Argostoli the capital of Kefalonia
Argostoli is the Kefalonia capital and is located in the western part on the edge of the Kutavos lagoon at about half of the island.
The Argostoli city is very recent compared to many other Greek locations, it was founded in the VXIII century as the administrative seat of the Venice Republic and was part of the Da Mar della Serenissima state. We say that unfortunately its popularity is attributed to the tragedy of the massacre of the Acqui Division in 1943 when a few days after the armistice, the Germans killed an entire Italian battalion. In memory and honor of the soldiers who lost their lives in this sad episode of history, in 1978 the Italian State erected a Monument to the Fallen which is remembered every year by the highest institutions.
Let's say that Kefalonia and specifically Argostoli in the past have not been so lucky, in 1953 a violent earthquake almost razed the city to the ground which was quickly rebuilt, changing however its appearance in a domineering way. Today Argostoli presents itself as a modern town with all comforts. Fortunately, some historic buildings resisted the earthquake and the testimony and the current headquarters of the Philharmonic School and the Library. Even the influence of the Most Serene Republic is still present on the island thanks to the Carnival celebrations, a holiday much loved by the inhabitants.
Arriving from the sea, the lighthouse in the middle of the transparent and clear sea is the first to be seen. Argostoli is connected to the two banks by the arched Drapanos bridge built in 1815 by the British where above all in the morning you can see the caretta caretta turtles wallowing undisturbed and now accustomed to the human being, recovering free fish from fishermen who have just returned from the jokes night. The historic center which houses the main Lithostroto street, is full of souvenir shops, boutiques and cafés where you can relax with a coffee after a bit of compulsive shopping. Lassi is certainly the most touristic part of the capital in the west and offers dream beaches such as those of Makris and Platis Gialos.
Vallianu square is the center of Argostoli nightlife. Especially in summer, the beautiful promenade and the center become very popular with young people and not looking for fun until the first light of dawn. The most sought after and popular locations are The Bass Club and the Cinema Music Club but, you will be spoiled for choice on how to spend the evening. In the square there is also the statue of Panaghis Vallianos benefactor of Kefalonia and Greece who, after the end of the war, helped the Greek economy economically and with its fleet. In addition to modernity Argostoli also preserves ancient traditions such as the ceremony on the Epiphany on the Drapanos bridge, where the pope (Orthodox priest) throws the Holy Cross into the water and the young people dive to retrieve it.
Another natural beauty of Argostoli are the Katavothres, a unique and rare geological phenomenon that can be observed about two and a half kilometers outside the capital. Since ancient times, the waters of the sea have crept into the surrounding rocks, magically disappearing underground. Only in 1963 was the extraordinary discovery made by simply pouring dye into the water which after a couple of weeks appeared in the sea in front of the Karavomilos village on the opposite side of Argostoli. It was therefore understood that the water followed an underground path mixing with the sweet aquifer until it flows into Lake Melissani and then passes into Lake Karavomilos until it reaches the sea.
Certainly a very interesting town, where ancient and modern manage to coexist in harmony, where there are many glimpses to find and where Nature has certainly placed its hand. Not to be missed!.