The Intellectual Attractions of Corfu

Corfu is not only an island that has plenty of beaches, lush flora and fauna and crystal clear waters, it’s a place where you will find historic monuments to enlighten you. It is also a place where you can learn more about Greek mythology and culture as well. There are plenty of places in Corfu that are ideal for family trips as well as places that will enhance your knowledge and awareness of the place you are staying in. Given below are a few places that you must visit to quench your inner intellectual hunger.

• Achilleion Palace – The Achilleion Palace has its roots deep in history. Built by an Austrian Empress, in honor of Achilles, her favorite Greek hero, she had built this palace as an escape from her court life as well as personal tragedies. After she died, the ownership was changed and during the First World War it doubled as a military hospital used by the French and Serbians. Then during the Second World War, it acted as headquarters for the Italian and Germans. Finally, in 1962 it was restored and even featured in one of the James Bond movies (For Your Eyes Only). Do visit this palace, it’s a major tourist spot, but the architecture is wonderful as is the surrounding scenery.
• The Archeological Museum – A wonderful museum where you can inspect artifacts from the latest excavations. Most of the relics here were found in Kanoni, the island’s capital in ancient times. There are various sculptures on display, a perfect place to brush up on your Greek mythology and history.
• The Byzantine Museum – This museum is actually a fifteenth century church by the name of Panagia Antivouniotissa. It holds almost fifty pieces of Byzantine art from the fifteenth to the seventeenth century. All of them are paintings and all refer to a religious background, some of the pieces are done by the famous Greek painters – Tzanes and Damaskinos.
• The Campiello – A UNESCO designated world heritage site, Campiello is located in the old part of Corfu Town. The streets are pretty narrow, the staircases steep and there are a number of secret squares. You are sure to get lost here but eventually you come out either on one of the main streets of the town or on the beach side. The Campiello is a small space, but is charming and intriguing to say the least.
• The Corfu Reading Society – This was founded in 1836; it is one of oldest institutions in the island. Inside a bookworms dream come true with books and archives all related to the Ionian Islands. The décor is quite classic nineteenth century and if you love classical things is a must to visit.

There are plenty of other places you can visit to know more about the heritage and culture of Corfu, the above are just a few of the many structures in Corfu dedicated to its history and past. If you love museums, you will discover that Corfu has plenty of them of various types, all unique and very interesting.