Historic sites in Cephalonia

Historic Ruins and Castles

Cephalonia’s history spans from the Mycenaean era to Venetian rule, evidenced by the island's diverse archaeological sites. This collection includes the expansive 16th-century Assos Fortress and the Mycenaean Cemetery of Mazarakata, the largest of its kind in the Ionian Islands. Highlights include 3rd-century Roman mosaics in Skala, the massive Cyclopean walls of the ancient Krani citadel at Paliokastro, and the ruins of Old Skala, a village abandoned after the 1953 earthquake. Scattered Venetian watchtowers and Byzantine basilicas further illustrate the island's strategic maritime past.

Historic Ruins and Castles — Map

A

Komis Tsatsis

Remnants of a small historic fortification.

Fæ / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Assos Fortress

The Assos Castle is a Venetian fortification on Cephalonia island in western Greece.

C

Mycenean Cemetery of Mazarakata

The largest Mycenaean cemetery in the Ionian Islands, featuring seventeen rock-cut chamber tombs dating from the 14th to 11th centuries BC.

D

Skala Roman Villa and Mosaics

Remains of a 3rd-century AD Roman farmhouse featuring four rooms with well-preserved floor mosaics depicting mythological scenes and geometric patterns.

E

Old Monastary Sissia

Ruins of a 13th-century monastery, traditionally said to be founded by Saint Francis of Assisi, located on a hillside overlooking the sea.

F

Old monastery of Virgin Mary Lamia

Historic monastery ruins located on the slopes of the mountain near Dilinata.

G

Early Byzantine Basilica

Ruins of a 6th-century three-aisled basilica located near Fiskardo, featuring architectural remnants of the early Christian period.

H

Roman Cemetery

Archaeological site in Fiskardo featuring rock-cut tombs and sarcophagi dating from the Roman occupation of the island.

I

Guardhouse

Ruins of a Venetian-era defensive structure located within the Assos Fortress complex.

J

Paliokastro Citadel

Site of the ancient city of Krani, featuring massive 7th-century BC Cyclopean walls and remnants of a Doric temple dedicated to Demeter.

K

Old Skala

The original village of Skala, abandoned following the 1953 earthquake, where stone house foundations and church ruins remain visible.

L

Windmill

Ruins of a traditional stone windmill located on the northern coast near Fiskardo.

M

Tower

Venetian-era defensive tower ruins situated within the grounds of the Assos Fortress.

N

Throni

Archaeological site near Fiskardo featuring a rock-cut throne and an ancient burial chamber.

O

Kasteli of Paliki

Remains of a medieval fortification located on the Paliki peninsula.

P

Vardiola of Koutsoupia

A Venetian-era maritime watchtower used for spotting pirate ships, located on the eastern coast near Koutsoupia beach.

Q

Vardiola at Piniatoros’ property

Stone ruins of a Venetian coastal watchtower used for maritime surveillance.

R

Assos Fortress

Venetian-era watchtower located in the Atheras region, part of the island's historical coastal defense network.

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