Description
History
The Achilleion is a palace on the island of Korfu. Its construction was commissioned by Austrian empress Elisabeth, also simply known as Sisi. It was built in the period between 1890 and 1892 by the Italian architect Raffaele Carito. The architectural style of the palace can be categorised as Pompeian and is mainly characterised by ancient Greek mythology.
It was known that Sisi was severely suffering from tuberculosis. For this reason, the palace used to be both to her a save haven and a health resort. After Sisi's death, the palace became a property of various people and was used in many different ways. Meanwhile, the palace was also used as a casino. And what is more spectacular, it was once used as a setting for a James Bond film. Nowadays, the property belongs to the state of Greece and is used as a museum.
The property was dedicated to Achilles, who was utterly adored by Sisi. This is why there are plenty of statues modelled on Achilles on the premises. It is quite striking that Sisi used to come here on her own. Only once she was observed to have come to the palace accompanied by her children. Her husband, emperor Franz-Joseph, never came here.
Interesting facts
- The day pass at Achilleion Palace is €7 making it one of the 10 cheapest tourist Attractions in Greece.
How to get there
By public transport
From the San Rocco square in Kerkyra, one can easily get to the Achilleion by catching bus number 10. This bus line will also take you back afterwards.
By car
If you opt to come here by car, drive southwards on the main road until you get to Benitses. Once here, you turn right into the direction of the Achilleion. Make sure you're an early bird as there is a noticeable lack of car parks here.
