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Palace of St. Michael and St. George

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Palace of St. Michael and St. George (Greece)

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The Palace of St. Michael and St. George in Corfu Town is a preeminent example of Regency-style neoclassical architecture, built during the British protectorate of the Ionian Islands. Constructed between 1819 and 1824, the edifice was crafted using limestone imported from Malta and served as the official residence of the British High Commissioner. It was also the headquarters for the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, from which it derives its name. Designed by Sir George Whitmore, the palace features a grand Doric colonnade and opulent state rooms decorated with intricate frescoes and carvings. Following the unification of the Ionian Islands with Greece in 1864, the palace was utilized by the Greek royal family as a summer retreat. Today, it houses the Museum of Asian Art, one of the most important of its kind in Europe, featuring over 15,000 artifacts from China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Its location at the northern end of the Spianada square makes it a focal point of Corfu’s UNESCO-listed historic center.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C111113161924262724201613
Rain mm12511096554227162581115151155

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Palace of St Michael and St George in Corfu Town is a neoclassical building now housing the Museum of Asian Art. It is open to visitors and displays an extensive collection.
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Typical hours
The museum is usually open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 16:00, closed on Mondays. Hours may vary seasonally; please check ahead.
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Photography
Photography is allowed inside the museum without flash; some rooms may have restrictions. Please follow staff guidance.
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Time needed
A visit to the museum takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. If you also explore the palace architecture and gardens, allow 2 hours.
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Combine with
Combine the palace visit with a stroll through Corfu's old town and the nearby Old Fortress. The Archaeological Museum is also within walking distance.
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Getting there
The palace is on Spianada Square in central Corfu Town, easily reached on foot. From the port or airport, take a taxi or city bus.
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Insider tip
Use the combined ticket if you plan to also visit the Archaeological Museum (if available). Go into the garden behind the palace - it's a peaceful retreat.

Geography

Coordinates
39.62620, 19.92380

Facts

  • Construction lasted five years, from 1819 to 1824, under British administration.
  • The palace was built entirely from limestone imported from the island of Malta.
  • Sir George Whitmore was the colonel of the Royal Engineers who designed the site.
  • It served as the Greek Royal Family’s summer residence from 1864 until 1913.
  • The Museum of Asian Art within the palace opened its doors in 1927.
  • The building features a massive colonnade consisting of 32 Doric columns.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Saint Spyridon ChurchSaint Spyridon Church<1 km · SWExplore →
Alykes PotamouAlykes Potamou4 km · WExplore →
KontokaliKontokali6 km · WExplore →
Achilleion PalaceAchilleion Palace7 km · SExplore →
PelekasPelekas9 km · SWExplore →
DassiaDassia9 km · NWExplore →
Agios GordiosAgios Gordios11 km · SWExplore →
BarbatiBarbati11 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Palace of St. Michael and St. George (9)

Pantocrator

Church in Corfu dedicated to Christ Pantocrator. Orthodox building with icons and frescoes.

Museum of Asian Art🏛 museum

Art museum in Greece, in Corfu. Collection of Asian art from China, Japan, and India.

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St. Andrew

Church in Corfu dedicated to Saint Andrew. Small Orthodox building with a bell tower.

Saint Nicholas of the Elders

Church in Corfu dedicated to Saint Nicholas of the Elders. Orthodox chapel.

Municipal Gallery of Corfu

Museum in Greece, in Corfu. Municipal gallery with works by Corfiot and Greek artists.

Byzantine Museum🏛 museum

Church building in Municipality of Central Corfu and Diapontia Islands, Greece. Displays Byzantine icons and art.

Methodios

Public sculpture in Greece by Nikolaos I. Georgiou, 1994. Standing bronze figure.

Venetian Well

Famous landmark in Kambielo, Corfu. Venetian stone well with a coat of arms.

Banknote Museum🏛 museum

Museum in Kerkira, Greece. Collection of Greek and European banknotes and coins.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does the palace house today?
It houses the significant Museum of Asian Art of Corfu.
Where is the palace located?
At the northern end of the Spianada (Esplanade) in the center of Corfu Town.
Who built the building?
The British built it between 1819 and 1824 during their protectorate over the Ionian Islands.
Is the palace garden accessible?
Yes, behind the palace are the 'Gardens of the People' with lovely sea views.
What is the architectural feature of the palace?
An impressive Doric colonnade made of Maltese limestone stretches across the entire front.
Palace of St. Michael and St. George: where is it located?
Palace of St. Michael and St. George is located in Greece.
Palace of St. Michael and St. George: what is there to see?
Highlights include Pantocrator, Museum of Asian Art, St. Andrew.
Palace of St. Michael and St. George: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
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