Argostoli: The Capital of Kefalonia
Argostoli is the capital and administrative centre of the island of Kefalonia, in the Ionian Islands, Greece. In 1757, the seat of government was transferred from the Castle of Saint George (Kastro) to Argostoli, under Venetian rule, making it the island’s capital.
Founded by the Venetians for both strategic and commercial reasons, Argostoli was chosen for its excellent harbour, which provided shelter and infrastructure superior to that of the inland fortress.
Over time, under Venetian and later British rule (in the 19th century), the city’s layout, architecture, and public spaces were developed and refined. The British period, in particular, is visible in constructions such as the De Bosset bridge and in the establishment of public buildings and institutions.
Culturally, Argostoli grew to become a hub of art, education, and public life. It has long offered public services, libraries, and cultural venues, and has served not just administrative functions but as the locus of social, cultural, and intellectual life in Kefalonia.
A turning point in its history was the 1953 Ionian earthquake (August 12), which devastated almost every building on the island, including in Argostoli.
Very few structures survived intact. Among those that did are two houses and a bridge, as reported in some sources.
Despite this destruction, Argostoli was rebuilt, retaining its character, urban plan, and many of its cultural institutions.
Today, Argostoli is a modern capital with all the amenities one expects: government offices, banks, the central hospital (“Agios Gerasimos”), public services, and a citizen-friendly environment. The city centre with its pedestrian streets, the main square, the commercial street (Lithostroto), riverside promenades, and the historic De Bosset Bridge, all contribute to its liveliness and appeal. It has parks, green areas, easy access, and a harbour that remains a focal point of activity.
In sum, Argostoli embodies both history and modern life: from its Venetian founding and strategic harbour, through its growth under British influence, through near-total destruction in 1953, to its reconstruction into a vibrant capital of culture, society, and everyday life.
