History – Culture

History – Civilization – Tradition

When you travel through the west peninsula of Kefalonia, the Homeric “Pali”, you discover a completely different part of the beautiful island. A peaceful land-scape offering numerous beaches each one unique: Xi, Petani, Atheras, Platia Ammos, picturesque villages preserving the architectural style of the Seven Islands, charming Venetian bridges, dreamy paths, all in an natural environment almost intact by the problems caused by the contemporary way of development.

Lixouri, the capital of the municipitaly, appears for the first time in the Venetian Council records in 1534 and is the most history town in the history of contemporary Kefalonia. Situated on the east coastline of the peninsula, Lixouri is a modern town offering such substructure capable of satisfying even the most demanding visitor: hotels, rooms to let, restaurants, charming tavernas, bars, cafes, discos, banks, hospital, central port and marina for yachts. Police station, port authority and fire brigade guarantee an absolutely safe environment.

The history nad culture of the area start in mythology. The name of the area “Pali” comes from Paleas, son on the first legendary King of Kefalonia “Kefalos”. Through the evolution of history we meet “Palies”, the residents of the peninsula, taking part in the Trojan siege, the battle in Platies and the Peloponesian War allies of the Athenians fighting against Phillipos, King of Macedonia and Romans. They became part of the Byzantine province and took part in the wars of the Serene Venetian Republic and European renaissance.

Mosaics and coins

Akrotiri ends in a pretty little bay with a nice beach. It was the site of a temple of Poseidon and a mosaic plate dating from Roman times was found, depicting two dolphins, and a trident. This plate is now kept in the archeological museum in Argostoli. Ancient coins were also found from ancient Palli which have a Rudder, dolphins and seawave inscriptions.