Kefalonia Argostoli

More info about Argostoli

History

Historically, the Venetians occupied Kefalonia for many centuries (Enetocracy), like the rest of the Eptanisa Islands (the administrative region Kefalonia belongs to).
The Eptanisa Islands were later occupied by the French and the British.
All these foreign cultures and influences impacted the Kefalonians heavily in all aspects of their lives.
The town was almost entirely destroyed by the earthquakes of 1953, and the British helped rebuild much of its infrastructure.
Before the earthquake, many beautiful mansions decorated the city. They were indicative of Venetian Architecture, with Renaissance, Rococo, and Baroque elements.
There are many buildings and ruins, rich in history and cultural significance. From the 6th-century Cyclopean Walls of Ancient Krani to the renovated buildings after the earthquake of 1953, you can watch history unfold right in front of your eyes.

Some sights in the area

• De Bosset Bridge or "Devosetos Bridge", is around 700 meters long, and is the longest stone bridge over the sea in the world! It is a pedestrian bridge that connects Argostoli to the opposite side of Argostoli Bay. There lies Drepano, a village where you can find the Municipal and the English Cemetery.
Additionally, the bridge separates the Koutavos Lagoon from the bay. It was built in 1813, by the Swiss engineer and English governor of Kefalonia at the time, Charles de Bosset, who supervised a lot of infrastructure projects on the island.
After the earthquakes of 1953, it suffered many damages which are still visible today.
Close to it, there is a small artificial island, with the monument of Obelisk in the middle. It has the shape of a four-sided pyramid, and if you look closer, you can see an inscription placed at the front, in honor of its creators.

• Another landmark you can't miss, both figuratively and literally, is the renowned Cobble Street.
The Kampana (Bell) square is the place from where Lithostroto starts, and a place worth visiting as well.

• The Lighthouse of Saint Theodoroi (or Fanari), is a unique building, 3 km outside of Argostoli. It is built on an artificial peninsula, and besides the value of the building itself, the view is great from there. And, of course, an ideal spot for taking photographs. It has a circular form, extending 8 meters in height, with twenty white pillars supporting it, in the fashion of a doric architectural rhythm.
It was built in 1928, during the rule of the British administrator, Charles Napier. It was destroyed by the earthquake, but it was rebuilt in 1964, according to its original design.
A very interesting piece of information is the reasoning behind the formulation of its shape. In fear of the frequent earthquakes, the British built an interior circular staircase, to support it, thus granting it a unique shape and form. It is close to the Katavothres and the wider Lassi area.

• Korgialeneios Library and the Folklore Museum housed within it are places of high intellectual and educational interest.

• The Kefalos Theater is the Municipal Theater of Kefalonia and one of international prestige and recognition. It lies on Georgiou Vergoti Street and is one of the largest and oldest theaters in Greece.
It is at the central square of Vallianos, at the end of Cobble Street. It opened in 1858, under British rule and the first performance it hosted was La Traviata by Verdi and Mari di Rohan by Donizetti, in November of 1858. It has an amphitheater of 450 seats, making it the biggest theater in all of Kefalonia. Since 1994, when it was rebuilt, it has hosted many theater performances, dancing shows, scientific conferences, and art exhibitions. Furthermore, it has hosted shows of the State Orchestra, the Lyrical Scene, international theater productions, and concerts of very famous musicians.

• What sets Kefalonia apart in terms of geological phenomena, is definitely the one of Katavothres. You can reach it pretty easily, since it is 3 km away from Argostoli, along Fanari Road.
What is the phenomenon of Katavothres? It's the disappearance of seawater in the cracks of the soil! It then runs through the Katavothres, a fact that has baffled scientists for years. Eventually, the explanation is that the Katavothres are made of limestone, and the water of the rain melts a chemical element of it. Then, the cracks dilate, forming underground caves, tunnels, and holes. The Katavothres run through the entire southern part of the island, ending in the Melissani Cave.

• 5 km from Argostoli, lie the ancient Cyclopean Walls of Razata. They are walls of massive stones, dating back to the 7th or 6th century BC, and functioned as a formidable fortification of the city. Razata was the main area of the city in the Mycenaean era. The southern side of the hill (Riza) was the Necropolis of Kranis, 1 of the 4 city-states of Kefalonia, called Kefalianiki Tetrapolis. There are also the Doric Temple Ruins of Demeter.

At the end of your walk on the beautiful Argostoli coastline, there is the statue of Nikos Kavvadias, a naval who is one of the most beloved Greek poets.

Where to swim?

Very close to Argostoli, at a 2kms distance, there is the Lassi Holiday Resort, with its 2 beautiful beaches of Platis Gialos and Makris Gialos. Both beaches have crystal clear water to enjoy your swimming and grained sand for endless sunbathing. The resort provides places to eat, drink and shop. There are also beach bars, restaurants, a lifeguard, and water sports. 

Next to Makris and Platis Gialos lies the more family-friendly beach of Gradakia.

Where to eat?

Kefalonia is famous for its local cuisine, which includes pies, goat meat, and seafood. There are many restaurants in the town where you can taste local delicacies.
If you want a cozy, friendly choice for your meal, with a great view of the sea, you can find the Ampelaki restaurant, at the end of the Argostoli harbor. The staff is very efficient, the quality of food is great, and it also provides facilities for people with disabilities.

Another quality choice for dishes of the local cuisine is the Premier restaurant, at the Argostoli harbor. The great thing about its ingredients is that all vegetables are produced on Premier's farm, by the organic farming method. The bread is also produced in its workshop and is baked daily.

A family restaurant (taverna) that has a great view of the sea and the mountains, is Kiani Akti. Its menu includes many traditional dishes, the most renowned being the delicious Kefalonian meat pie.