ARGOSTOLI

Our tour of the island begins from its capital, the historical and beautiful Argostoli. It is located in the southern part of Cephalonia and is the natural harbor of a truly modern town. During antiquity, the region belonged to Krani, which was one of the main cities (towns) of Cephalonia. Before the earthquake of 1953, the town was even prettier than it is today, since it was decorated with exquisite noble houses and churches with majestic steeples.

The dominant sight of the town is of course the historical bridge. It was built during the British occupation, around 1813, with the authorization of the Swiss Charles Philippe de Bosset, whom the bridge was named after (and otherwise known as Bridge of Drapano). The construction is based on several stone arrows, 4 meters from each other and placed along the bridge. The town of Argostoli is connected with the opposite shore by the bridge.

Entering the town, we come across the sea road planted with palm trees and covered with sea pebbles forming a magnificent mosaic. Along the road, we find the bustling market of Argostoli, complete with grocery and fish stores featuring local natural products and fresh fish from the Ionian Sea. Should we take the opposite direction, we encounter the "Andreas Vergotis" stadium, a contribution to the island, made by Mr. Rokkos Vergotis.

The main commercial road of Argostoli is the lovely and historical Lithostroto (transl. "stone-paved"). Here, we find most of the clothing, shoe and cosmetics stores, as well as cafes, restaurants, and rooms for rent. The road leads to the Square of the Cambana, where in 1797 the citizens of Cephalonia burned the "Libro d' Oro", a book listing the members of the aristocracy. Further down Lithostroto we come upon the Church of St. Spyridon, decorated with the renowned clock and the invaluable golden icon-screen.

Most of the tourists and locals frequent the main square of Argostoli (Valianos Square). The square is surrounded by confectioneries, hotels, restaurants and bars and if you are there at the right time you can enjoy live music from the Philharmonic Band of Argostoli.

The Building of the Philharmonic is located at the main palm tree - lined road. This is one of the prettiest roads since it is host to a few (almost intact) noble houses that were saved from the 1953 earthquake. One of these houses belonged to Mr. Marinos Kosmetatos and it is preserved with its original furnishings and period decor.

Argostoli is a proud host to buildings which house the finest samples of its civilization. The Archaeological Museum houses findings from the Mycenean period, like ceramic swords, golden coins, as well as tools from the Paleolithic time. In addition, the Folklore Museum, at the ground floor of the Korgialenios Library, satisfies even the most demanding visitor, with its traditional clothes, living room with gowns, a traditional Cephalonian bedroom, family monograms, historical pictures, rare works and historical documents. Ascending the Korgialenios Library (1924), with its 53.000 books, some of which are rare editions, we come across the Historical Archive that includes invaluable manuscripts dated 1535-1900. In the Library we can also admire the wooden icon-screen of Sdrin, as well as the art collection of Mr. P. Charokopos.

As for the theatrical arts, "Kefalos" Theatre is the main center of such artistic endeavours, with frequent plays, organized by local and other theatrical companies. The Theatre was built in the location of the pre-earthquake site and it is undoubtedly one of the finest buildings in Greece.

Going towards the outskirts of Argostoli, at a 2,5 km-distance, we come upon Katavothres, one of the many mysterious phenomena that characterize Cephalonia. This is a crevice 3m. deep, whose bottom is made of roughly edged rocks. The seawater enters the breaches and disappears, a fact that made scientists try to find its destination, by pouring a special dye into the crevice. The procedure proved that the water reappears a few days later at Lake Melissani near Karavomilos.

In the same region we come across Fanari (Lighthouse), the second landmark of Argostoli. It is a Doric style construction that was built by the English governor Napier. The sunset here is marvellous, making the landscape one of the finest in Greece.

The area of Lassi, located outside Argostoli, has some of the most gorgeous beaches in the whole island. We encounter in succession: Kalamia, Gradakia and Paliostafida, with a culmination in the Blue Flag beaches of Makris Gialos and Platis Gialos. The latter two are dreamy beaches with crystal clear waters, golden sand, along with umbrellas, restaurant, bar and shower facilities.