2 CORFU PANORAMA English_1

Achilleio
Perfectly integrated in the surroundings, Achilleio is situated
just outside Gastouri, one of the most picturesque villages of
the island. Built on a hill, in neoclassical style, surrounded by
beautiful gardens full of cypresses, olives, geraniums,
bougainvillea. The view from its balconies is magnificent.
The palace
A strange sense of awe overwhelms anyone that gazes over
the imposing form of the Palace. The stunning appearance
of this stately palace takes the visitor back in history.
The main entrance, the facade of the palace, is located to
the east and formed by a prominent Doric pillar.
Two marble Centaurs are adorning the balcony on the first
floor. The patios left and right from the balcony are supported
by Corinthian columns. On the terrace on the second floor
are four bronze nymphs-lampposts. On the left side of the
building is Hermes ready to fly, wearing his sandals and
holding the caduceus.
The heavy entrance door is adorned with brass
representations. On the left Zeus is depicted hitting by
lighting the Titans, and on the right Achilles with his
charioteer on a quadriga chariot. From the entrance the
visitor enters the lobby in a Roman Type patio, of internal
courtyard. The palace is a complex of Orders with strong
Renaissance and Pompey elements.
The first room on the right had been turned by Elizabeth
into a chapel, the subsequent halls were dormitories, while
on the left was the smokehouse, the dining room, a games
room and the galley.
From the reception begins the great staircase, imitation of
the stairs of the Opera in Paris, leading to the upper floors.
The divine couple, Zeus and Hera, in body size, are based on
the railing of the fence.
On the first floor were the apartments of the Emperor Franz
Joseph and Maria Valeria, the youngest daughter of the
Imperial couple.
On the second floor were the apartments of Elisabeth.
The first artwork we encounter is the fresco “The Four
Seasons and the Hours”, on the roof of the reception hall.
A work of the Italian Gallopi, represents in an allegorical way
the changing of the seasons of the year.
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