Argostoli

Argostoli

Argostoli, the capital of the island of Kefalonia, began to be built in 1757, on the peninsula of the Fanari, in the deep, sheltered bay of Argostoli.

The picturesque bridge of Drapano, built during the years of British rule, links the harbour to the opposite coast of the island. On the right is formed the Koutavos lagoon.
The modern town, built after the 1953 earthquake, is well laid out, with large squares adorned with statues, wide streets and tree-lined avenues and a very lively harbour, surrounded by a luxuriantly verdant area. The old buildings no longer exist, except in the memories of the older citizens and in the photographic archives of the town.

Important sights in the town of Argostoli include the main square, Valianou Square (Plateia Valianou), with its statue of the benefactor Valianis and the impressive Government House and Town Hall buildings. The church of Agios Spyridon with its excellent gilded wood-carved iconostasis is on the Lithostrotos, the main commercial street in the town. Between Valianou and Kambanas Squares lie the Archaeological Museum, the Kephalos Theatre, the Koryalenios Library with the Folklore Museum, and Argostoli cathedral.

To the south of Kambanas Square, Devosetou Street leads to the stone bridge of Drapano, with the lagoon of Koutavos to the right. It's also worth visiting the Monument of the Radicals, the coast road with its palms, now paved with pebbles, and the Pharaoh hill, which offers a panoramic view over the town.