kefalonia greece history

Holidays in Kefalonia will give you memorable days on the beach and long walks in evergreen nature. Kefalonia is a place with rich history, as it has been inhabited since the Paleolithic age! Cruise ships visiting Kefalonia for the day stopover at either Argostoli or Fiscardo (also spelled Fiskardo). So, many of its elegant buildings are painted the pastel colors of the Venetian style and have balconies and tile roofs. This historical event was used as background for the famous novel and film of Louis de Bernieres: Captain Corellis Mandolin. The majority of the exhibits come from Mount Aenos, which is one of ten protected natural parks of Greece. The rich history of Kefalonia, the particularities of its natural environment and also the traditions of past centuries are presented in a number of museums and cultural centers throughout the island. See More -> KEFALONIA ISLAND…STOP DREAMING. The island was occupied by the Byzantines, Turks, Venetians, British, and the Ottomans before it became a Greek state in 1864. The island was named after the mythical hero Cephalus, who arrived here as a refugee from Athens during the Paleolithic era. The first Turkish attack was made by the famous Ahmed Pasha, in 1480. After the Second World War, the civil war broke out in Greece, causing much more bloodshed and pain. Cefalonia und früher teilweise Cefalogna) ist eine griechische Insel am Ausgang des Golfs von Patras. Although it has developed over the last years as a family destination, beach places in Kefalonia island never get crowded due to the large size of the island. During this period, the island suffered heavily and frequently from invaders and pirate raids. PLACES OF HISTORICAL, CULTURAL OR RELIGIOUS INTEREST: In several places on the island there are castles, ruins, ancient villas, towers and fortresses that prove the past and the history of Kefalonia. The acoustics are superb in the cavern, so it is often used for concerts of up to 500 people. During World War II, Kefalonia was occupied by the Axis powers, primarily Italy. The staircase leading down into the cave is often damp and slippery, and it's over 300 feet down to the cave's large underground cavern. Philip of Macedonia tried to attack the island in 218 BC. The Romans took the island in 187 BC after months of fighting against the resistance of the island's inhabitants. The island is mountainous, so driving can be a challenge, but the mountain and coastal scenery are spectacular, as seen in the photo of Myrtos Beach above. History of Kefalonia. Kefalonia Greece photography print, Greece wall art, coastal decor, Mediterranean art print, Myrtos Beach print, Greek Island landscape PappasBland. Kefalonia’s ethereal beauty, history, various myths, rare geological phenomena and archeological sites create a fairy tale destination that will trigger any child’s imagination. Kefalonia, Greece. The Drogarati Cave is still forming. According to the locals, this king founded the four main cities of the island which were Sami, Pahli, Krani, and Pronnoi, and named them after his sons. Ruins of big ancient towns, Mycenaean tombs, ancient treasures, castles and monasteries reveal the glorious past of the island! During the World War II, Kefalonia was overrun by the Italians and the Germans. Those who don't enjoy beaches or caves can enjoy exploring Kefalonia on a bus or car. 471 likes. Drogarati Cave is one of Kefalonia's most visited natural wonders. Peratata Kefalonia: Peratata is a small and picturesque village located 8 km southeast of Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia. The nobles of the island regained their privileges. Do not hesitate to ask the community! Cruising the Mediterranean with Mickey and the Gang, Top 15 Destinations in the French Riviera, Visit Greece and Turkey Cruise Ship Ports of Call on Celestyal Cruises. That time, the Ancient Acropolis of Sami was destroyed. Sami is the biggest and most historic port of Kefalonia. The rest of this article provides a photo tour of some of the things to see on the Greek island of Kefalonia. The roads are curvy, but the mountainous scenery and views of the white sandy beaches are some of the best you can find in Greece. Kefalonia - Music Stages . Thanks to the help of the Athenians, they managed to defeat him. NOTES ON THE HISTORY OF KEFALONIA ISLAND. During the Achaean and classical Greek antiquity, Kefalonia was dominated by four cities - states. History / A stroll down the historic eras of Kefalonia / Historic Eras / Ancient Times / The Byzantine Theme of Cephallonia / Turkish Rule / The Venetian Rule / The English Rule / The Pre-earthquake Kefalonia / Archaeological Sites / History Time Wharp / Pre-earthquake Photographic Dedication / Pre-earthquake Paths / Odyssey / Culture / Fiscardo is on the far northern end of Kefalonia and survived most of the devastation caused by the 1953 earthquake. Sami was used as the setting for the 2001 movie "Captain Corelli's Mandolin", which was adapted from the Louis de Bernières book of the same name. The Disastrous Earthquake of 1953 in Kefalonia, in the Ionian: One of the greatest disasters to ever befall the Greek island of Kefalonia was the earthquake of 1953. And more? In December 2015, the privatization of Kefalonia Airport and 13 other regional airports of Greece was finalized with the signing of the agreement between the Fraport … See More -> Ethereal beauty unleashed in the cave lake. During the Venetian domination, the atmosphere was quite conflictive because the island's society was divided into three classes. During Kefalonia's early history, the Romans ruled from 187 BC, using the site as a naval base in order to take Greece proper. During World War II, Kefalonia was occupied by the Axis powers, primarily Italy. The black needles of the Kefalonian fir tree gives an impressive dark colour to the mountain. Find out everything about your holidays in Kefalonia on our travel guide! Italy's capitulation in 1943 led to the massacre of 5.000 Italian troops by the invading German forces. Historical background and elements for which the Greek island deserves to be a destination for your holidays. Kefalonia is the largest of the Greek islands in the Ionian island chain. In ancient times, Kefalonia participated in the Persian and Peloponnesian Wars on the side of both Athens and Sparta. Pirates ran riot at this time - the most troublesome group being the Saracens, and the Romans built St. George Castle as a result. Kefalonia is an island with a rich history. Kefalonia Greece . Following the same faith as the rest of the Ionian Islands, Kefalonia came under the domination of the Venetians and the Spanish. It is the largest of the Ionian islands and the sixth largest Greek island after Crete, Euboea, Lesbos, Rhodes and Chios. From the prehistoric period (3000-1100 BC) Sami plays an important role, culminating in her participation in the campaign against Troy. The fir tree grows natively on this mountain on Kefalonia. The first inhabitants of Kefalonia were the so-called “Leleges” and used to worship the ancient Greek god of the sea, Poseidon. Mostly famous for the exotic beaches, including Myrtos, Antisamos, Lourdas and Skala, the island was chosen for filming the Hollywood movie Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. These independent cities were named after Cephalus' sons: Sami, Pahli, Krani and Pronnoi. It is located south of Fiskardo and west of Argostoli. (It's also 300 feet back up the same stairs.). The French were later defeated by the allied fleet of the Russians, the Turks, and the English. The Greek Island Kefalonia Kefalonia - The "unspoilt" of the "Ionian"! However, near the end of the war, the Axis alliance fell apart on Kefalonia, and German and Italian forces fought on the island, with the Germans … Like much of Greece, Kefalonia has had a turbulent history. We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience and to analyze site traffic. The first inhabitants of the Ionian islands appeared during the Paleolithic times and left traces mostly on the islands of Kefalonia island and Corfu island . From the Tetrapolis ('four cities') of Kefalonia, today are open to visitors the archaeological sites in Sami and ancient Krani. Our services are rated Like much of Greece, Kefalonia has had a turbulent history. Kefalonia was finally united to the rest of independent Greece in 1864, the same time as the rest of the Ionian Islands. Greeka team and its community members will be delighted to help you! Kefalonia (neugriechisch Κεφαλονιά [kʲɛfalɔˈnja], altgriechisch Κεφαλληνία, Kephallēnía, ital. The popular Greek island of Cephalonia (Kefalonia) in the Ionian Sea celebrated on Sunday, October 20 the memory of its Patron Saint, Agios Gerasimos. The discoveries that have been made on the island include a number of … The museum studies, highlights and presents to visitors the technology of ancient Greeks. I. PRE-HISTORIC PERIOD. After huge popular demand, democratic elections were organized in 1802 and a new Constitution was established in 1803. However, since the stalagmites and stalactites are growing less than a half-inch every 100 years, it's not likely to change much during our lifetimes. A new runway and the current terminal building were constructed in the 1980s. Dreaming of exotic escapes in sparking blue waters meeting fine golden sand, surrounded by lush vegetation? Do you like The Natural History Museum of Kefalonia and Ithaca is located in the village of Davgata. Small row boats with local guides (almost like Venetian gondolas) take guests around Melissani Lake and into a large chamber that is only accessible by water. In Kefalonia, between the 189 and 30 b.c. Contemporary Historical Events From 1940 to 1943 Kefalonia was dominated by the Italians. One such village is Sami on the eastern coast of Kefalonia. Is This the World's Clearest Lake Near Sami, Greece? All these successive revolutions and the appearance of the first socialist formations in our history, leading to the 21st of May 1864 when Kefalonia and Ithaca were re-united with Greece. Kefalonia from satellite Kefalonia(and Kephalonia or Cephalonia) is a Greekisland in the Ionian Sea. Kefalonia maintains its own individual character and is untainted by mass tourism. The German massacre of Italian troops on Kefalonia in 1943 is the central theme of the book. After World War II, Kefalonia was involved in the Greek civil war, but finally again became part of Greece in 1949. When Constantine in 325 A.D. reorganized the Roman Empire, Kefalonia suffered precarious stability due to the constant attacks suffered by the Vandals and the Ostrogoths and the wars with the Romans forced the empires … From shop PappasBland. The first Turkish attack was made by the famous Ahmed Pasha, in 1480. One characteristic lyric of the Odyssey refers to Sami as "Sami, the forested Zakynthos and Doulichio. " The largest island of the Ionian Sea in Greece, Kefalonia is a very charming place. This explains why the island was called Tetrapolis (Four Towns) during this period. A devastating earthquake flattened most of Kefalonia’s villages in 1953 including all the elegant buildings that used to grace Argostoli. During World War II, the island was occupied by the Italians. The island is spectacular to look at, so even a bus ride around Kefalonia can be enjoyable. The mountain that prevails in Kefalonia is Ainos, whose peak reaches 1.628 meters, and is the only national park that can be found on a Greek Island. General Information on Chavdata. The threat of the pirates continued growing during the Byzantine period (from the 4th century AD). The island of Kefalonia lies on the "green side" of Greece, in the Ionian Sea, between Italy and Greece. The Germans then executed about 4500 of the Italian soldiers who had surrendered when they ran out of ammunition. In 1900, Kefalonia played an important role in both the first and the second world wars, but unfortunately it was occupied by the Italians and the Germans during the Second World War. The Venetian rule ended in 1797 with the arrival of the French who were warmly welcomed by the inhabitants as Napoleon promised them to liberate them (and the rest of the Ionian Islands) from the oligarchic system created by the Venetians. Only Fiscardo was not touched by the earthquake, but the villages in the central and southern part of Kefalonia was almost entirely destroyed. Where to stay? The sunlight is spectacular on the water. 704 likes. At the top of the hill stands the 16th century castle of Saint George dominating the village. The popular Greek island of Cephalonia (Kefalonia) in the Ionian Sea celebrated on Sunday, October 20 the memory of its Patron Saint, Agios Gerasimos. The inhabitants of Kefalonia are lively people that dance and sing at the slightest chance! The capital of Kefalonia will add a cultural flair to your holidays. Archaeological excavations have been carried out throughout the whole island and the visitor has the chance to visit the archaeological sites that belong to different eras and periods. In August 1953, a huge earthquake destroyed the largest part of Kefalonia and demolished most villages of the island. On September 17, Medicane Ianos, a rare hurricane-like storm in the Mediterranean, severely hit many places in Greece. Myrtos beach is placed in the region of Pylaros, along the north-west coast of the island. Linda Paull Garrison is a travel writer who has taken over 150 cruises and spent over 1,100 days at sea. Kefalonia is famous for its natural wonders like the Drogarati Cave and Melissani Lake. CASTLE OF ASSOS Together with Aghios Georgios, the castle of Assos is a fine example of military architecture of the island of Kefalonia. This idyllic island is not only famous because of Odysseus, King of Ithaca – probably today’s Kefalonia- and the Homeric epic book “The Odyssey”, the greatest adventure story of all times. One of those places was beautiful Kefalonia. Kefalonia (also spelled Cephalonia) is the largest Greek island in the Ionian Sea on the western side of Greece. Entering Drogarati Cave on the Greek island of Kefalonia, Drogarati Cave on the Greek Island of Kefalonia, Drogarati Cave on the Greek island of Kefalonia, Fisherman at the small town of Sami, Kefalonia in Greece, Melissani Lake on the Greek island of Kefalonia, German massacre of Italian troops on Kefalonia. Unbelievably heartbreaking pictures from Assos have been emerging the past couple of days. Mt Enos: The Black Mountain Lixouri (Greek: Ληξούρι) is the main town on the peninsula of Paliki in the island of Kefalonia, one of the Ionian Islands of western Greece. Cruise ships offer a walking tour of Argostoli or Fiscardo, transfers to famous beaches like Myrtos Beach, or shore excursions to natural sites like the Drogarati Cave and Melissani Lake. Since the 64-degree temperature is always about the same, it is especially nice to visit or attend a concert on hot summer days. This book was set on Kefalonia in World War II, and most of it was filmed in Sami. This is where the European and the Aegean plates meet. History / A stroll down the historic eras of Kefalonia / Historic Eras / Ancient Times / The Byzantine Theme of Cephallonia / Turkish Rule / The Venetian Rule / The English Rule / The Pre-earthquake Kefalonia / Archaeological Sites / History Time Wharp / Pre-earthquake Photographic Dedication / Pre-earthquake Paths / Odyssey / Culture / January 2, 2012 by Kefalonia24-7.com 1 Comment. Read reviews about our services. Visitors must walk down a narrow tunnel to reach the shore of the underground lake. Dreaming of nestling on the top of a green mountain and letting … Visit Sissy's Palace on the Greek Island of Corfu, 16 Lost and Destroyed Heritage Sites Around the World, These Are the Top 15 Destinations in Chile, The Fascinating History of the World's Smallest Ocean Canal, Check Out the 6 Most Popular Greek Islands, Kefalonia - Natural Beauty and Turbulent History. Considered by many tourist magazines as one of the 30 best beaches in the World, Myrtos bay is not only the symbol of Kefalonia, but it’s also one of the most famous beaches all over Greece. The Mycenaean culture left a strong remain in Kefalonia, few Cyclopean walls. Information about the History of Ionian islands, in Greece but also information about the history of many islands of the group: The history of the Ionian islands is lost in the depths of time. According to mythology, the name of Kefalonia … However, near the end of the war, the Axis alliance fell apart on Kefalonia, and German and Italian forces fought on the island, with the Germans eventually winning out, killing over 1500 of the Italian troops in the battle. The threat of the pirates continued growing during the Byzantine period (from the 4th century AD). Pasha and his troupes ruled the island for a short period of time and devastated the island when t… In the 11th century, the island fell under the Frankish rule: it was the end of the Byzantine era. The History of Kefalonia. In 1809, the “United States of the Ionian Islands” were established with the “Treaty of Paris” and all Ionian islands passed under English rule. Kotsanas Museum Kefalonia, Argostólion, Greece. Since the roof fell into Melissani lake many years ago, the lake is open to the sky. They also left behind many relics, including a recently uncovered grave complex in Fiskardo (Fiscardo) and the Roman Villa at Skala, famed for its fine … It is built on the slopes of a hillside of Mountain Ainos surrounded by a verdant landscape. The place name Sami is mentioned the same since today. During the English period, various important constructions of public interest were effectuated including the Drapanos British Cemetery, the De Bosset Bridge in Argostoli, the Lighthouse of Saint Theodori and the impressive Municipal Theatre of Kefalonia. The evergreen, cypress, and olive trees provide a gorgeous contrast to the brilliant blue-green Ionian Sea. History; Culture; Best beach in the World for a reason. Kefalonia hatte nach vielen Jahren der Landflucht von 1991 bis 2001 eine starke Bevölkerungszunahme (mit 21,9 % zweithöchster … Contemporary Historical Events From 1940 to 1943 Kefalonia was dominated by the Italians. The sapphire waters of Cephalonia are steeped with history. In the 11th century, the island fell under the Frankish rule: it was the end of the Byzantine era. Do you have a question about Greece and the Greek islands? were lost all the privileges gained during the emperor of Etoli and Roma established in Kefalonia a strategic point to control the rest of Greece. Kefalonia has an undeniable personality with dramatic contrasts of indescribable beauty. Culture and History page of Kefalonia island. Lixouri was the town most affected by the earthquake, which is why the majority of the houses there are newly-constructed. Argostoli is the capital city, but it doesn't have as much of the Venetian style architecture as other western Greek towns. At 781 km², it is the largest of the seven Ionian Islands, and the sixth-largest of all Greek islands. An aition explaining the name of Cephallenia and reinforcing its cultural connections with Athens associates the island with the mythological figure of Cephalus, who helped Amphitryon of Mycenae in a war against the Taphians and Teleboans. . History. The capital moved to Argostoli and is still there today. The existence of Paleolithic civilizations on the island is verified by the findings at Fiskardo, Skala, Agios Georgios, Sami, Mounda, Poros and Argostoli. The museum was established with the intention of presenting and preserving the environmental history of Kefalonia and Ithaca. The cave was discovered about 300 years ago and has been open to tourists since 1963. The exotic Kefalonia island is the largest and one of the most beautiful Greek islands of … The French publicly burnt the Golden Book where the names and privileges of the nobles were written. During World War II, in 1941, the island was occupied by the Italian troops which were allied with the Germans. Excavations indicate that the island of Kefalonia has been inhabited since at least 10,000 BC and maybe even since 50,000 BC. All these successive revolutions and the appearance of the first socialist formations in our history, leading to the 21st of May 1864 when Kefalonia and Ithaca were re-united with Greece. Like its neighbor Corfu, Kefalonia is much greener than the Greek islands found in the Aegean Sea (like Santorini and Mykonos). And for an in-depth introduction to island culture from the 15th to 20th century, pay a visit to the outstanding Corgialenios Historical and Cultural Museum, one of the finest in Greece, and to the extensive Corgialenios Library. Kefalonia is the beginning of yourjourney, a … Those four cities were autonomous and independent and had their own regimes and coins. Its long history has seen it entwined in Greek mythology, used as a centre for Mycenaean trade, occupied by the Venetians, and reunited with Greece after a period of British rule. As part of Greece, Kefalonia is a place full of history. He was rewarded with the island of Same, which thereafter came to be known as Cephallenia. News; Photo’s; Holiday’s; Entertainment; Historical Interest; Special Offer’s; September 23, 2020; NEWS: Gov’t spokesman warns of tough negotiations ahead. The picturesque Assos is one of the villages in Kefalonia that got hit the hardest. In 1864, Kefalonia was united to independent Greece, about the same time as the rest of the Ionian Islands. Despite the fact that Kefalonia, like the other Ionian Islands, remained under the English rule and escaped the Turkish yoke, its inhabitants financially helped the Greek Revolution for independence against the Ottomans who were ruling over the rest of Greece. Its area is 781 square metresand its population is 36,404 according to a 2001 Greek census. Pasha and his troupes ruled the island for a short period of time and devastated the island when they left. The political and military centers of the island during this period were the Fortress of Saint George and the Castle of Assos, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1757. They, therefore, turned Kefalonia into an important naval base. Dream beaches and turquoise water attract tens of thousands of tourists each year. After displacing the initial inhabitants known as Taphians, he founded the four main cities of the island. The most dangerous pirates were the Saracens. lts existence dates back to the Homeric era. The Romans used the island as a strategic spot that would have helped them conquer the mainland. The city (along with much of the rest of the island) was almost completely destroyed in a 1953 earthquake, so many of the buildings in Argostoli have a more modern look. The airport opened in 1971 to serve the former municipality Leivathos with improved transportation links; Kefalonia is now a single municipality.

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