The charming island of Corfu (Kerkyra) is probably the most beautiful in Greece. This green corner is often called the home of all aristocrats, because royals and world celebrities rest there. The island, which is surrounded by various legends, is full of attractions.
Cognitive excursions to Corfu are incredibly in demand. Guests of the colorful island are attracted by ancient monasteries, defensive fortresses, the former residence of the Greek royal family, and unusual museums. But the most famous architectural ensemble is the palace, glorifying the exploits of Achilles.
Queen in love with the island
Having a rich history, Achilleion Palace attracts tourists with its unique beauty and special atmosphere. It was built at the end of the 19th century for Empress Elisabeth of Austria, known as Sisi. The Queen of Austria-Hungary, who had a great love for ancient architecture, did not get along with her mother-in-law. And she traveled a lot just not to meet her. In 1861 a woman arrived atthe wonderful island of Corfu, in the virgin nature of which she fell in love at first sight.
The independent queen, who did not recognize strict palace protocols, was not very fond of her entourage. And the tragic deaths of her children, her father, her sister greatly undermined her psyche. Therefore, the queen decides to leave her homeland. Elisabeth of Austria always remembered the island that hit her in the very heart, so the choice of residence was not accidental.
A magnificent building built in honor of Achilles
In 1889, the construction of the most famous landmark of Corfu begins - a beautiful palace, next to which there is a picturesque park descending to the sea. The empress, inspired by the exploits of the great warrior of the Trojan War, Achilles, named her residence in his honor. The Greek hero became the main theme of the three-story palace, in which Elisabeth of Austria sought peace for her soul, wounded by losses and family dramas. She carefully thought out the appearance of the building and its interior. Unfortunately, fate did not measure the queen's long life. A travel enthusiast was killed in 1898 in Geneva by a terrorist.
New owner
Nine years after her death, the Kaiser of Germany, who often visited Corfu, bought Sisi's palace. The summer residence has become a center of European diplomacy. The German emperor, who regularly lived in the palace until 1914, arranged the gardens that had fallen into disrepair, rearranged and erected a marble monument to the first mistress in front of the main entrance. Sad and touching figuremeek Sisi seems to personify her tragic fate.
History of the Palace
In wartime, the majestic Achillion Palace was used as a hospital, and with the advent of peace, a school and an orphanage were located there. For twenty years, the premises were leased to a German company that restored the historical monument and turned it into a casino. Now the austere Achillion Palace, which looks exactly the same as after the completion of construction, belongs to the state. The museum located in it and the restored park area are open to all visitors. From any point of the well-groomed tropical garden, you can enjoy amazing views of the water surface of the Ionian Sea.
Architectural Monument
Achilleion Palace (Corfu) is of great interest to all lovers of architecture. The building, designed by the Italian architect R. Carita in the neoclassical style, is decorated with columns, verandas and a huge number of statues. An inscription with the name of the palace in Greek is engraved on the iron gate at the entrance, and near the building there is an alley with laid out slabs on which important dates relating to Achilleion are indicated. Near the main building there is a house built by Kaiser Wilhelm II for a personal garrison, and the Germans who owned the building turned it into a hotel for casino guests.
What to see for tourists?
In the evergreen garden of the magnificent palace, tourists are greeted by statues - copies of ancient works on the theme of mythology, busts of ancient Greek philosophers. Butthe most valuable sculpture, perhaps, is the “Wounded Achilles”. It was she who most cherished the first mistress of the residence, who commissioned the work in Germany. The marble statue of a mortally wounded warrior of the Greek epic did not like Wilhelm II, who ordered the sculptor J. Gotts to create a new image of the hero - not dying, but complete superiority over his enemies. The huge bronze statue of "Achilles the Victorious" is imbued with the idea of powerful Germans, whose memory will remain for centuries.
Inside the frescoed palace, you can see the personal belongings of the Queen and William II, lifetime photographs, well-preserved furniture of previous owners and even jewelry, admire paintings by artists on the themes of ancient Greek history. The most famous and valuable work of the museum is a painting depicting the triumph and valor of a Greek warrior: Achilles proudly rises on a chariot rushing past the walls of Troy, to which the body of the murdered Hector is tied. The canvas that occupies the entire wall is located on the main staircase. Admiring museum visitors always gather near it.
Ancient history revived
Achilleion Palace, where the atmosphere of the legends of Greece reigns, is a great place for walks of all travelers. Magnificent views of the residence and picturesque landscapes are the perfect setting for a quiet spiritual rest. Here, as if an ancient story comes to life, telling about the sad events that happened once. Fascinating excursions to Corfu are a great way to spend your holidays with pleasure andbenefit. Traveling to a hospitable island and visiting a unique palace will leave an indelible impression in your memory.
