Monuments to visit Ionian Islands

Built in 1300 by Jean Orsini, it has been restored many times by the Venetians and the Ottomans.

In the middle of the mountains of Kythera, you will discover the remains of the island's former capital. The citadel, built in the 12th century by workers from the town of Monemvasia (Peloponnese), 216 m high on two gorges, was invisible from the sea. The terrible admiral of the Turkish fleet and former pirate Khayr ad-Dîn Barbarousse discovered it, besieged it and completely destroyed it in 1537. On the site, you will see the ruins of 80 houses and 20 churches. The church of Agia Varvara is still well preserved and deserves to be visited.

This islet is surmounted by a 15th century Venetian fortress that can be visited only on request. In 1423, the local Venetian lord Adam II San Ippolito asked the Venetian Senate for permission to build a castle - at his own expense - to protect the small island complex from piracy. Permission was granted and the castle was built. Some fortifications, cannons and two churches remain today.

It's well known that German Emperor Wilhelm II was very fond of Corfu and bought the Achilleion Palace in 1907. Carl Ludwig Sprenger was appointed the palace's botanical architect and was responsible for building the bridge leading to the beach, so as to avoid crossing the island's main road. Naturally, the bridge takes its name from the Kaiser, and was named in homage to its owner. There's nothing extraordinary on site to justify driving miles on purpose. But if you're in the area, the view is beautiful and can extend your visit to the Achilleion.