The Solomos Museum is located in the former residence of the poet Dionysios Solomos, writer of the Greek national anthem, in Corfu Town. The mansion on Arseniou Street has been converted into a museum about the poet and houses the Society of Corfu Studies.
About Dionysios Solomos
Dionysios Solomos (1798-1857) was born in Zakynthos but moved to Italy to study and start his writing career. Looking for a quiet place to devote himself to his work, he moved to Corfu in 1828. After living in several houses for a few years, he moved into the mansion on Arsenious Street in 1832, where he lived until his death in 1857.
Solomos is considered Greece’s national poet and his most well-known work is ‘Hymn to Liberty’ (Ýmnos eis tīn Eleutherían), for which Nikolaos Mantzaros composed the music to turn it into a song. In 1865, ‘Hymn to Liberty’ became the national anthem of Greece.
By the time of his death on 9 February 1857, Solomon had reached such fame that when the news about his passing spread, the theater in Corfu Town immediately closed down, the Ionian Parliament suspended its sessions, and a period of public mourning was declared.
The poet was initially buried in Corfu, but his remains were later moved to his birthplace in Zakynthos. His former house in Corfu is now a museum and another museum has been set up in Zakynthos as well. The airport of Zakynthos has also been named after the famous poet.
About The Solomos Museum
Solomos’ mansion in Corfu was severely damaged by the bombings of World War II, but in 1961 the Society of Corfu Studies started renovation works to turn the building into a museum.
In the museum, you can learn more about the life of Dionysios Solomos and his works. Several of the poet’s memorabilia are exhibited, including photographs, books, and manuscripts.
