Mon Repos

The villa of Mon Repos to the south of Corfu Town was once the summer home of the Greek royal family but now houses the Museum of Palaiopolis.

After years of neglect, the elegant villa of Mon Repos was beautifully restored and since 2001 has housed a fabulous museum dedicated to Corfu’s ancient city, Palaiópolis. It occupies a prime spot on the Kanóni peninsula, surrounded by lush wooded grounds that make a cool and peaceful retreat.

Getting to Mon Repos

Mon Repos is a pleasant half-hour walk south along the seafront from the Spianáda, although the last stretch turns inland along the shoulder of a busy road. If driving, There is limited parking in a small parking area opposite the entrance to the grounds, or along the road.

The parking area is hard to spot so drive slowly as the one-way system will soon have you whizzing past it with no chance to turn around. We speak from experience!

Our Pick of Greek Islands Guides

Mon Repos History

Sir Frederick Adam, the second British High Commissioner, built this neo-classical summer palace for his Corfiot wife. Designed by Sir George Whitmore, architect of the Palace of St Michael and St George, it was completed in 1831.

The villa was used for various cultural purposes from 1832 until 1864, when it was given to Greece’s King George I, who named it Mon Repos. It remained a summer house for the Greek royal family until 1967. Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh, was born here in 1921. 

After years of legal wrangling over the ownership of the mansion, the Municipality of Corfu took over and restored it handsomely inside and out. From the side terrace there is a lovely view over the hillside to the sea. 

Museum of Palaiópolis

Important archaeological sites from the ancient city of Palaiópolis surround Mon Repos, and the mansion was converted into a museum to display its artefacts. Exhibits are well displayed and informative, presenting a fascinating picture of the house and the area, its history and ancient culture. 

On the ground floor, the two rotunda rooms depict the Regency style that Adam and his wife enjoyed during their occupancy. Other rooms contain photos, prints and historical documents, Classical sculpture, and drawings of local flora and exotic plants. Room 7 contains a timeline and a wonderful scale model of the town with buttons which light up the peninsula’s ancient sites. 

Upstairs on the first floor, the rooms surrounding the pretty atrium contain interesting exhibits on life in ancient Kérkyra. Exquisite items from Corfu’s Mediterranean sea trade, the production of wine and olive oil, the ancient marketplace and bathhouses, and deities and sanctuaries are among the topics explored.

There is also a gallery of photographs from the archaeological excavations. On the second floor there is space for temporary exhibitions. 

Around Mon Repos

The lush grounds surrounding Mon Repos are a delight, especially on a hot summer’s day. Follow the path behind the villa that leads to the 5th century BC Doric Temple, the best-preserved site of Palaiópolis, in a sunny spot overlooking the sea. It leads through a canopy of enormous olive and fig trees, and past the ruins of the Heraeum temple. 

Across from the entrance to the grounds is the impressive shell of Palaiópolis church, a 5th century basilica and the oldest church on the island. 

Latest Posts

• 
• 
• 

1. The Lesser-Known Traditions of Greek Easter

   Step off the beaten path this spring and discover the enchanting — and often surprising — Easter traditions found across Greece.

   Read More

2. Easter in the Mystical Castle of Monemvasia

   In the castle town of Monemvasia, with its dramatic medieval backdrop and sea views, Easter is a deeply spiritual and atmospheric experience.

   Read More

3. Sifnos: Greece’s Hidden Culinary Star on the Rise

   Sifnos, a Cycladic island, is gaining fame for its rich culinary heritage, especially the beloved melopita honey-cheese tart.

   Read More

4. Easter in Leonidio: A Tapestry of Light, Culture and Cliffs

   In Leonidio, Easter comes alive with handmade hot air balloons in the sky and lanterns made from bitter oranges in the streets.

   Read More

5. April 9 Strike in Greece to Impact Public Transport, Ferries and Air Travel

   Transportation and travel across Greece will face disruptions on Wednesday, April 9, as public transport, ferry and aviation workers join a nationwide strike called by Greek labor unions.

   Read More

6. Ancient Theater of Lefkada Brought Fully to Light Following Systematic Excavation

   The Greek Culture Ministry has announced that the first ancient theater ever identified in the Ionian Islands has recently been brought fully to light on Lefkada, revealing an impressive monument that…

   Read More

7. Seven Greek Traditions Recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage

   From traditional barrel-making to age-old folk dances, seven new entries on Greece’s National Inventory preserve the country’s living heritage for future generations.

   Read More

8. Greek Air Traffic Controllers to Hold 24-hour Strike, Disrupting Flights on April 9

   The Hellenic Air Traffic Controllers Union have announced a 24-hour strike for Wednesday, April 9, in response to the protest called by the Civil Servants’ Confederation (ADEDY). The strike is being h…

   Read More

9. Ten Best Budget Hotels on Santorini

   
   Greece Travel Secrets picks the ten best budget hotels on Santorini, some with caldera views, some near beaches and some close to the heart of Fira.

   Read More

10. No Ferries in Greece on April 9 as Seamen Join Nationwide Strike

    The Pan-Hellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) has announced its participation in the 24-hour strike called by the General Confederation of Greek Labor (GSEE) on Wednesday, April 9. The strike, which will…

    Read More