Museum of Palaiopolis – Mon Repos

The Museum of Palaiopolis sits within the lush Mon Repos estate, offering a vivid introduction to ancient Corfu’s earliest urban centre. Housed in the elegant neoclassical villa built by the British in the 19th century, the museum combines archaeology, architecture, and landscape in a single immersive experience. Its setting is as compelling as its exhibits: the surrounding gardens contain the remains of ancient temples, baths, and sanctuaries belonging to the original city of Corcyra. Inside, visitors can explore artefacts from the Temple of Hera and other nearby sanctuaries, including terracotta figurines, pottery, and architectural fragments that reveal the island’s religious life during the Archaic and Classical periods. A highlight is the display of inscriptions and grave stelae that illuminate the social structure of ancient Corfu, from civic officials to everyday citizens. The museum also presents finds from the early Christian era, showing how the area evolved as new beliefs and artistic styles emerged. One of the most interesting aspects is the integration of indoor exhibits with the archaeological park outside. After touring the galleries, visitors can walk shaded paths leading to the Temple of Apollo, the ancient baths, and the early basilica, gaining a sense of how the ancient city was organised.