The Fascinating Story of Achilleion Palace
Overview
Achilleion Palace stands out as one of Greece’s most stunning gems. This stunning palace was built by Empress Elizabeth of Austria-Hungary, famously known as Empress Sissy. You’ll find it tucked away in a beautiful spot, just 1.5 km from villa Claire Corfu. It’s perched on a hilltop, surrounded by a stunning landscape giving you breathtaking views. The perfect escape into nature!
Originally, the land where Achilleion sits belonged to a Corfiot philosopher and diplomat named Petros Brailas-Armenis, who called it “Villa Vraila.” In 1888, Sissi discovered this charming villa and instantly envisioned it as the perfect spot for her own palace on the gorgeous island of Corfu.
The gorgeous look of this grand palace takes you back in time! It was once home to two major figures in European history who shared a love for Corfu, Greece, and its rich culture: Empress Elisabeth of Austria, famously known as ‘Sissi,’ and Kaiser William II of Germany. Empress Sissi built the palace as a getaway from her life’s struggles. After her tragic passing, Kaiser William II bought it. But he never really got to enjoy the palace’s charm because a war broke out.
So, while you stroll through this stunning place today, you can’t help but feel the weight of its history and the stories it holds.
The Inspiration Behind Achilleion
The palace got its name, Achilleion, because of a special love for Achilles, the central figure in the epic tales of the Iliad and the Trojan War. It’s all about that legendary hero vibe!
So who exactly was Achilles?
Achilles was a famous warrior from the Trojan War. He is one of the biggest legends from Greek mythology.
He was the kid of a mortal king and a sea nymph. To make him invincible his mother dunked him in magical waters when he was just a baby. To do that, she held him by his heel! That little oversight left his heel all vulnerable and weak. That’s where we get the saying “Achilles’ heel”.
During the Trojan War, Achilles emerged as the greatest Greek warrior. He was renowned for his bravery and unmatched combat skills. But here’s where things get intense. Achilles had a close friend named Patroclus. He tragically got killed during the war wearing Achilles’ armour! That loss sparked in Achilles a desire for revenge. Fueled by anger, he jumped back into the fray, but things took a surprising twist. In a wild showdown with Paris, he got killed. And guess what? Paris was the one who managed to shoot Achilles right in his only weak spot. His heel!
In short, Achilles wasn’t just a great fighter. He was also driven by deep loyalty and love for his friend. He was this complex character filled with bravery, flaws, and drama. That mix of strength and emotion is what makes his story so compelling!
Architectural Wonder
Sissi hired the Italian architect Raffaele Caritto to design a palace that would reflect the magnificence of ancient mythical realms. The Palace spans an impressive 200,000 square meters of land owned by her husband Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria. Achilleion was Sissi’s tribute to Greece. A place where she could showcase her love for this beautiful country. Interestingly, Emperor Franz Joseph never visited the palace because he disliked travelling by sea.
For Sissi, Achilleion wasn’t just a tribute to Greece. It was also her personal paradise. A sanctuary away from life’s chaos after suffering the loss of her only son.
Highlights of Achilleion Palace
Outdoors
As you approach Achilleion Palace, its grandeur takes your breath away! Ancient columns and vibrant frescoes set against stunning views create an enchanting atmosphere. The gardens are filled with artistic treasures and colourful flowers leading to balconies with jaw-dropping views over lush hillsides and the sparkling Ionian Sea.
Once you step outside into Achilleion’s gardens and courtyards, get ready for even more artistic treasures! You’ll spot:
- The Nine Muses: So, these awesome marble statues are all about the Muses from Greek mythology. They’re like the ultimate symbols of creativity and knowledge! Each Muse has her own special traits and looks, making them unique. They represent the inspiration for artists, writers, and thinkers when they need a little spark.
- The Three Graces: The Three Graces, from Greek mythology, are goddesses of charm, beauty, and creativity. They often show up together, representing the harmony and balance that their qualities create when combined. At the Achillion Palace, the sculpture of the Three Graces fits perfectly with the palace’s overall vibe of beauty and inspiration.
- Hermes Statue: Hermes was the messenger god of Greek mythology. This statue brings out his dynamic and energetic personality.
- Lodge of Elders: This collection of 13 busts features philosophers and thinkers from ancient Greece. It also includes the famous playwright William Shakespeare.
- Victorious Achilles: The amazing eight-meter-tall bronze statue of Achilles! It captured him right at the peak of his power and glory. This statue brings out his strength and bravery as a warrior. It stands out because of its size, and the details as every inch of this statue highlights his heroic traits.
- Dying Achilles: A Heartfelt Statue! Here, we see our hero in his last moments, which is a total shift from the usual heroic vibe. This piece captures the sadness of Achilles. Even legends have their weak spots!
As you step into the palace, the first thing that grabs your attention is the stunning staircase. Is flanked by two bronze statues of Zeus and Hera, standing as guards. While exploring don’t miss Empress Sissi’s portrait. It’s worth a look! When you glance up, get ready to be impressed by a stunning painting showcasing the “Four Seasons.” At the top of the stairs, there’s an amazing oil painting capturing Achilles’ epic victory over Hector. What a scene!
You’ll come across loads of depictions of Achilles. These artworks highlight his glorious wins and some pretty heartbreaking moments from the Trojan War.
Make sure to take a peek inside Elizabeth’s Chapel. It features a striking mural that shows Christ’s Trial. And don’t miss Elizabeth’s Room! You’ll find personal items like furniture and paintings here.
Empress Sissi used to visit Achilleion quite often until the spring of 1896. However, Sissi’s excitement started to wane. She even considered to sell the palace at one point. Eventually, much of its interior decor made its way back to Vienna.
Sissi’s Tragic Fate
Tragically, in September 1898, an Italian anarchist named Luigi Lucheni assassinated Empress Sissi in Geneva, cutting her life short.
After Elisabeth’s death, her daughter took over but didn’t use the place much. Fast forward to 1907, and German Kaiser Wilhelm II swoops in and buys it as his summer getaway. During his stays at Achilleion, things got pretty busy on the diplomatic front. It turned into a hotspot for European diplomacy!
The Greek royal family would often pop by Corfu to hang out too. And it wasn’t just royals. Wilhelm also invited intellectuals to his retreat. He mainly visited during Easter because he loved those local festivities and cultural vibes. The German imperial family spent around a month in Corfu each year until World War I. They did skip a couple of years—1910 and 1913—because of some political conflicts in the Balkans.
Kaiser had a genuine admiration for the legendary hero Achilles. To honour this iconic figure, he commissioned a huge statue with an inscription that read: “To the Greatest Greek from the Greatest German.” It was his way of honouring both Achilles and Sissi, connecting their stories through the ages. After the war, though, that inscription was moved since times had changed.
achilleion Palace: A Quick Look at Its Recent Journey
The Achilleion Palace has had quite the adventure over the years!
During World War I, it was transformed into a military hospital. After the war came to an end, it became a property of the Greek government. From about 1921 to 1924, it even served as an orphanage. In between the World Wars, it was busy with all sorts of government activities.
When World War II rolled around, the Axis powers made Achilleion their military headquarters. After the conflict ended, it came under the care of the Hellenic Tourist Organization, which worked hard to restore its former splendour.
In more recent times, Achilleion has hosted some pretty important diplomatic events. In 1994 it welcomed the European summit. Also, in 2003 It was the venue for a meeting of European agriculture ministers.
Film enthusiasts will also recognize Achilleion from its role in the James Bond film “For Your Eyes Only” (1981). That iconic casino scene was filmed there adding a dash of Hollywood magic to its fascinating story!