Description of the attraction
On the island of Kefalonia, to the west of the capital of Argostoli, on the small peninsula of Paliki, there is the second largest settlement of the island - Lixouri. In ancient times, the city of Pali was located nearby, which in ancient times was one of the four main cities of the island. Its ruins in the vicinity of Lixouri have survived to this day. The oldest written document mentioning Lixouri dates back to 1534, a letter sent by the local government to the Venetian Senate.
In the 19th century, Lixouri was a very popular summer destination. The famous German composer Richard Strauss was among the guests of the city. The city was famous for its magnificent architectural structures, mainly of the Venetian period. Unfortunately, after the devastating earthquakes in January 1867 and especially in August 1953, many buildings were badly damaged. Only a very small part of the beautiful architectural and historical heritage has been restored. Lixouri was practically rebuilt.
The Iakovatios mansion is one of the few structures that survived the earthquake. From 1982 to 1984, the Ministry of Culture carried out a major restoration in the historical building and today it houses a public library and a museum with an excellent collection of ancient Gospel manuscripts and icons. This building is of great historical and architectural value. Another attraction of the city is the bronze statue of the native of Lixouri, the famous Greek satirist Andreas Laskoratos, located on the embankment.
In the 1990s, Lixouri became a popular holiday destination again. Magnificent beaches and comfortable hotels attract a huge number of tourists here every year. Numerous restaurants and cafes are located in the city's main square. Various cultural events are also held here. While resting in Lixouri, you can visit the sights of the island's capital, as there is a regular ferry service with Argostoli.
