Achilleion Palace

The Achilleion is a palace built in Corfu and strongly desired by the Empress Elizabeth of Austria, more commonly known as Princess Sissi and therefore commonly called Palace of Sissi.
Empress Elizabeth strongly wanted this residence to escape the austere Vienna and here she wanted to recreate a peaceful environment in harmony with nature.
Formerly owned by Petros Brailas-Armenis, this villa was often frequented by Sissi, and for this reason it was made after the death of its owner.
An oasis of peace where Elizabeth decided to spend the time left to heal herself from the depression and pain caused by the loss of her only son in 1889.
Empress Elizabeth was a bitch of the "beautiful" in its broadest sense and had this palace restored because she loved Greece in all its nuances, its culture and its language, taking care of the small details, which made it unique and dreamlike, as she most desired.
The name of the building takes its name from the mythological hero "Achille" which is the main theme of the Pompeian-style residence and which was redesigned by a Neapolitan architect Raffaele Caritto, who gave life to the dreams of Empress Elizabeth. Thanks to its hilly position, the view from the Achilleion is amazing because it allows you to see the capital of the island of Corfu (10 km north) and the south part of the island.
Immersed in this serene oasis, the Empress lived from 1891 until 1898, the year in which her death occurred.

How was Achilleion used after the death of Elizabeth of Austria?

William II of Germany bought it from the heirs of the Empress and used it as a holiday home for spring and summer, until 1914.
During the 1st World War it was occupied by French and Serbian troops, and they used it as a field hospital.
During the 2nd World War it was occupied by Axis troops, then returned to Greek hands, it was rented between 1962 and 1992 by a German company which made it the first Greek casino after the war.

Today what can we visit of the Achilleion?

Today the Achilleion is mainly used as a museum and occasionally hosts the European summits visiting Corfu, as happened for the signing of the Treaty of Corfu (1994)
Inside the palace you can admire statues, frescoes, historical finds and personal objects of the empress Elizabeth of Austria, while outside you can serenely walk in the immense and well-kept park of 80 hectares, including Doric columns, statues, stairways, fountains, a botanical garden full of flowers, exotic plants and splendid balconies with breathtaking sea views.
After visiting it, you will understand even better why this residence had a crucial importance in the troubled life of this woman who entered history.

Opening hours and ticket price for the Achilleion?

To reach the Achilleion, you can use a scooter or car, or use the bus 10 departing from Corfu Town
The opening hours are as follows: from June to August every day from 8:00 to 19:00 and from September to May from 9:00 to 15:30
The cost of the ticket is € 7 per person
Believe !! It is absolutely worth it ... you will be catapulted into a distant world ... where the scenography of the daily and sumptuous court life coexisted with the peace that only a Greek land can give to each of us!