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Gastouri, Corfu Island |
| Gastouri, a scenic village, maintaining excellent samples of local architecture in its buildings is found at a distance of 11,5 kilometers far from the town of Corfu at the South. The village counts some 1000 permanent residents. It is one of the most famous places in Corfu, thanks to the palace of Achilleion, constructed in early 1900s’ by Elisabeth, the Empress of Austria (known also as “Princess Sissy”). |
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| Achilleion Palace | Gastouri village | The spring of Princess Sissy |
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| Gastouri has a two-century long tradition in receiving and hosting Greek and foreigner high-class visitors. Apart from Achilleion (which was named after the sculpture of “Dying Achilles”, which decorates it), the area has a lot of things worth seeing, mainly the numerous churches. The churches of Aghios Markianos, Aghios Nicolaos, Panaghia Odighitria, Taxiarches and Aghia Kyriaki are spots of attraction of many visitors. It is also worth seeing the church of Panaghia at the village of Kynopiastes (some 3 kilometers northern to Gastouri), for the interesting wall paintings, excellent samples of the work of the masters of the School of Eptanissa. Close to Achilleion you will see the “Spring of Princess Sissy”, a place where the princess used to go for long walks, in an environment of breathtaking beauty, full of plane trees. And, it is here that you will understand why Elisabeth has chosen this place to retire and built her palace. Don’t miss to visit the famous distillery “Vassilakis”, where you will find several products made of “kumquat”, a local kind of citrus fruit, used to make sweets, jams and liquors of a special taste. You will also find ouzo and interesting local wines. |
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| Taxiarches church, Gastouri | Gastouri village | Agioi Deka village | Gastouri village |
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| The marvelous view is one of the most important advantages of the area. You will fully enjoy it if you drive up to the Holy Monastery of Pantocrator, some 3 kilometers western to the village of Aghioi Deka. The spectacle is fascinating and the view unforgettable. You may also stop at the village of Aghioi Deka, found at the slopes of the homonymous mountain and relax there, enjoying a good coffee. Hotels and rooms to let are available for accommodation both in the village and in the area around. Swimming is possible at the beaches of Phaliraki and Benitses, very close to the village. Two local feasts (“panighyri”) take place on August: on the 6th of August at the Holy Monastery of Pantocrator (3 kilometers far away, western to the village), on the feast of the Transfiguration of Christ and on the 15th of August in honor of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. In case of health problems, a local Medical Center is available in the village. Access from the capital (Corfu, 11,5 kilometers far away) is possible by public buses (the blue ones) running frequently, by taxi and by rented or private cars and motorbikes. |
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