Corfu Town Archaeological Museum

Corfu Town's Archaeological Museum holds two of the finest treasures of ancient Greece, the Gorgon pediment and the Lion of Menekrates.

Corfu’s archaeological museum may be small but it holds two of the finest treasures of ancient Greece. The Gorgon pediment is thought to be the country’s oldest surviving monumental sculpture, while the lovely Lion of Menekrates is among the earliest stone animal carvings. Although Corfu may have few remaining archaeological sites that can be seen, these relics attest to the richness of its ancient past. 

Most of the exhibits, brightly lit and well-displayed, are in six rooms on the second floor. At the top of the stairs, the vestibule contains grave monuments from an ancient cemetery in Garitsa, including a 6th century BC burial pithos (urn) with the bones of a child. 

Lion of Menekrates

The central room holds the exquisite Lion of Menekrates. The lifelike, crouching stone figure was carved in the late 7th century BC by an unknown Corinthian artist. It was found near the Tomb of Menekrates in 1843, and is thought to have guarded the grave of a warrior. 

Some Cool Corfu Souvenirs

Paleokastritsa-luggage-tag.jpg

Paleokastritsa Luggage Tag

Corfu-Cypresses-Capri-leggings.jpg

Corfu Cypresses Capri Leggings

Corfu-t-shirt.jpg

Corfu T-shirt

Corfu-tote-bag.jpg

Corfu Tote Bag

The Gorgon Room

Behind a dividing wall, the Gorgon room is dominated by the enormous west pediment from the Doric temple of Artemis (585 BC) at Palaiópolis measuring 17 meters (56 feet) long and 3 meters (10 feet) high. The frightening figure of Medusa with bulging eyes and snakes hissing at her head and waist practically pops out of the frame. Beside her are two fierce panthers and her sons Pegasus and Chrysaor. The gorgon haunts you long after you leave the room. 

Top Tip

Go into the central room of the museum first, and around the wall behind the Lion of Menekrates, to get the best first view of the stunning Gorgon frieze.

The Gorgon

According to Greek mythology, the gorgons were three hideous female creatures with fangs, bronze wings and live snakes instead of hair. Medusa had once been a beautiful maiden, but when she boasted that she was lovelier than Athena, the angry goddess turned her into a gruesome monster. Because of her appearance, she had the power to turn anyone who gazed at her into stone.

Unlike her sisters, Medusa was mortal. She was killed by Perseus, who cut off her head while looking at her reflection in a mirrored shield. Her two sons, the winged horse Pegasus and the hero Chrysaor, sprang from the blood which spurted from her neck.

Our Pick of Greek Islands Guides

Rough-Guide-Greek-Islands-2022.png

Mon Repos Room

The adjoining Mon Repos room features objects excavated from the Mon Repos estate on the Kanóni Peninsula. They include some splendid small objects, such as the Little Lion tripod decoration, the bronze statuette known as Lakon Komastis, and a four-horse chariot and charioteer. The remaining rooms contain pottery, statues, artefacts and the museum’s large numismatic, or coin collection.

Hidden Gem

In the Apollo Parnopios room, look for the display of bronze medical instruments in a case along the outside wall – and use your imagination!

Other Corfu Town Pages

  • Rising on a steep hill behind the old harbour, the Campiéllo is the oldest district of Corfu’s Old Town.

    Old Corfu Town

    Rising on a steep hill behind the old harbour, the Campiéllo is the oldest district of Corfu’s Old Town.

  • The main sites to see in Corfu Town are listed on our main Corfu Town page, and some also have their own pages, but here are some of the other things to see.

    Sites to See in Corfu Town

    The main sites to see in Corfu Town are listed on our main Corfu Town page, and some also have their own pages, but here are some of the other things to see.

  • Corfu Town’s Byzantine Museum is a little gem, one of the town’s top museums with an excellent collection of Byzantine art in a 15th-century church.

    Corfu Town’s Byzantine Museum

    Corfu Town’s Byzantine Museum is a little gem, one of the town’s top museums with an excellent collection of Byzantine art in a 15th-century church.

  • The church of Saint Spyrídon (Ayios Spyridon) in Corfu Town is a must-see site and contains the silver casket of the island’s patron saint.

    Church of Saint Spyrídon

    The church of Saint Spyrídon (Ayios Spyridon) in Corfu Town is a must-see site and contains the silver casket of the island’s patron saint.

  • Greece Travel Secrets recommends where to eat in Corfu Town, including the best restaurants for a treat, traditional tavernas, and cheap and cheerful good eats.

    Where to Eat in Corfu Town

    Greece Travel Secrets recommends where to eat in Corfu Town, including the best restaurants for a treat, traditional tavernas, and cheap and cheerful good eats.

  • This walk in Old Corfu Town, or Campiello, takes you from the Liston through the narrow back streets and alleyways and should take about one to two hours.

    A Walk in Old Corfu Town

    This walk in Old Corfu Town, or Campiello, takes you from the Liston through the narrow back streets and alleyways and should take about one to two hours.

  • Kanoni is one of two tiny islands off Corfu, about an hour’s walk south of Corfu Town, and one of the most photographed spots on Corfu.

    Kanoni

    Kanoni is one of two tiny islands off Corfu, about an hour’s walk south of Corfu Town, and one of the most photographed spots on Corfu.

  • The Palace of St Michael and St George in Corfu Town contains the Museum of Asiatic Art, the Municipal Art Gallery, and the Modern Art Museum.

    Palace of St Michael and St George

    The Palace of St Michael and St George in Corfu Town contains the Museum of Asiatic Art, the Municipal Art Gallery, and the Modern Art Museum.

  • Greece Travel Secrets recommends where to stay in Corfu Town including hotels near the port, near the airport and in the town centre, with budget and luxury options.

    Where to Stay in Corfu Town

    Greece Travel Secrets recommends where to stay in Corfu Town including hotels near the port, near the airport and in the town centre, with budget and luxury options.

  • The villa of Mon Repos to the south of Corfu Town was once the summer home of the Greek royal family but now houses the Museum of Palaiopolis.

    Mon Repos

    The villa of Mon Repos to the south of Corfu Town was once the summer home of the Greek royal family but now houses the Museum of Palaiopolis.

Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Latest Posts

  1. Thessaloniki Metro: A New Era on Track

    Thirty years after the first plans were announced, a new subway system is changing not just how residents get around town but how they experience their city, too.

    Read More

  2. 3 Museums Showcasing Athens’ Industrial Heritage

    Step beyond the well-trodden paths of Athens’ iconic landmarks and explore a different side of the Greek capital by visiting three lesser-known industrial museums.

    Read More

  3. A Day Trip to Mount Parnassos

    Busy schedules don’t always allow for extended getaways, but Mount Parnassos and its enchanting landscapes are perfect for a refreshing day trip.

    Read More

  4. Greece’s November 20 Strike to Disrupt Ferry Services and Public Transport

    A 24-hour nationwide strike is set to disrupt transportation in Athens and travel across Greece on Wednesday, November 20, as public transport and ferry employees join a general strike organized by Gr…

    Read More

  5. Museum of Modern Greek Culture

    A New Cultural Jewel in Plaka

    Read More

  6. Zakynthos: Greek Draft Law Plans Ticket Requirement for Navagio Beach

    Visitors to Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) on the island of Zakynthos will be required to purchase tickets for entrance once it reopens to the public, according to a new draft law proposed by the Gre…

    Read More

  7. Thessaloniki Bites: 6 Fresh Culinary Gems to Savor Around the Film Festival

    With the 65th Thessaloniki International Film Festival in full swing, we take a look at the city’s newest cafes, bars, and restaurants, along with some exciting culinary developments in the city.

    Read More

  8. Musicians Ex Machina Breathe New Life into Greece’s Mountain Villages

    A band of motorcycle-riding musicians is sending a powerful, melodic message from Greece's remote mountain villages that are at risk of being left deserted.

    Read More

  9. Athens Metro Lines 2 and 3 Extend Weekend Service Hours Until 2 AM

    Beginning November 1, Lines 2 and 3 of the Athens Metro will extend their Friday and Saturday night service until 2 o’clock in the morning.

    Read More

  10. History of Thessaloniki

    Alexander-the-Great-statue-Thessaloniki.jpg
    Greece Travel Secrets outlines the history of Thessaloniki, Greece’s second city, from its origins through Roman times and the Ottoman period through to today.

    Read More