Gastouri is a village that has a long and rich history, the first reference to it is found in 1474.

The village of Gastouri, built at an altitude of 120 meters, on the slopes of Mount Agioi Deka, is located about 12 kilometers from the city of Corfu, in the eastern part of the island.

The hulls (gastres)

They say that the village took its name from the “hulls” that they are called (gastres) in Greek.The clay kitchen utensils used to be made at the village in the clay-making workshops.

(*We find the same etymology of the name given to Garitsa bay)

The aristocratic houses and the Achilleion Palace

This village was a pole of attraction for wealthy families, with many villas still dominating.

The most glorious days of the village, however, came with the construction of the palace of the Austrian Empress Elizabeth, Achilleion Palace, in the 19th century, which still attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world.

Elizabeth’s love for ancient Greece and mythology is reflected from side to side at the Achilleion Palace.

Decorated with imposing statues, with one of the most famous depicting Achilles “the Mortal Achilles” made in 1884.

Many of the unique creations such as those of the 9 muses were designed with elements of statues that existed in Ancient Greece.

Traditions and celebrations

In the village there is also the holy church of the Virgin Mary.

Celebration takes place twice a year on August 23 and the day of the Epiphany, or, “Ton Foton”

Enjoy an utterly relaxing stay, worlds away from hectic everyday routine at Sole di Corfu villa, a newly refurbished 3-bedroom house with beautiful view, only 500m from the Achilleion Palace.

Colleagues
Photography: Vlassis Tsonos
Photography: Eddie Kastamonitis
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