Table of Contents
Corfu in Greek Mythology
Greek mythology places Corfu at the center of divine drama. According to legend, Poseidon fell in love with the nymph Korkyra, daughter of the river god Asopos. The sea god abducted her to this unnamed island, which he renamed in her honor. Their son, Phaiax, became the progenitor of the Phaeacians, the mythical inhabitants Homer described in the Odyssey.
Homer’s epic immortalized ancient Corfu as Scheria, the final stop in Odysseus’s decade-long journey home. The Phaeacian king Alcinous welcomed the shipwrecked hero, whose daughter Nausicaa discovered him sleeping on the beach. The Phaeacians, renowned for seafaring prowess and luxurious lifestyle, provided Odysseus safe passage to Ithaca after years of wandering.
Scholars debate whether Homer based Scheria on real Corfu or pure imagination. Regardless of historical accuracy, the mythological connection shaped how ancient Greeks perceived the island: a paradise at civilization’s edge where mortals encountered divine hospitality.
The Temple of Artemis: Greece's Earliest Stone Pediment
The Temple of Artemis, constructed around 580 BCE in the ancient city of Korkyra, represents a pivotal moment in Greek architectural history. This Doric temple was among the first to feature a stone pediment decorated with monumental sculpture rather than simple painted terracotta.
The Gorgon Pediment discovered in 1911 during excavations near Mon Repos estate, this limestone sculpture ranks among Greek art’s most significant archaic treasures. The central figure depicts the Gorgon Medusa in her terrifying aspect: massive face with bulging eyes, protruding tongue, writhing snakes for hair, and serpents coiled around her waist.
Flanking Medusa are her children Pegasus (the winged horse) and Chrysaor (warrior with golden sword), who sprang from her neck when Perseus beheaded her. Smaller figures representing battles between gods and giants occupy the pediment’s corners, while two large panthers (or leopards) guard Medusa’s sides.
Artistic significance: The pediment’s 17-meter width and 3-meter height showcase ambitious scale unprecedented in archaic Greek sculpture. The frontal Gorgon pose, with its symmetrical composition and apotropaic (evil-averting) function, demonstrates early Greek artists’ developing confidence with monumental stone carving.
The Gorgon’s expression intended to terrify temple visitors, protecting the sacred space from malevolent forces. Yet the craftsmanship reveals sophisticated understanding of anatomy, composition, and symbolic power.
Where to see it: The original pediment is displayed at the Archaeological Museum of Corfu in a specially designed room allowing visitors to appreciate its massive scale and intricate details. A replica stands at the temple’s original location near Mon Repos.
Paleopolis: The Ancient City
Ancient Korkyra occupied the Kanoni peninsula and surrounding areas now called Paleopolis (Old City). At its peak during the 5th-4th centuries BCE, the city spread across approximately 200 hectares, with an estimated population of 30,000-40,000 inhabitants.
The Ancient Agora: Located beneath modern Garitsa district, the agora served as Korkyra’s commercial and political heart. Excavations revealed column foundations, paved streets, and building remains indicating a typical Greek city layout with orthogonal street planning.
The Ancient Harbor: Situated in present-day Garitsa Bay, this protected anchorage made Korkyra a naval power. The city maintained a formidable fleet that played decisive roles in Greek conflicts, including the Peloponnesian War.
Public Buildings: Fragments of theaters, gymnasiums, and administrative structures emerge periodically during construction projects. Many remain buried beneath modern buildings, protecting them but limiting archaeological access.
Water Systems: Ancient engineers constructed sophisticated aqueducts bringing fresh water from mountain springs to the city. Some channels remain visible in countryside areas, testament to classical hydraulic engineering excellence.
Mon Repos Estate: Royal Grounds on Ancient Foundations
The Mon Repos estate, built by British Commissioner Sir Frederick Adam in 1828-1831, sits atop ancient Korkyra’s most sacred precinct. The neoclassical villa served as summer residence for Greek royalty after 1864 and witnessed Prince Philip’s birth in 1921.
Temple of Artemis ruins: Behind Mon Repos palace, visitors explore foundations and scattered architectural elements from the famous temple. Information panels explain the site’s layout and the pediment’s original position.
Temple of Hera: Nearby ruins of a smaller temple dedicated to Hera date to the 7th century BCE. Excavations uncovered votive offerings, architectural fragments, and foundations indicating the sanctuary’s importance.
The Museum: Mon Repos palace houses a small but excellent museum displaying artifacts from surrounding excavations: pottery, coins, jewelry, tools, and architectural elements. Models reconstruct ancient Korkyra’s appearance, helping visitors visualize the lost city.
The Gardens: Landscaped grounds feature labeled archaeological remains scattered among mature trees. Walking paths connect various excavation sites, creating a pleasant outdoor museum experience.
Access: Open Tuesday through Sunday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Modest entrance fee includes palace museum and grounds.
Kassiopi: Ancient Sanctuary and Roman Presence
The northeast coastal village of Kassiopi occupies the site of ancient Kassiopaia, mentioned by Roman writers as an important sanctuary. Emperor Nero allegedly performed in Kassiopi’s temple during his notorious Greek tour (66-67 CE), singing before an audience of unwilling local dignitaries. Byzantine fortress ruins crown the headland, built atop earlier Greek and Roman foundations. A small chapel dedicated to Kassiopitra (the virgin of Kassiopi) incorporates ancient columns and architectural elements into its structure, physically connecting pagan and Christian eras. Archaeological evidence: Scattered column drums, inscribed stones, and marble fragments throughout Kassiopi’s old village hint at substantial ancient structures. Most remain unexcavated beneath modern buildings and streets.
The Archaeological Museum of Corfu
Located in Corfu Town near the Old Fortress, the Archaeological Museum houses the island’s most important ancient artifacts.
Ground Floor: Dominated by the Gorgon Pediment’s awe-inspiring presence. The massive sculpture occupies an entire wall, allowing visitors to appreciate details invisible in photographs. Explanatory panels describe the pediment’s discovery, restoration, and artistic significance.
Upper Floor: Displays chronologically arranged artifacts from Paleolithic through Roman periods:
Prehistoric exhibits: Stone tools, pottery, and burial goods from Corfu’s earliest inhabitants
Archaic period: Votive offerings, kouros (male youth) statues, and decorative architectural elements from temples
Classical era: Red-figure pottery, bronze weapons, and inscribed stone tablets documenting civic life
Hellenistic treasures: Elaborate jewelry, imported luxury goods, and sculptures showing evolving artistic styles
Roman artifacts: Mosaics, portrait busts, and everyday objects from Corfu’s integration into the Roman Empire
The Lion of Menekrates: A massive 7th-century BCE funerary monument featuring a recumbent lion, discovered near the ancient harbor. This powerful sculpture demonstrates archaic Greek monumental art’s impressive scale.
Museum practicalities: Open Tuesday through Sunday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Photography allowed without flash. Guided tours available in multiple languages. Combined tickets with other sites offer savings.
Byzantine and Post - Roman Heritage
While Greek and Roman remains dominate archaeological attention, Byzantine monuments scattered throughout Corfu deserve recognition.
Angelokastro Fortress: Perched dramatically atop a coastal cliff northwest of Paleokastritsa, this 13th-century Byzantine castle protected Corfu from pirate raids and Ottoman attacks. The fortress chapel contains frescoes depicting St. Michael and other saints.
Gardiki Castle: Southern Corfu’s only Byzantine fortress features octagonal layout and massive walls. Built in the 13th century by Byzantine despots of Epirus, it guarded against western invaders.
Old Perithia Village: Corfu’s oldest continuously inhabited settlement (now largely abandoned) preserves Byzantine-era church foundations and medieval architecture in mountainous isolation.
Ongoing Archaeological Work
Excavations continue revealing ancient Corfu’s secrets. Recent discoveries include:
– 2019: Roman villa mosaics near Kanoni featuring geometric patterns and figurative scenes
– 2021: Ancient workshop district with pottery kilns and metalworking facilities
– 2023: Burial ground yielding gold jewelry, ceramic vessels, and inscribed grave markers
Modern construction projects frequently uncover archaeological material, requiring rescue excavations. This ongoing process constantly adds to understanding of ancient life on Corfu.
Visiting Ancient Sites Sustainably
VforVIP’s electric van service connects Corfu’s dispersed archaeological sites efficiently and sustainably. We create customized itineraries visiting:
– Archaeological Museum for essential context
– Mon Repos estate and temple ruins
– Kassiopi’s ancient harbor and fortress
– Byzantine castles requiring mountain access
– Lesser-known sites off tourist circuits
Our drivers understand archaeological significance and can explain historical context during comfortable transfers between locations. Zero-emission transport ensures your exploration of ancient heritage doesn’t compromise the island’s environmental future.
