Home Attractions of Kefalonia Historical Sights

Historical Sights

Ancient Greek, Roman to modern day historical sites are located around the island. Due to the earthquakes there are very few in a good condition, though each one hides an important story that is worth discovering.

Just a few exciting examples include Mycenaean tombs, the Ancient Acropolis of Sami, the Cyclopean walls, Byzantine landmarks, Roman mosaics and villas, Lighthouses, Venetian fortresses, Statues and monuments and even a WW2 submarine!

  • Andreas Laskaratos’ statue

    by lukas

    Andreas Laskaratos was a great writer and poet known for his satire and lyrical texts. His statue adorns the port of Lixouri gazing the city.

  • Panagis Vallianos’ Statue

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    Panagis Vallianos was a well – known merchant and pioneer of Greek shipping. The central square of Argostoli has the name of this great benefactor, and his statue adorns its upper side.

  • Harakas Bridge, Myrtos

    by Sarah O

    The Harakas Bridge, above Myrtos, is one of Greece’s most famous and spectacular bridges. The project consists of a miracle of contemporary science of engineering, as it is located upon an active seismic fault.

  • A statue of an important Greek poet, “the poet of the sea”, is located at Argostoli harbour. His poems have been set to music and his timeless lyrics travel us even today.

  • The commercial paved street at Argostoli’s centre is adorned by the Bell Tower or Clock Tower. Petite cafés, local products and souvenir shops, clothes and shoes, jewellery shops and churches are located on Lithostroto.

  • It was first named Courthouse Square (until 1916) and ever since Panagi Vallianou Square. Place of gatherings, celebrations, parades and protests, the square plays a decisive role in the current events of the island over …

  • The monument of Acqui Division Victims is located in Argostoli, in the area towards the lighthouse. Every year a commemoration is held in the name and honour of the fallen Italian soldiers who fought in …

  • This is a very important historical discovering of the 1990s decade which dates back to 1350 BC. The Mycenaean Tombs of Tzanata village are the largest of the Ionian Islands, revealing a flourishing Mycenaean centre …

  • The famous British poet and philhellene visited Kefalonia in 1823, before heading to Messologhi. Close friends with Colonel Charles Napier, he stayed several months in the villages of Metaxata and Lakithra.

  • In the picturesque village of Fiskardo, at the far end of the settlement, you will find the almost perfectly preserved Roman Cemetery. It dates back to the 2nd- 4th century AD.

  • In 1998, a submarine’s shipwreck was found near Poros’ coast. The HMS Perseus submarine sank on December 6th 1941 after hitting a mine. 61 people were killed and only one survived, who was found by …

  • Old Farsa is an atmospheric place to visit to watch the sunset through the ruins. Exploring the paths in and around the village gives us a great insight into the life of a traditional Kefalonian …

  • Old Vlachata Village, Sami

    by Anna Votsi

    Following the signs to “Saristra Festival” from the main road of Sami- Karavomilos, you will get to the Old Vlachata village. The remnants of the pre-earthquake’s settlement still stand in good condition.

  • During the 1953’s earthquake, the workmen of the kiln saw it collapsing completely. The production stopped and since then no traditional roof tile kilns existing in the Skala region. Kefalas’s kiln is located in Mounda …

  • One of the best attractions of the island’s town and home to many protected species, Koutavos Lagoon hosts a variety of animals – an integral part of Kefalonia’s flora and fauna.

  • Roman Villa, Agia Efimia

    by Anna Votsi

    The Roman mansion of Agia Efimia dates back to early Christian times and was abandoned in the late Roman period. It is located on the main road of the village towards Fiskardo.

  • Roman Villa, Skala

    by Anna Votsi

    The only important and well-maintained monument of the Roman period in Kefalonia. Destroyed by fire in the 4th century AD, and it is located in Skala village, on the main road, near the sea.

  • Mazarakata Tombs, Livathos

    by Anna Votsi

    At the beginning of the 19th century, De Bosset found 4 Mycenaean tombs in the Mazarakata area whilst trying to find limestone for coating the roads. Since then, 13 more tombs have been excavated by …

  • Ancient Sami, trail

    by Anna Votsi

    If you fancy to travel back to history by walking through nature, then Ancient Sami’s trail is the best option. The ancient Acropolis of Sami, the ruins of the monastery of Agioi Fanentes and a …

  • Assos Castle

    by Anna Votsi

    Constructed in the 16th century, Assos Venetian Fortress and Castle are one of two castles in Kefalonia. Through a beautiful guided trail, the visitor can admire a spectacular view of Assos peninsula and Ionian Sea.

  • Gero Gobos Lighthouse

    by Anna Votsi

    At the southwest corner of Kefalonia on the Paliki Peninsula stands the Gero Gobos Lighthouse, near Lagadakia beach. This landscape of wild beauty offers a magnificent view of the sun setting in the Ionian Sea.

  • Kipouria Monastery

    by Anna Votsi

    This monastery of the 18th century stands upon a cliff that crashes into the Ionian. Located in the Lixouri peninsula, it offers one of the most spectacular sunset views you can enjoy while on the …

  • Built-in 1828, the St Theodoroi Lighthouse is one of the three Lighthouses of Kefalonia. It is a romantic place to watch the sunset, and it can be combined with hiking or swimming in the nearby …

  • Former capital of the island, a place of great importance and beauty. Walking back to history through Saint George’s Castle and picturesque village and the pre-earthquake churches.