Achilleio: Mythology and History Around Achilleion

Achilleio brings together a powerful mythological theme and a nearby historic site. The Achilleion Palace lies close to the destination; its architecture, art and history reveal the connection to Achilles on several levels. This makes it possible to consider individual depictions of the hero alongside the palace’s history and other experiences on Corfu.

Achilles in Two Different Moments

The statue “Dying Achilles” shows the hero at the point of death as he tries to pull the spear from his ankle. By contrast, “Victorious Achilles” captures the moment of victory and is the largest statue of Achilles. The two motifs therefore do not depict the same scene, but emphasize different aspects: here, Achilles is a wounded warrior; there, a victor. This contrast makes the statues understandable even without in-depth knowledge of mythology.

Inside Achilleion Palace, there are also frescoes depicting episodes from the life of the mythological Achilles. The figure thus appears not only in individual statues, but also within a connected visual narrative. The palace’s Pompeian style, modelled on a Pompeian house, adds another perspective on the language of ancient art.

A Palace with a History of Its Own

Achilleion Palace was built from 1889 to 1892 as a retreat for Empress Elisabeth of Austria, known as Sisi. In 1907, the German Emperor Wilhelm bought it. These two dates mark different stages in the building’s history: its original purpose as a retreat for the empress and its later purchase by the German emperor. Together with the Pompeian style and depictions of Achilles, they bring mythology, architecture and European history together.

Corfu: City History and Museums

The wider destination of Corfu also offers other cultural and historical perspectives. Corfu Old Town has preserved almost all of its historic urban fabric; its buildings date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The Old Town and its two fortresses are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cityscape and its history thus provide a different focus from the mythological depictions near Achilleio.

In the Old Town, the Museum of Asian Art houses more than 11,000 objects from China, Japan, India, the Himalayas and Central Asia. From Corfu Port, you can reach the museum on bus route 2, which runs between Mantouki and Kanoni; check the timetable before travelling. The Archaeological Museum of Corfu displays the Gorgon Medusa pediment from the great Temple of Artemis. The pediment dates to 585 BC and was excavated near the Aghioi Theodoroi Monastery in 1911. The city thus brings together a variety of collections and historical themes.

Enjoy Corfu Outdoors, Too

Alongside the city’s history, Corfu’s trails and landscapes are also part of the region’s character. In the municipal unit of Achilleio, ancient paths wind through the forested 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. Numerous festivals, village fairs and cultural events organised by the municipality take place in the villages of the municipal unit of Achilleio. As programmes change, it is worth checking dates for your travel period.

Parks and coastal towns offer their own highlights, too. Mon Repos is set in a 258-acre park with numerous exotic, long-established plants. The lush garden on the hill near the Kapodistrias Museum offers views of Corfu’s landscape and across the island. In addition to its marina, Benitses Beach has a managed, narrow sandy beach with facilities for people with disabilities.

When choosing a holiday apartment, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on: nearby Achilleion offers mythology, art and palace history; the Old Town, museums, hiking trails, events and coastal towns add to the range of experiences on Corfu. Choose your location according to which of these themes matters most to your trip.

Discover more destinations: Magazia, Velianitatika, Othoni, Glyfada, Lefkimmi, Dafnata, Pélekas, Dassia.

Back to the main travel guide: Corfu.