The Achilleion Palace of Corfu: an Imperial Monument of Cultural Heritage under restoration - when is it expected to reopen?

The Achilleion, the iconic palace of Corfu built in the late 19th century for Empress Elisabeth of Austria (widely known as Sisi), is one of the most significant cultural and historical landmarks in Greece. In recent years, the monument has been undergoing extensive restoration in an effort to return it to its former glory and ensure its long-term preservation.

This ambitious project is being implemented by the Hellenic Public Properties Company, with funding from the NSRF, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and the Ionian Islands Region. The restoration includes the complete rehabilitation of the main palace and its auxiliary buildings, as well as the conservation of the palace's interior decorations, frescoes, and sculptures.

Special emphasis is placed on preserving the original elements of neoclassical architecture and redesigning the imperial gardens in accordance with the creators’ original vision. All interventions are carried out under strict scientific and technical specifications to ensure authenticity and historical accuracy.

The fully restored Achilleion is expected to reopen in 2026, with the goal of strengthening Corfu’s cultural tourism and enhancing the international visibility of Greece’s cultural heritage. The project is anticipated to serve as a model for similar restorations across Greece and abroad, attracting visitors and researchers from around the world.

Until its full reopening, the Achilleion remains partially open to the public. Visitors currently have access to the palace’s exterior areas, including the peristyle, the imperial gardens, and notable sculptures such as the “Dying Achilleas” and the statue of Lord Byron. These open spaces can be freely explored, and entrance is free on selected days, such as International Museum Day or Greek national holidays. Information about hours, tickets and access is available at the official museum website: www.achillion-corfu.gr.

In addition to the Achilleion, visitors to Corfu can explore a wealth of other cultural and natural treasures. The Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases stunning Venetian architecture. The famous Mouse Island (Pontikonisi) and the Monastery of Vlacherna are iconic landmarks, while Mon Repos and the Museum of Asian Art combine history with artistic expression. For nature lovers, the beaches of Paleokastritsa and the trails of Mount Pantokrator offer breathtaking landscapes and moments of tranquility.

We invite you to include Corfu in your upcoming travel plans and witness the revival of one of Europe’s great cultural monuments. The Achilleion awaits to inspire you once more.

Want to visit from your cruise? Book a shore excursion with us:

https://www.achtypistours.gr/shorex/corfu

SOURCES:

1. Achilleion Palace Official Website

https://achillion-corfu.gr/?lang=en

2. Hellenic Public Properties Co.

https://hppc.gr/?lang=en

3. Achilleion Palace

https://achilleion-palace.gr/

4. Odysseus Culture

http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh351.jsp?obj_id=6000