European Heritage Days 2025 drew both young and old into the center of Corfu. From 26 to 28 September, the Museum of Asian Art guided thematic tours through the Palace of St. Michael and St. George. Under the European theme “Architectural Heritage – Bridging the past with the future”, visitors traced how one of the island’s best known monuments changed from a seat of power into a cultural landmark.
Why did the Heritage Days tours draw interest?
The Palace anchors Corfu’s historic center. On the walks, people looked closely at its architecture and the decorative scheme set out by British engineer Sir George Whitmore, created with Corfiot sculptor Pavlos Prosalentis and local workshops. Stories told on site, plus careful observation of materials, small details, and how the spaces flow, made the topic clear to families, students, and anyone who loves heritage.
Who led the tours?
The Museum’s Director, Despoina Zernioti CMG, set the overall direction. On the ground, Michalis Trivyzás (archaeologist), Panagiota Vasileiadou (museum educator), and Christianna Kitsou (librarian) ran the program. Their mix of history, teaching, and careful record-keeping kept things both accurate and easy to follow.
What did the cultural program offer?
Presented under the title “One Monument – Many Stories: the Palace Through the Gaze of Time”, the route followed the building’s shifting roles: headquarters of the Order of St Michael and St George, residence of the first British High Commissioner Sir Thomas Maitland, and today the home of the Museum of Asian Art. Key architectural spots and selected interiors helped place each period, showing how design choices mirror political, social, and cultural change.
What changed across eras?
A lot changed, yet the essence stayed. From colonial administration to a modern museum, the Palace’s uses highlight Corfu’s layered identity, while original ornament, sculpture, and civic spaces were adapted over time without losing the site’s historic character.
How did residents react to the event?
People of all ages joined in, responding to the guides’ questions and visual prompts. They moved between façades outside and rooms inside, linking dates, people, and materials as they went. There were no official attendance figures, but the format worked well for school groups and for the wider public.
Where to find more information?
The tours took place in the Palace of St. Michael and St. George in Corfu town, within the Museum of Asian Art. Next dates were not published at the time of writing, so interested readers should check the Museum’s official channels for updates and further educational activities.
Why it matters to Corfu
By tying architecture to lived history, the program deepens local understanding of a place that shapes the island’s urban identity. For the Corfu community and visitors alike, European Heritage Days gave a clear, research-based introduction to a monument that still connects past and present.
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