Kefalonia Cyclopean Walls of Ancient Krani

The Ancient Cyclopean Walls of Kefalonia: In Kefalonia, there is a great site for visitors – the Cyclopean Walls, located near the former Doric temple of Demeter and some compare it to the Great Wall of China. They are called Cyclopean because people indeed thought they were built by one-eyed giants (Cyclops).

The walls were meant to protect the ancient town of Krani. You can find remains of buildings from this town near them. The town used to be at the end of Koutavos Bay and overlooked the whole region. The Krania Plain was the main location of this city.

Krani was one of the cities of Kefalonia that constituted a kingdom called Ancient Sami, which dominated Kelafonia for over three thousand years. You can glimpse the ancient times right up to the years when the Roman Empire ruled this island. This time period was about three thousand years. The golden age of this island was during the Mycenean period.

Near the walls, on a hill called Riza, many chamber tombs existed before the Mycenaean period. Unfortunately, these tombs have been plundered and damaged. This hill was used as a necropolis for the ancient city of Krani. These cyclopean walls bear testimony to the fact that there was indeed ancient inhabitation on this island.

The way to reach the sight is simple. They lie near the main road that goes from Argostoli to Sami. When you get close to a town called Razata, you will see a sign that says “Cyclopean Walls”. This sign points you to an asphalt road that eventually becomes a dirt road. There happens to be a large open area to park your vehicle. You will have to walk the last remaining meters to these walls. When you visit, you’d better wear walking boots, strong sneakers or trainers as well as long pants or trousers to protect your legs from the prickly shrubs.