Argostoli, with a population of 8000 people, became
Cephalonia’s
capital in 1757.
Even though many of the town’s imposing mansions were destroyed
during the 1953 earthquakes, the new town which was built kept the quaint, Ionian
style with well-laid out streets, spacious squares, many trees and alleys and
a very lively port.
In the centre of the city there are the Administrative House, the
Town Hall, the
Archaeological
Museum, the
Korgialenio
Popular Art Museum, the Korgialenios Library and the newly-built "Kefalos"
Theatre.
At the port, the visitors can see Nikos Kavadias’ bust gazing
to the endless sea. Kavadias was a poet who loved and wrote about the sea during
his whole life.
From the few works of the island’s British period which the
earthquakes didn’t destroy is Koutavos bridge, built in 1813, which connects
Argostoli with the opposite coast.
Walking along Lithostroto (stone-paved street), the town’s central
street, take a minute to visit Aghios Spiridonas’ church and Kambana square.
Reaching the street at the port, you will see the market full of fresh
fish and sweet-smelling fruit and vegetables. Further down many pastry shops and
restaurants invite you to taste the local dishes.
The people are hospitable, warm-hearted, easy-going and will not fail
to help you and make your stay a memorable experience.
This text (extract) is cited January 2004 from the Assoc.
of Local Authorities of Kefalonia & Ithaca tourist pamphlet.
