Mon Repos Palace is not just a neoclassical building; it is the birthplace of Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, and a former summer residence of the Greek royal family. Set on a lush, 250-acre estate on the Kanoni peninsula, the palace offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s royal history, its beautiful gardens, and the ancient ruins that surround it.
The History of Mon Repos Palace
The palace was built in 1828 by the British Commissioner of the Ionian Islands, Sir Frederick Adam, as a summer residence for his Corfiot wife, Nina Palatianos. It was designed in the neoclassical style and sits on a hill overlooking the sea.
After the union of the Ionian Islands with Greece in 1864, the estate was given to the Greek royal family. It served as their summer residence until the abolition of the Greek monarchy in 1973.
Following the 1974 referendum, the palace was assigned to the Greek state. The former royal family appealed to European courts, but the courts ruled that the property belonged to the Greek state, with only a small monetary compensation given to the family.
Prince Philip: The Most Famous Birth
Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was born in Mon Repos Palace on June 10, 1921. He was the fifth child and only son of Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg.
At the time of his birth, Greece was a constitutional monarchy, and his grandfather, King George I, was the reigning monarch. However, the family was forced to flee Greece when Philip was just a baby due to political turmoil.
Despite being born in Greece, Prince Philip spent very little time there, was primarily raised and educated in England, and eventually denied his Greek identity. You can see a small exhibition inside the palace dedicated to his life.
Empress Sisi and Mon Repos
Before she built the Achilleion Palace, Empress Elizabeth of Austria (known as Sisi) stayed at Mon Repos Palace. It was during her stay here that she fell in love with Corfu and decided to build her own palace on the island.
She was particularly fond of the gardens, which she found to be beautiful and peaceful. It was during her visits to Mon Repos that she became interested in Greek mythology and began to incorporate themes from Greek mythology into her own life and work.
The Gardens of Mon Repos
The 250-acre estate is home to a stunning variety of rare trees and plants, including palm trees, cypress trees, and eucalyptus trees. The gardens were designed by a team of British architects, including Sir Thomas Mawson and Geoffrey Jellicoe, and were commissioned by the Greek royal family.
The gardens are divided into several sections:
- The Pinewood Garden: A dense forest of pine trees that provides a cool respite from the hot summer sun.
- The Garden of the Nine Muses: Features nine statues of the Muses, each with a different instrument or attribute.
- The Palm Garden and Rose Garden: Featuring beautiful seasonal blooms.
- The Pond: A large pond with a small island in the center.
Mon Repos as a Museum
Today, Mon Repos belongs to the Greek state and is used by the Municipality of Corfu. It has been transformed into a museum and a historic place.
Inside the palace, there are exhibits showcasing the history of the palace and the island of Corfu, as well as displays of art and artifacts. One of the most interesting exhibitions is a collection of old Corfu photographs.
Practical Information for Visiting:
- Opening Hours: Open on weekdays from 8 am to 7 pm.
- Tickets: A small fee of €4. There is usually no charge on weekends. You can also buy a combined ticket that includes visits to Mon Repos, the Asian Museum of Art, and the Achilleion Palace.
- Getting There: There are buses connecting Paleopolis with Corfu town every 40 minutes. The distance is small and can be covered on foot in just 15 minutes.
- Phone: +30 26610 41369.
The Ancient Ruins of Paleopolis
Mon Repos Palace sits right inside the wider area of Paleopolis, the ancient city of Corfu. The estate is surrounded by old Greek monuments, including the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Artemis, and the Sanctuary of Kardaki.
If you want to explore the archaeological site, you can read our full guide here:
Read our Guide to Paleopolis & the Ancient Ruins
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