She traveled for reasons perhaps familiar to you and us: To escape to a special place holding happy memories from halcyon youth.

And escape into a project which would help soothe her profound sorrow and satisfy her creative soul.

She was “Sisi,” Elisabeth of Bavaria (1837-1898), Empress of Austria, Queen of Hungary, and consort to Franz Joseph I, monarch of the Hapsburg Empire.

The place was Corfu, Greece. Since she was a girl, Sisi had loved the island and the country, its mythology, language, and culture.

The project was the creation of her personal retreat and private refuge, the Achilleion.

From 1889, when construction first began, until 1896, when she sailed from Corfu on her last visit, Sisi personally oversaw the Achilleion’s every element.

Named for Achilles, her favorite Homeric hero, the Achilleion is more of a private albeit aristocratic residence rather than an imperial palace.

Today, a poetic and poignant melancholy underscores the Achilleion’s romantic ambience and fairytale aspects.

For here, Sisi was no longer an exquisite beauty in her 20s, ravishing in elaborate ballgowns and enduring in iconic portraits.

Here, she was a mature woman in her 60s, mourning great loss and finding quiet solace.

The Achilleion is a cultural landmark unique in Greece, one which summons Paul and I to return on each Corfu sojourn.

Reader, here’s to finding haven and healing, in travel and in life.

Until next time,

Travel on, sparkle on, meaningfully✨

Marilee + Paul
​Spotlight Sojourns® | Slow Travel
with the Hidden Gemologists®

PS: If you’d like to virtually travel to the Achilleion with us, click HERE to read our article, “The Achilleion Palace, Corfu.”​

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