Page 28 - (DK Eyewitness) Top 10 Travel Guide - Corfu & the Ionian Islands

26 ❯❯ Top 10 Corfu and the Ionian Islands Highlights

Argostóli, Kefalloniá

Argostóli is a classic Greek town that hugs the shores of the Koutavos
Lagoon, a protected nature reserve on Kefalloniá’s southwest coast. It
has been the island’s capital since 1757, but the historic appearance
of its buildings is deceptive. Neo-Classical mansions, fine churches,
imposing government buildings and large open squares were created
after the town was completely destroyed in the catastrophic earth-
quake of 1953. Today, life revolves around the bustling Plateia
Vallianos, home to cafés and galleries, and the main shopping and
commercial streets of Lithostróto and the tree-lined Rizospaston.

View along the waterfront of Argostóli
Argostóli Town Centre
Katovothres
1 4
Plateia Vallianos, a large, paved square full of
Located near the
palm trees and dominated by a statue of town ben­ famed landmarks of Agioi
efactor Panagis Vallianos, lies at the heart of Argostóli. Theodoroi church and
From here it's a short stroll to many key sites. lighthouse, Katovothres is
a geo lo gical marvel. Here,
Koutavos
2 3 disappears under ground
Napier Garden sea water enters caverns,
Lagoon
Named after the
Once a swamp, the British governor of and resurfaces 14 days
Koutavos Lagoon (below) Kefalloniá, General Sir later at Melissáni Lake
was dredged when the Charles James Napier and Karavomylos in the
Drapanos Bridge was (1782–1853), who was Sámi area.
built. Now a protected instrumental in creating
Korgialeneios
nature reserve, it is a the garden in the 19th 5
feeding ground for the century, this tranquil Library
loggerhead turtle. A spot on Koutoupi hill Housed in a classical
pathway around it is is famous for its building designed to look
popular with walk­ extensive collection as it did before the earth­
ers and cyclists. of trees and shrubs. quake, the library holds
around 55,000 books,
manuscripts and icons
saved in 1953. The oldest
are Byzantine. Founded
in 1924, the library is
named after benefactor
Marinos Korgialenios.
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