Achilleion Palace, Kanoni and Corfu Town Tour

Achilleion Palace, Kanoni and Corfu Town Tour

This Corfu Town tour is designed for those who want to explore the island’s most famous monuments in just a few hours. Corfu’s cultural heritage is renowned worldwide, not only for its magnificent palaces and castles but also for the rich history shaped by various cultures over the centuries, ranging from Corinthians and Byzantines to Normans, Venetians, French, and British.

Below you will see information and details of the places you will visit with this tour

Corfu Town Tour to Achilleion, Kanoni and the Old City

Corfu Town Tour. View from Gastouri Village

Discovering Achilleion Palace and Greek Mythology 

Your Corfu Town Tour begins in the village of Gastouri, where you will visit the exquisite Achilleion Palace Gardens. Built in 1891 by Empress Elisabeth of Austria, this monument features stunning gardens that offer breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea.

The Achilleion Palace Gardens are considered an invaluable work of art, where Greek mythology blends beautifully with lush, vibrant gardens overlooking northern Corfu Island.

Within the gardens, you will find a delicate collection of Neoclassical sculptures depicting ancient Greek myths and heroes. Be sure to see the Peristyle of the Muses, the inspirational goddesses of literature, science, and the arts, created by the renowned German sculptor Ernst Herter. This colonnade highlights the palace’s deep roots in classical Greek culture and creates an inspiring environment that fosters creativity and learning.

Marbles of Hermes and Apollo are also present among these statues. In addition to the Shakespeare memorial, there are thirteen busts of ancient poets and philosophers inside the peristyle’s arcade.

The Empress admired and used to read Greek mythology in its original language, and Achilles was her favourite character. The palace takes its name from him, with whom Sissi identified herself and was platonically in love. Both their lives were dramatic and heartbreaking and ended tragically at a young age.

Ernst Herter is also the author of the “Dying Achilles” statue, which depicts the Greek hero attempting to remove the spear from his ankle while dying. This one is considered the most precious image of the Palace and was brought from Berlin to the Palace by Sissi’s orders during the construction of the Palace. A bronze depicting “Victorious Achilles,” represented as a soldier in the moment of victory, has incredible proportions and presides over the garden’s balcony.

Kanoni and Pontikonissi, Corfu’s “Must-See”

Continuing our route, the next stop will be at the worldwide famous Kanoni Peninsula.

The Kanoni Peninsula is located in the southern part of Corfu Town, overlooking Halikiopoulos Lagoon. This area is one of Corfu’s landmarks and is the most photographed spot on the island.

The name “Kanoni” comes from the cannons that were placed on top of the hill. These cannons were used during one of the island’s battles and now serve as a monument to Corfu’s history.

One of the most impressive sights here is watching aeroplanes land at eye level at Corfu Airport. Originally established as a military installation by the American Air Corps, the airport was built on the waters of the lagoon. It opened to regular flights after World War II and is notable for being the first airport on a Greek island, as well as one of the busiest in Greece.

From this viewpoint, you will also have a clear view of the worldwide famous Vlacherna Monastery, situated on a small islet close to Pontikonissi Island. You can reach the seaside by walking down a footpath, where you can admire the charming little monastery, which hosts weddings and baptisms throughout the year.

Additionally, you can take a small boat to Pontikonissi Island, home to the Byzantine Church of Pantokrator. On August 15, the Feast of the Assumption, beautiful and popular maritime pilgrimages are held there.

The Old Town of Corfu is a museum itself

The final stage of the Corfu Town tour will lead you to the Old Town.

The Old Town of Corfu is the largest area in Greece that has preserved its historical urban layout almost intact, with buildings dating back to the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. This collection of architecture reflects the unique historical circumstances that shaped its cultural and architectural identity. Today, the Old Town and its two forts are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Take your time to stroll among palaces, alleys and tiny squares. Many cafes, souvenir shops, artisans and locals fill the busy roads and promenades. See how locals hang their laundry from ropes located between the houses in the alleys

Corfu Old Town features several notable sites, including:

– The Old Fortress
– The New Fortress
– Liston Square
– Esplanade Square
– The Church of Saint Spyridon, the Patron Saint of the island
– The Royal Palace of Saint George and Saint Michael
– The Antivouniotissa Byzantine Museum
– The Synagogue. For more details, click here.

Tsokas Exclusive has more private tours to offer. Have you checked them? 

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Corfu Monuments