Museums of Corfu

OUT OF TOWN

The Corfu Shell Museum
is not only unique in Greece, but also is one of Europe's best museums dedicated to shells and other treasures of the Deep. It contains thousands of exhibits, including beautiful shells, corals, fossils, starfish, sponges and many other items. The collection is scientifically labelled, and visitors are also offered a guided tour with full explanations and descriptions. Unusual shells for collectors and exotic souvenirs are on sale. The enormous collection has recently been augmented with new exhibits brought back by the owner, Napoleon Sagias, from Australia. To contain them, the Museum has moved into new premises on the main road at Gouvia, near the cross-roads. Open every day 10.00 to 21.00 Tel. 99,340.

Kapodistrias Museum
A 17th century mansion which now contains the possessions and furniture of John Kapodistrias, first president of the modern Greek State. Koukouritsa, near Evropouli Village. Open 11.00 to 13.00 Wednesday and Saturdays.

Folk Museum of Central Corfu
Step into a time capsule, into a village house that has been left intact with its original decorations, furniture and fittings, a glimpse into a vanishing way of life. Sinarades Village. Open every day except Monday 9.30 to 14.00 Tel. 3567,3144530

Castello Art Gallery
The 'Castelino', a superb modern building in the grounds of the famous Castello mansion near Dassia, serves as an art gallery exhibiting works on loan from the National Art Gallery. Kato Korakiana Village. Open 10.00 to 14.00 & 18.00 to 21.00

Achilleon Palace
Corfu's most famous building contains a museum displaying possessions of its previous owners, Empress Sissi and Kaiser Wilhelm II, lovely gardens. Gastouri Open 08.00 to 15.00 every day.

Paleokastritsa Monastery
Contains a small museum with icons and other relics, as well as some curiosities. Paleokastritsa, at the end of the road.

IN TOWN

Archaeological Museum
A superb and diverse exhibition of' Corfu's archaeological heritage. The Gorgon Pediment is not to be missed. 5 Vraila Street. Open 8.30 to 15.00. Closed Mondays. Sundays open 9.30 to 14.30.

Byzantine Art Museum
Fabulous Byzantine and post Byzantine icons are displayed in an attractive church. Church of Antivouniotissa, just off Arseniou Street. Open 8.30 to 15.00. Closed Mondays. Sundays open 9.30 to 14.30.

Solomos Museum
A collection of the memorabilia and archives of the Greek poet, Dionysius Solomos. 3rd Parados, Arseniou Street, Corfu Town Open 09.30 to 13. 00 weekdays.

Paper Money Museum
A unique and highly informative museum based around paper money in all its forms. Ionian Bank, St. Spiridon Square, behind the Liston, Corfu Town. Open 9.00 to 13.00 Monday to Saturday.

Municipal Art Gallery
Exhibiting Corfu Artists of the 19th Century and Greek Etchings. Also exhibition of sculpture. Palace of Saints Michael and George, East Wing. Open 09.00 to 21.00.

Old Fortress
Site of the original town of Corfu, with battlements and bastions to explore, plus the best view of Corfu Town. Entrance from the Esplanade Square. Open every day except Monday 08.30 to 15. 00.

New Fortress
Built by the Venetians, improved by the British, a stunning work of military engineering. Entrance from Solomos Street. Open every day 10.00 to 16. 00.

Serbian War Museum
Photographs and militaria commemorating the Balkan War of 1915-17. Moustoxidi Street. Open on request only. Tel. Moraitis School of Languages 35615

Reading Society
Fine collection of old books, documents and prints, mostly relating to the Ionian Islands. 120, Kapodistrias Street. Open weekdays 10.00 to 13.00.

British Cemetery
Lovely garden containing graves from the British Protectorate to the present. Kolokotroni Street.