Tourist Attractions & Monuments Ionian Islands

Imposing remains of a shipyard built by the Venetians when they dominated the island. The arsenal was built by the water and the bay served as a port. The walls and columns are virtually intact. There are also remains of the th century town. The use of the arsenal ended in 1798, when signing the treaty ending the Republic of Venice.

Built in 1300 by Jean Orsini, it has been restored many times by the Venetians and the Ottomans.

3 km from the village of Karavomylos is an abandoned village, Vlachata. The ruins of the village give an image of Kefalonia before the earthquakes. In 1953, the village of Vlachata was destroyed by the earthquake and the inhabitants took refuge in Karavomylos. At the beginning of August, a festival, Saristra, brings contemporary art to the heart of the village: concerts, sculptures, dances are organized. A magical and timeless place!

In the middle of the mountains of Kythera, you will discover the remains of the island's former capital. The citadel, built in the 12th century by workers from the town of Monemvasia (Peloponnese), 216 m high on two gorges, was invisible from the sea. The terrible admiral of the Turkish fleet and former pirate Khayr ad-Dîn Barbarousse discovered it, besieged it and completely destroyed it in 1537. On the site, you will see the ruins of 80 houses and 20 churches. The church of Agia Varvara is still well preserved and deserves to be visited.

This monastery, on an islet, is mainly used as a central stage for a major celebration celebrated each year on August 15. Historically, the existing monastery seems to have been built on the site of an old Christian church. It is mentioned in some writings of 1686 as already old and in ruins. It has probably since been restored by the Vellianitis family. In 1720, a monastery composed of ten monks was created, whose income was considerable. August 15 is an important holiday and a beef soup is offered to the faithful.

This islet is surmounted by a 15th century Venetian fortress that can be visited only on request. In 1423, the local Venetian lord Adam II San Ippolito asked the Venetian Senate for permission to build a castle - at his own expense - to protect the small island complex from piracy. Permission was granted and the castle was built. Some fortifications, cannons and two churches remain today.