Lixouri

Lixouri

Lixouri, a modern township with a notable harbour linked with the harbour of Argostoli, is the capital of the Paliki peninsula. The town is divided into two by a winter torrent and the two parts are linked by picturesque little bridges.

Lixouri is the second largest town on Kefalonia after Argostoli, from which it's separated by 31 km. It has wide streets, spacious squares and many sight worth seeing. The aspect of this picturesque town, typical of the Ionian islands, has changed greatly since the earthquake of 1953. A major factor in this has been the funds contributed towards the reconstruction of the public buildings by wealthy Lixourians. The inhabitants of the town are engaged in the cultivation of vines and olives, trade, tourism, and fish-farming.

The name Lixouri is first recorded in a document of protest sent by the inhabitants to the Venetians conquerors. The locals were distinguished by their true liberal sentiments and their struggles against British rule in the island. As well as being freedom fighters, the people of Lixouri are also music lovers. The philharmonic school of Pali, which is based here, is one of the oldest and most important in Greece.

The main sights worth seeing in the town are:
- The public library, which is housed in the mansion of the Iakovatos family. In the restored building, besides the precious books and the family archive, are also kept an important collection of icons, of manuscript Gospels, vestments, pectoral crosses, etc.
- The archaeological collection of Lixouri includes pottery of the Classical and Hellenistic periods from excavations in the area.
- The churches of Agia Triada, of the Pantocrator, of Agios Nikolaos ton Xenon, of Agios Nikolaos Miniaton and others, where icons and icon-screens from churches that were destroyed in the earthquake have been moved.
Finally , several statues of eminent local figures, such as the poet Andreas Laskaratos, the freedom-fighter Georgios Typaldos-Iakovatos and others, adorn the town.