Last updated on June 27th, 2025 at 08:53 am
During the era of British rule, High Commissioner Sir Frederick Adams in 1819 decided to build a house for himself and his family.
But he was a little exaggerated, and instead of a house, he created a unique palace in a Georgian style, the Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George in Corfu
The building was designed by the English engineer Colonel Sir George Whitmore (1775-1862), and despite its enormous size, it is elegant and beautiful. It has been described as the best example of Regency architecture outside Britain.
It is the largest palace in Greece, second only to the palace of King Otto in Athens, which today houses the Greek parliament.
The large line of Doric columns has two gates, the Gate of St. Michael and the Gate of St. George.
In the garden is the statue of Commissioner Frederick Adams made by Corfiot sculptor Pavlos Prosalendis.
Outside, it has carved representations of the Ionian Islands and two rows of Ionic columns surrounding the main hall, showing scenes from the Odyssey.
The first floor is decorated with Corinthian columns.
There are three main halls: the ballroom, the throne room, and the symposium room.
The palace previously housed the Ionian Senate and is the home of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George.
For half of the century, it was also the summer residence of the former Greek royal family. Today, it has been refurbished as a museum displaying classical antiquities.
A meeting of the summit of the European Union was held here in 1994.
The building looks over the north side of Spianada square on Iroon Politechniou street and also houses the Asian Art Museum and the Municipal Gallery.
More about Corfu
Corfu Blue Bus Routes Map (PDF)
Download this free, full-size PDF map of the Blue Bus route network, featuring all routes, major stops, and central pick-up points in Corfu Town.
Festivals and Panigiria in the Villages of Corfu
Experience authentic Corfiot culture at traditional village festivals (panigiria) with local food, music, and heartfelt celebrations year-round.
Gossip with a Twist: Corfu’s Petegoletsa Tradition
On the last Thursday of the carnival, Corfu has revived a very old tradition, an integral part of the Corfu carnival, which dates from the years of Venetian rule. It is called the Petegoletsa.
Corfu Carnival: Echoes of a Venetian Past
The Ancient celebrations in early spring that took place in honor of Dionysus, god of wine and fun, hoping for a good harvest and successful husbandry, are the forerunners of today’s carnival in Greece.
Corfu Town Hall: The San Giacomo Theatre
Nestled at the vibrant crossroads of Eugeniou Voulgareos and M. Theotoki streets, Corfu Town Hall stands as an architectural masterpiece with an intriguing history.
The Palace of St. Michael and St. George
During the era of the British rule in Corfu, High Commissioner Sir Frederick Adams in 1819 decided to build the Palace of Saint Michael and George
Comments