This week Patti is challenging us to show details surrounding a particular person, place or thing which otherwise appears so visually overwhelming it is hard to know what or how to photograph it. She points out that sometimes focusing the camera on details can best describe the beauty and history of the site and help tell the big story. Click here to enjoy her post on Details.
The Achilleion Palace in Corfu, Greece is a good example of a place so massive and beautiful it was difficult to know how to photograph it. In addition, it was a bit challenging figuring out how to get some good pictures as crowds of people enjoyed the sights as much as my husband and I did! The Palace was built in Pompeian style in Corfu, Greece in the village of Gastouri in 1890, exclusively for Elizabeth (Sissi), the former Empress of Austria and used as her summer retreat. She was fascinated with ancient Greek legends and mythology and especially admired Achilles, whom she honored by dedicating the palace to him. After her assassination in 1898 in Geneva it was deserted till 1907 when Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany bought it and ultimately made numerous changes throughout. It was used as a military hospital during World War I, then abandoned until the 1970’s and 1980’s when it became the casino of Corfu. After the casino closed it became a public a museum, historical site, and conference center. Interestingly, for those of you who enjoy James Bond movies, For Your Eyes Only was filmed there!
Statue of Achilles in the garden overlooking the water and towards the city.
Famous statue of the dying Achilles looking to the gods to help save him.
Austrian Franz Matt, an Italian painter, picture depicting the triumph of Achilles over Hector.
Statue of Empress Sissi by the front entrance of the palace.
Interior of the Palace taken from the front doors looking towards the staircase in back of the entrance hall. Ceiling painting by Vincenzo Galloppi.
Achilleion Palace front entrance.
Sissi’s was loved by the people and led a very interesting life, click here to read more about her.