Overview:

Achilleion Palace, Pedoulas in Cyprus is an exquisite example of Neo-Classicism architecture and design. The villa was commissioned by the prominent Lusignan Dynasty in the 14th century and was originally named 'Sofiotissa'. It was later converted into a palace by the command of the British Diplomat and Statesman, Sir John Chilcot, in the 19th century. Achilleion Palace overlooks a spectacular view of the Troodos Mountains and is known for its grand columns, white walls, and ornate gardens. It houses a museum, where visitors can explore the palace's rich history of royal presence and culture. The palace is open to the public for visits from April to October, and guided tours can be arranged. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cyprus
Prominent Features:

1. The palace was built by the Empress of Austria, Elisabeth of Bavaria in 1891 as a memorial of her beloved son Crown Prince Rudolph. 2. It was designed in the Neo-Renaissance style with lush gardens, grand stairways, and balconies with magnificent views of the Ionian Sea. 3. The palace is named after Achilles, hero of the Trojan War and also a symbol of Elisabeth's mourning for the loss of her only son. 4. One of the most prominent features of Achilleion Palace are its nine statuettes of Achilles the heroic figures placed along the stairs leading to the top of the palace 5. The porch of the palace has a large mosaic depicting the Judgment of Paris, while the Throne Room features a large sculpture of the headless Achilles. 6. The exterior is decorated with mythological and heroic scenes, while the interior has a grandiose decor featuring chandeliers, marble and many elegant details. 7. The palace also contains several works of art and a number of interesting collections, which include Elisabeth's collection of ancient Greek jewelry, weapons and armor from different civilizations and ages. 8. In addition, the palace is surrounded by lovely and well-manicured gardens full of lush greenery, flowers and several ponds. 9. Pedoulas, a picturesque mountain village located just a few kilometers away from the palace, is a popular spot for shorter excursions for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. This national monument of Cyprus portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Achilleion Palace, located in the village of Pedoulas in Cyprus, was built in 1911 as a summer residence by the Habsburg Dynasty Empress Elizabeth of Austria, famously known as Sisi. She acquired the site, which had previously been used for monastery purposes, in an effort to escape the Viennese court life and to indulge in her love of nature and animals. The palace was named after the Greek mythological figure, Achilles, which was stated to be her favorite hero. The palace contained a variety of artwork related to Greek mythology. The emperor Franz Josef (Sisi's husband) had a depiction of Achilles depicted on the marble floor inside the palace. Shortly after the completion of the palace, Sisi was assassinated in 1898 in Geneva. Being one of her last wishes, the palace was donated to the Greek state in the 1950s and eventually was made a public museum in 1975. Today, the palace houses numerous artworks related to Sisi, including a private collection of photographs and paintings. It also serves as a venue for cultural events and is a popular tourist destination. The beautiful gardens surrounding the palace, as well as the outdoor terrace area, make it a popular spot for weddings and other celebrations. You must visit one of these historical places in Cyprus on your Cyprus tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Achilleion Palace was built by Empress Elisabeth of Austria, also known as Sisi, in the late nineteenth century. She was an admirer of the Greek hero Achilles, and chose the site of the palace in Pedoulas to honor him. 2. The palace was designed by the Viennese architect Theophil Hansen and the exterior features statues of daughters of Achilles, a huge blooming Gloriatree, and a giant mosaic of Achilles. 3. Legend has it that Sisi was so mesmerized by the place and the views that she refused to leave the area and instead extended her holiday to more than a month. 4. Following Sisi’s death in 1898, the palace was bought by a German nobleman and was used by the German army during WWI. 5. The palace was burned down by British soldiers when Cyprus was turned over to the British in 1923, but was later reconstructed by the Cypriot government in 1937. 6. Today, the palace houses a small museum that showcases original items from its Imperial past. The museum also features paintings from famous Austrian painters. 7. The Achilleion Palace was used as a location for several feature films, such as the Oscar-winning 1981 classic Chariots of Fire. 8. The Achilleion Palace is also renowned for its Imperial Gardens, which feature a variety of plants, trees, and flowers that come from all around the world. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cyprus with your friends and family.