Achilleion, Corfu, Greece - SpottingHistory.com

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.

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User Reviews

Luna Batota (11 months 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 (14 months 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 (2 years ago)
It was hot and full of people, but nevertheless I like it very much

Olga Fedorchuk (2 years ago)
Something interesting, and very lite ... I would be a princess Sisi...

Pericles Papamichalis (2 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.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Göran Höglund (Kartläsarn)

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Varberg Fortress was built in 1287-1300 by count Jacob Nielsen as protection against his Danish king, who had declared him an outlaw after the murder of King Eric V of Denmark. Jacob had close connections with king Eric II of Norway and as a result got substantial Norwegian assistance with the construction. The fortress, as well as half the county, became Norwegian in 1305.

King Eric's grand daughter, Ingeborg Håkansdotter, inherited the area from her father, King Haakon V of Norway. She and her husband, Eric, Duke of Södermanland, established a semi-independent state out of their Norwegian, Swedish and Danish counties until the death of Erik. They spent considerable time at the fortress. Their son, King Magnus IV of Sweden (Magnus VII of Norway), spent much time at the fortress as well.

The fortress was augmented during the late 16th and early 17th century on order by King Christian IV of Denmark. However, after the Treaty of Brömsebro in 1645 the fortress became Swedish. It was used as a military installation until 1830 and as a prison from the end of the 17th Century until 1931.

It is currently used as a museum and bed and breakfast as well as private accommodation. The moat of the fortress is said to be inhabited by a small lake monster. In August 2006, a couple of witnesses claimed to have seen the monster emerge from the dark water and devour a duck. The creature is described as brown, hairless and with a 40 cm long tail.

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