Kefalonia is not just a place of archaeological interest; it is a living monument to cultures that flourished for thousands of years. From the discovery of Paleolithic tools near ancient Krani to the magnificent Mycenaean tombs in Tzanata, Metaxata, and Mazarakata, every corner of the island holds evidence of a glorious journey. In classical antiquity, Kefalonia was not a single kingdom, but was divided into four powerful city-states: Sami, Krani, Pronni, and Pali.Today, the visitable archaeological sites in the first two testify to their fortifications and strategic importance. The Roman domination also left impressive traces, such as temples, villas, and baths. Everywhere on the island, history unfolds through ruins and architectural remains, creating an open book for those wishing to discover the past of Kefalonia.
Let’s explore the most significant archaeological landmarks of Kefalonia.
The Cyclopean Walls of Ancient Krani
The Cyclopean Walls of Krani, made of huge, hewn boulders, date back to the 7th–6th century BC and impress with their grandeur. The name “Cyclopean” was given to them by the ancient Greeks, as they believed they were built by the mythical Cyclopes, the one-eyed giants of Greek mythology.
They are located 3 kilometers east of Argostoli, near the village of Razataand date back to the 7th–6th century BC. As part of the Cephalonia Tetrapolis, Krani was one of the most important cities on the island.
The archaeological site is easily accessible, and the road is signposted (just before the village of Razata), offering visitors the opportunity to explore and admire the magnificent walls.
Saint George Castle
Built 800 years ago, Saint George Castle is located on a 320-meter-high hill, 7 km northeast of Argostoli. It was the capital of Kefalonia for centuries. Since 1500, the Venetians built public buildings, barracks, and reservoirs in the area, exploiting its strategic location to monitor the bay and spot pirate ships from 20 miles away.
The settlement around the castle included mansions, churches, and schools. In 1757, the Venetians moved the administration to Argostoli, causing the castle to decline. Today, partially restored, it is a tourist destination offering a wonderful view of the sea and Argostoli.
Assos Castle
The Venetian Castle of Assos, built in the 16th century at the top of the peninsula, is the largest of the two castles in Kefalonia and aimed to protect the village from pirate attacks. Construction began in 1593 and was completed to strengthen the island’s defense, as Saint George Castle could not cover the entire island.
The fortress was a strategic point and turned Assos into the capital of northern Kefalonia. Today, the remains of the walls and the church of Saint Mark are preserved. The Assos peninsula was ideal for the construction of the castle, offering views of the central Ionian Sea and difficulty of access.
The strategic importance of the fortress fits into the Venetian fortification network, and it is believed that the Assos area could have been the location of Homeric Ithaca.
The Acropolis of Sami
The ruins of the ancient acropolis of Sami are located at the top of Mount Lapitha, above the port of Sami. You can reach it by following picturesque paths that connect the acropolis to several nearby Roman ruins. The acropolis stretches over the hills “PalaioKastro” and “Agioi Fannentes,” and the remains of defensive walls and stone masonry testify to the extensive fortification of the city, dating from the Classical and Hellenistic periods (5th–2nd century BC).
Ancient Sami, with a history dating back to the Paleolithic period, was a powerful city-state with its own coinage and defensive walls. It developed into a thriving city due to trade and population growth. The acropolis offers a panoramic view of the port of Sami, while the hills of PalaioKastro and Agioi Fannentes reveal the strategic importance of the area.
Tholos Tomb in Tzanata
The tholos tomb in Tzanata, near the village of Poros, is the largest of the known tholos tombs in the Ionian Islands and unique in its kind. It is considered a royal tomb, as gold jewelry, royal seals, and precious stones were found, which are on display at the Archaeological Museum of Argostoli. The tomb was built over an older, smaller tomb that collapsed for an unknown reason. There are speculations that it might be the burial place of Odysseus.
It was discovered in 1991 and excavated by archaeologist Dr. Lazaros Kolonas. Located in a beautiful setting with olive trees, cypress trees, and oaks, the tomb offers a unique experience for visitors.
Cemeteries
The Mycenaean Cemetery of Mazarakata was discovered in 1908 by Kefalonian archaeologist P. Kavvadias and is considered the largest of its kind on the island. Located about 9 kilometers from Argostoli, it consists of 17 tholos tombs, which were found untouched, filled with exquisite vases, gold foil, and glass ornaments. The tombs are carved into the rocky ground and date to the Mycenaean period.
The impressive past of Kefalonia during the Mycenaean era is evident in the cemeteries of Mazarakata and Lakithra, as well as in the tholos tomb in Poros and Tzanata.
It is worth visiting the two cemeteries on the way to the village of Pessadasouth of Argostoli, as the atmosphere of the area and the carved tombs create a sense of mystery and connection to the Homeric Odyssey. In 2007, works began to upgrade the site for the protection and better access to these significant sites.
Roman Cemetery in Fiskardo
The Roman cemetery in Fiskardo was discovered in 1993 by the sea, dating from the 2nd century BC to the 4th century AD. Excavations revealed parts of an extensive cemetery that included two rectangular sections and 27 tombs. Each tomb features unique architecture, and inside, various grave goods were found, such as ceramics, glass vessels, jewelry, metal objects, and coins.
The discovery of the cemetery was accidental and contributed to understanding the Roman presence in Kefalonia. In the excavation area, a very well-preserved theater with stone slabs was found, as well as the remains of houses and a bathhouse complex from the Roman period.
Roman Villa in Skala
In 1956, the ruins of a Roman villa were discovered in southern Kefalonia, near Skala. Built in the 2nd century AD, the villa appears to have been a rural residence with six preserved rooms. Four of these rooms feature impressive mosaic floors, the most characteristic of which depicts Envy as a young woman suffering while seeing the happiness of others. The villa was destroyed by fire in the 4th century AD.
In the village near the sea, a path leads to a small olive grove where the ruins of a Roman villa were found in 1957. A sign directs you to the “Roman Villa.”
Archaic Temple of Skala
The archaic temple of Skala in Kefalonia, of Doric style, dates from the late 6th to early 5th century BC and belonged to the ancient city-state of Pronni. It is located near the sea, on the Skala-Poros road, and near the Roman villa of Skala.
The temple was researched in 1960 by Spyridon Marinatos, and it is believed that it belonged to a larger sanctuary surrounded by a perimeter wall. The pottery found underwater suggests that it was a place of worship for sailors. The excavation remains incompletebut the site is accessible with free entry.
The temple had a pronaos, a long naos, and possibly a peristasis. The findings are insufficient for a precise reconstruction, but building materials were used in the nearby chapel of Saint George.
Campanas Square
Located in the heart of Argostoli, on Lithostroto, the main commercial street of the city, the square takes its name from the bell tower with the clock that dominates it. Today, Campanas Square is a beautiful space with cafés and shops, but in 1797, it was the scene of an important historical event. Here, the French troops who occupied Kefalonia burned the Libro d’Oro the official list of the Venetian nobility. The change in sovereignty after the French Revolution marked the end of Venetian rule and the beginning of a new era of equality for the island's citizens.
De Bosset Bridge
The stone De Bosset Bridge, or Drepano Bridge, is one of the most important historical monuments of Kefalonia. With a length of 690 meters, it is the longest sea stone bridge in Europe. It connects Argostoli to the opposite shore, separating the port from the Koutavos Lagoon.
Originally wooden, it was built in 1813 by Charles de Bosset and completed with stone elements by Charles Napier. The bridge was initially a road axis but was later limited for pedestrian use due to its narrowness.
In the middle of it, the obelisk honoring de Bosset stands out. The area is also known for the Caretta-Caretta sea turtles, which often swim near the bridge during the spring.
Roman Villa of Agia Efimia
The Roman villa is located in Agia Efimia, in the province of Pilarei, near the provincial road from Agia Efimia to Fiskardo. Excavation was completed in the early 2000s, and the site is open to the public.
The villa dates to the early Christian period and was abandoned in the late Roman period when it was used as a cemetery. Its layout is shaped like a “P,” and around the central courtyard, there are ruins that extend beneath the roadway and surrounding properties.
The impressive mosaic floor with white arches and the drainage system directing rainwater to a reservoir, as well as the built-in bath with a well, are some of the remarkable findings.
As a living museum, Kefalonia can be characterized, where the past embraces the present, offering visitors an experience full of discoveries and emotions. Here, every stone, every bridge, every monument holds its history and waits to tell it to those ready to listen.
With information from visitkefaloniaisland.gr, wondergreece.gr, same-museum.gr, kastra.eu.
English 
Greek