The Island of Corfu remains one of the Mediterranean’s most visited and sought after holiday destinations. Every year thousands of tourists visit the island to experience its beautiful coastline and spectacular Mediterranean vistas. The island remained a popular tourist attraction throughout all the ages and has been popularised throughout the centuries by writers, royalties and celebrities.
There are lots of places to visit in Corfu, the island is well known for its historical monuments including the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, The neoclassical Palace of Achilleion and the Neo Frourio fortress. As well as historical sites there are several extensive museums including a museum to rare Byzantium art and the Archaeological Museum which houses the famous Gorgon pediment from the Temple of Artemis. If history isn’t your things don’t worry because there is still a lot to do and see in Corfu. Corfu has some of the best beaches in the Med with some truly spectacular views. One of the best ways around Corfu is by car, before you leave for your holiday organise some car rental to be picked up on your arrival at the airport.
The Palace of Achilleion
In 1890 Empress Elisabeth of Austria, despondent after the death of the Crown Prince Rudolph, decided to build a summer palace south of the city of Corfu. The palace was built in a neoclassical style and designed around the central theme of the mystical hero Achilles. The Achilleion remains one of the wonders of Corfu, it briefly made an appearance in the latest James Bond film Casino Royale, but since then it has been returned to the Hellenic Tourist Organisation and currently remains a museum.
The Palace of Achilleion
The Temple of Artemis
Corfu has a long and ancient history, the island was instrumental in the onset of the Peloponnesian War and has a long narrative of occupation. The Temple of Artemis is believed to have been constructed between 600-580BC and it was one of the first temples of this kind to be constructed; its design would later be copied across the whole of Greece. The temple was a simple Doric construction made from limestone, but on a grand scale never before encountered in the ancient world. Little of the temple survives except for the great Gorgon pediment which depicts the story of Perseus and Medusa.
The Gorgon pediment from the Temple of Artemis on Corfu
Neo Frourio
The Neo Frourio or the new citadel was constructed by the Venetians after they were ceded the island back in the 13th century. Whilst under Venetian rule both the old fort and the Neo Frourio were repaired, the cross of St Mark can be seen throughout the New Citadel. The island was besieged on a number of occasions, but thanks to Neo Frourio and citizens of Corfu, the island remained free from occupation. During this time the island became well known for its heroic defences and its encouragement of the arts.
The Venetian fort of Neo Frourio
[...] You find the original post here http://www.treebadger.co.uk … [...]
Fantastic pictures me old badger, i particularly like the pic of the fort lit up at night, great shots. will have to get me and mrs MoonBadger down to corfu this year, we normally holiday in Lesbos, but the totty has gone right down hill in recent years. Badge on my son!
[...] Parking. Airport Parking. Airport Shuttles. Park Sleep Fly. PHL Airport Parking. Choose A Topic …The island of Corfu | That's The BadgerThe Island of Corfu remains one of the Mediterranean's most visited and sought after holiday [...]
These pictures are really great, I must say I would love to go some where like this.