Temple of Artemis, Corfu Temple
Ancient Greek temple ruins dedicated to Artemis
On Corfu, the archaic Temple of Artemis preserves early Greek stone foundations and pedimental sculpture fragments; visitors study archaic masonry and walk nearby coastal paths.
Temple of Artemis, Corfu at a Glance#
About Temple of Artemis, Corfu#
The Temple of Artemis on Corfu is an Archaic Greek temple at the archaeological site of Palaiopolis on the island of Corfu (Kerkyra). It dates to the late 7th or early 6th century BCE and is one of the earliest large stone temples in the Greek world.
Key attractions are the temple’s plan and surviving architectural fragments, including pedimental sculpture elements that belong to some of the earliest known stone pediments in Greek architecture. The temple was dedicated to Artemis and formed a prominent sanctuary in the ancient city.
Built in the Archaic period, the temple’s remains illustrate early developments in Doric temple design and monumental sculpture. Excavations and study of the site have clarified its date and its role within the sanctuary complex of ancient Kerkyra.
The archaeological site lies within Palaiopolis on Corfu island, close to modern Corfu Town, and is part of the island’s classical-era heritage attractions.
- Archaic sculptures: Contains some of the earliest known stone pedimental sculptures in Greek architecture, dating to the Archaic period.
- Location and access: The site lies at the archaeological area of Palaiopolis on Corfu, near Corfu Town, and is accessible from the island’s main settlements.
How to Get to Temple of Artemis, Corfu#
The site is near Corfu Town (Kerkyra). From the old town, drive or take a taxi 10-20 minutes northwest depending on the exact location of the ruins; local buses run from the central bus station toward northern routes-ask the driver to stop at the nearest access road and expect a short walk across a pastoral field.
Tips for Visiting Temple of Artemis, Corfu#
- Look for the fragments of the Doric column bases that remain among the olive scrub-few visitors notice them.
- Combine this trip with a walk to the Temple of Artemis remains in Kerkyra town if staying on Corfu; the drive is only 15-20 minutes.
- Go early morning for the heat and for the best light on the tufa stones.
Best Time to Visit Temple of Artemis, Corfu#
Best in late spring through early autumn; early morning visits avoid heat and crowds.
Weather & Climate near Temple of Artemis, Corfu#
Temple of Artemis, Corfu's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 5°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1018 mm/year), wettest in November with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 5° - 14° | 8° | 113 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 2.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.6h |
| February | Acceptable | 6° - 14° | 8° | 121 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.0 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.6h |
| March | Good | 7° - 16° | 12° | 93 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 2.8 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Very Good | 10° - 19° | 15° | 64 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 2.7 m/s | 1.3 high | 13.1h |
| May | Excellent | 14° - 24° | 19° | 37 mm | some cloud | 72% | 2.4 m/s | 1.7 very high | 14.2h |
| June | Ideal | 18° - 29° | 23° | 13 mm | mostly sunny | 69% | 2.5 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 14.7h |
| July | Ideal | 20° - 32° | 26° | 11 mm | clear | 65% | 2.4 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 14.5h |
| August | Ideal | 20° - 32° | 26° | 23 mm | clear | 64% | 2.4 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.5h |
| September | Excellent | 17° - 28° | 22° | 69 mm | mostly sunny | 67% | 2.3 m/s | 1.3 high | 12.3h |
| October | Very Good | 13° - 23° | 18° | 136 mm | some cloud | 71% | 2.3 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 11.0h |
| November | Acceptable | 9° - 18° | 14° | 177 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 2.5 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.9h |
| December | Acceptable | 6° - 15° | 11° | 161 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 2.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |