 13 daily stage destinations. These details describe different scales: a network of paths in the municipal unit and a long-distance trail with several stage destinations.
Other landscape highlights are found in other named locations on Corfu. Mon Repos lies within a 258-acre park containing many exotic, mature plants. Benitses Beach includes a narrow, organised sandy beach and facilities for people with disabilities, as well as a marina. The villages of the municipal unit of Achilleion also host numerous festivals and folk festivals, along with cultural events organised by the municipality; the programme varies from event to event. This gives you a choice of different themes for planning your trip: culture, hiking, beaches and events.
Discover more destinations: Spartilas, Agios Gordios, Apraos, Vatos, Aghios Georgios, Ano Korakiana, Petriti, Episkepsi.
For the main travel overview: Corfu.
