Cyclopean Walls

in good condition. Many people wonder how this wall can be so perfectly aligned. They were most likely built in 7th century BC. and claimed to be some of the best examples of engineering of walls coming from that time.

The way to go to the walls is pretty simple. They are near the main road that goes from Argostoli to Sami. When you get close to a town called Razata, you will see a sign that says Cylopean Walls. This sign points you to a asphalt road that eventually becomes a dirt road. There it happens to be a large open area to park your vehicle. You will have to walk the last remaining meters to these walls. When you visit, you’d better wear walking boots, strong sneakers or trainers as well as long pants or trousers to protect your legs from the prickly shrubs.

These walls were meant to protect the ancient town of Krani. You can find remains of buildings from this town near the walls. The town used to be at the end of the Koutavos Bay and overlooked the whole region. The Krania plain was the main location of this city.

Krani was one of the cities of Kefalonia that were part of a kingdom called Ancient Sami that dominated Kelafonia for over three thousand years. The famous archeologist N. Kyparissis believes that the history of Kefalonia is depicted in these walls. You can glimpse the ancient times right up to the years when the Roman Empire ruled this island. This time of period would be about three thousand years. The golden age of this island was during the Mycenean period.

People were able to communicate with the islands of Ithaca, Lefkada and the Cycladic group of islands. All this communication ended when the island was destroyed by the volcanic eruption of Santorini. On a hill called Riza near these walls, there are many chamber tombs that existed before the Mycenaean period. Unfortunately, these tombs have been plundered and damaged. This hill was used as a necropolis for the ancient city of Krani. These cyclopean walls bear testimony to the fact that there was indeed ancient inhabitation on this island.

These walls are over 2 kilometers long and can be found just outside Argostoli. While walking along these walls, you can see examples of the wildlife of the island. You should carry water with you on this excursion. If you are unable to get a vehicle of your own, you can take a taxi. Don’t forget to make arrangements with the taxi driver to have you picked up later on, as it is unlikely that you will be able to pick up another taxi in this isolated area. Despite their ruined state, the Cyclopean Walls og Kefalonia are a good example of ancient Greek engineering.







The picture is provided by www.postmehome.com