Argostoli is the main town of the island of Kefalonia and since 2011 it is part of the municipality of Kefalonia. It rises on the shores of the Kutavos lagoon, on the west coast of the island. Rich in accommodation, restaurants and cafés, the city of Argostoli has experienced a strong development since the last century, thanks above all to tourism and is also the city where most of the inhabitants of the island live.
Lassi is the most touristic area of Argostoli, it is located in the western part of the city and is connected to the capital by a bus service. Among its enchanting beaches you cannot miss those of Makris Gialos and Platis Gialos divided by a cliff.
History of Argostoli
The city of Argostoli was founded by the Venetians in the 18th century, thanks to the weakening of the Ottoman empire and became the capital of Kefalonia.
She is remembered for the massacre of the Acqui Division, of the Italian Army, by the German Army, during the Second World War, between 15 and 26 September 1943, a few days after the armistice between Italy and the Allies. In 1978 the Italian State erected a Monument to the Fallen of the Acqui Division, which are remembered every year by the President of the Italian Republic.
In 1953 a violent earthquake almost completely destroyed the town of Argostoli and the reconstruction drastically changed the appearance of the city. Today Argostoli is a lively and modern town, but long Venetian domination is still present in the local tradition with the carnival, much felt by the inhabitants of Argostoli and in some buildings that survived the earthquake, such as the headquarters of the Philharmonic School and the library.
What to do in Argostoli
This lively seaside town is definitely the right place to start enjoying the spirit of Kefalonia. Argostoli is a picture framed by green palm trees, fishing boats and turtles, where there are plenty of places to visit: from the museums, to the church of San Spiridione and still the Lighthouse of San Teodoro, without forgetting the promenade, where a good part is concentrated of Argostoli's activities, such as traditional taverns, restaurants, shops and clubs.
The Archaeological Museum
The small but interesting Archaeological Museum of Argostoli, founded in 1957 and renovated in 1999, is definitely worth visiting. It consists of three rooms in which tools from the Neolithic and Paleolithic periods from the archaeological sites of Sami, Fiskardo and Skala and exhibits from the necropolises of Metaxata and Mazarakata are exhibited. The museum also houses about 300 vases from the Lakithra tombs and Roman objects found in a cemetery near Fiskardo. In addition to finds from the Classical and Hellenic era, including a splendid mosaic from the temple of Poseidon, located in Lixouri.
The Folklore Museum
The visit to the Folklore Museum will be unforgettable: you will be transported to another era, including lace ball gowns, linen linens with the monogram of a noble family, antique furniture and precious silver services. The Folklore Museum is located on the ground floor of the Korgialenios Library, after the visit you can in fact go up to the impressive library consisting of about 50,000 volumes. There is also a collection of Byzantine icons from the 16th and 18th centuries.
A walk in Argostoli
Near the port you will find the Devosetou bridge, built by the British in 1815, which joins the two ends of the bay. After the wide tree-lined road you reach the ancient building of the Argostoli Philharmonic School and a short distance away you can admire one of the few houses that survived the earthquake of 1953: the home of the Cosmetatos family, which still retains the furniture and decorations of the era.
After the Port Authority continue towards the main square of Argostoli, Vallianos, surrounded by pastry shops, hotels and restaurants. Here you will find the statue of Panaghis Vallianos, the national benefactor. Near the Vallianos square, on the uphill road to Lassi, you will find the pretty Napler Gardens, which contribute to making the center of this beautiful town a welcoming place. Behind the square begins the main street of Argostoli, Via Lithotrotos full of shops, shops and boutiques, ideal for your shopping.
After a few minutes you will reach Via Charokopou, where you will find the Charokopou Laboratory: here you can buy traditional local embroidery. Finally on the promontory of San Giorgio you will find the Lighthouse of San Teodoro, a small circular structure supported by Doric columns, rebuilt according to the original design of 1820, capable of creating an incredibly romantic atmosphere, especially at sunset.
The natural beauty of Argostoli
Along the port of Argostoli you can spot with a bit of luck a Caretta Caretta turtle. It is a WWF protected species, which in Kefalonia can be admired in its natural habitat. Mainly in the morning they arrive at the port to eat some fish, offered by the fishermen. At the beginning of summer, turtles breed in the gulf waters and the females move to the Munda promontory (south of the island) to lay their eggs.
About three kilometers from Argostoli you can witness a truly unusual natural phenomenon, called Katavothres: the sea penetrates the subsoil, disappearing inside intricate underground tunnels and reappears after several days on the opposite side of Kefalonia, in the Karavomilos locality.
Nightlife and events
During the summer evenings, the Vallianos square, the promenade and the premises of the center come alive, becoming the meeting place for the inhabitants of Argostoli and tourists looking for fun. Among the trendiest discos on the island of Kefalonia are the Bass Club and the Cinema Music Club, both of which are located in the center of Argostoli and offer live music and theme nights for non-stop fun!
In addition to the traditional fun in the town of Argostoli, ancient ceremonies and events related to folklore and local traditions survive, such as the ceremony that takes place on Epiphany during which the Orthodox priest throws the cross into the water, which is then recovered by the young of the country. The ceremony takes place near the Devosetou bridge.
In Argostoli tradition and modernity coexist in a perfect mix of folklore and fun .. try it to believe it!