Under the Spell of a Myth

Sisi was initially drawn to Corfu during her first marriage crisis in 1861. Almost 25 years later the Empress of Austria returns to the Greek island. Greece becomes the new home of her dreams and the white palace near Gasturi, the Achilleion, serves as the “asylum of a great wounded soul.” What are the real reasons, though, for Elisabeth’s deep attachment to the country and its people?

After many years of research, author Stefan Haderer takes us on a compelling journey. Thanks to sources so far unknown, he sheds light on Elisabeth’s life up to her tragic death as observed by those closest to her: her ten Greek readers and loyal travel companions, her ladies-in-waiting, the captain of the Miramar, and many more. On this fascinating voyage we accompany the legendary Empress from Corfu to Athens, from the ruins of Mycenae to Troy, to the Cyclades Islands, and to areas in Western Greece barely visited by tourists.