M K shot onlocation onthisisland,isaboutsuchan accountofresistance. WWII, local toItalians resistance and Germans was sturdy.The film “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin”, rule. It became Greek territory on rule. territory May It becameGreek 21 Throughout the centuries,it has beenunder successively Norman, Frankish, Venetian, and Turkish In Byzantinetimes,Kefalonia was partofboththeAchaia province and Illyria the Easterndistrict. National areasince1962 Reserve with an abundant and diverse floraand fauna). (a distance inthe towers Range Mountain Ainos vegetation. andlush coves, countless formations, 904 sq. km; coastline: approx. 250 km). It is endowed with an exquisite nature and diverse geological IonianislandliesofPatraikosest inthemouth Gulf, (orZante)andLefkada(area: between efalonia turned Kefalonia Island (or Cephallonia) into one of the most attractive destinations. - The larg destinations. attractive most Island (or Cephallonia) into one of the Kefalonia turned have that assets the are people hospitable cheerful, andthe monasteries distant castles, agnificent scenery, amazing beaches, arichcultural monuments, heritage, greatmountains, st , 1864, along with oftheIonian the rest . During 46. GreenareasandbluewatersblendbeautifullyonKefalonia. groups arequiteactive. anddrama choirs, Band, Philharmonic town’s a remarkable diversity of cultural events as the squares and churches gracethetown. There is buildings, number of largelarge neoclassical a stopoverareaformanymigratory birds. A lagoon, Koutavos overlooking manner, tre-like of thepast.Ithas been built in an amphithea- many of the traditional architectural elements 1757. is a modern town that keeps It has beenthecapital town oftheisland since who, in the mid-19 inthe who, High Commissioner Sir Charles James Napier • To bars. and bycafés,restaurants, surrounded stands P. Vallianos of benefactor statue the where Vallianos spacious central, • Tothe Square promenade Town From thetop,viewoftownand 1953earthquakes. inthe onedestroyed of the restored recently, based on the original plans Kampanawhere troto belfrystands.Ithasbeen halfway• square, To Kampana down Lithos- with shops and haunts of theyoung. lined mainstreet town’s , the • ToLithostroto ment. this trees; is the location of Risospaston Monu • To Rizospaston Street species. in size, the garden has a large variety of tree island.Thoughsmall worksonthe infrastructure Argostoli , named after British Lord Napier’s Lord GardenBritish , named after

th century carried out many out carried century , bordered by palm Kouta- 1 - , hibiting items relating tothe island’s history History andFolk• Tothe Art- Museum,ex Byzantine icon rare collection. in , housing over 55,000 volumes and a • To dating from theMycenaean period. finds from various sites on the island, mostly • by created famousartists. are exquisite marble sculptures and monuments etery etery opposite coast. Do visit the the with longandlinksArgostoli is 900metres in1813,it British bythe Bridge). Built Bosset • To stands. where the bust of local poet Nikos Kavvadias the To • vos lagoon is marvellous.

To the Korgialeneios Library Drapanos stone bridge (also named De at Archeological Museum, exhibiting nearby Drapanos village where there 48. ThelighthouseinAgioiTheodoroi,Argostoli. Municipal Market 47. Argostoli:thecommemorativeobelisk Municipal Cem Municipal , one ofthelargest , by the beach, at DrapanosBridge. - 51 KEFALONIA most picturesque villages. oneofKefalonia’s prettiest, 49. Panoramicview ofAsos, 53 KEFALONIA

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National (tel: Reserve 26710-84.400). Ainos onthe data as well as zone and marine on Kefalonia’s and ’s natural environment gata village (5kmN)which providesinformation • To the “Natural History Museum ”, and products on display. at Dav- • road. beachfront • Panagia iSissiotissa • Churches , built on a rock, next to Drapanos , built on to Drapanos a next rock, 50. Argostoli.Koutavoslagoonisinthebackground. , a Catholic church. (1517), by the main 51. Argostoli’sseafront. 55 KEFALONIA Makrys Gialos and Platys Gialos. Lakithra 2 fort, the island’s medieval capital, near Travliata • You will find a game farm in Pesada. There village. Its impressive walls and underground is a ferry service to Zante. It is a large village south of Argostoli, sur- passages are in relatively good condition but the KEFALONIA • The island offers many opportunities for re- rounded by lovely smaller villages and marvel- Venetian Governor’s residence, the barracks, ligious tourism since many of the Monasteries lous sandy beaches. The locals call this entire and San Marco Catholic church are in ruins. 57 have guest quarters for pilgrims and visitors area “Leivatho”. Ferries make runs from Pesada • The Mycenaean tombs at Mazarakata. alike who wish to become better acquainted to Zante. Distance from Argostoli: 7 km S. • Dias islet with the church of Panagia with Kefalonia’s religious monuments. Must see Vlachernon, opposite Avythos beach.

• Kourkoumelata, Metaxata, Kaligata, • Lourdas beach area (15.5 km E) and the Sports Domata and Svoronata villages with local choice fresh produce. • Scuba diving at Lassi magnificent neoclassical buildings, beautiful • Tennis squares and a breathtaking sea view. • Mountaineering • The 1587 Milapidia Monastery. Activities • Swimming at the sandy beaches Minias, • Beach volleyball • The 13th-century Venetian Ammes, Ai Chelis, Lygia, Avythos, Agios Thomas, • Water sports • Hunting 53. Makrys Gialos: one of the island’s most popular beaches. • Mini golf • Mini football on a 5X5 field • Swimming in heated pools • Track & field sports • Extreme sports and hydromassage at Lassi • Well-equipped campsite at Fanari.

Useful phone numbers (+30) • Municipal Office: 26713-60.100 • E.O.T. (Greek National Tourism Organisation) : 26710-22.248 52. “Kefalos” theatre, Argostoli. • Police Station: 26710-22.200 bridge, opposite the town. • Tourist Police: 26710-23.226 • Agios Spyridon (at Poulata village), with an • Traffic Police: 26710-23.226 elaborate wood-carved iconostasis. • General Hospital: 26710-24.641 • Panagia, at Domata, where the temporary cof- • KTEL Long-distance buses: fin that carried Patriarch Gregory V’s body is kept. 26710-22.281 • Argostoli Port Authority: 26710-22.244 Events • Kefalonia Airport: 26710-28.808 • Various cultural events take place at “Kefalos”, Museums a historic theatre in Argostoli. • Archeological Museum: 26710-28.300 • The procession of the island’s patron saint, Agi- • Korgialeneio History and Folk Art os Gerasimos, on August 16th and October 20th. Museum: 26710-28.221 • Agia Effimia’s feast, on July 11th. Argostoli website: www.argostoli.gr • The carnival festivities that take place in many villages. • The Commemoration of the Union with Greece, Trips around on May 21st. Kefalonia Island Activities • Swimming. If you stay in Argostoli you will Central and southern swim at Kamaroules, Gradakia, Paliostafida, Kefalonia tivated. Robola, thefamous local grape iscul- variety, The village is built on Omala plateau, where • HorsebackridingatLourdas. Nisi, Lefka and Koroni. Katsonas, Sisia, Paradeisi, Lourdas, Trapezaki, by vineyards. The saint’sholy relics ( near SarantaPigadia valley and is surrounded is style. Themonasteryin architectural Omala, built according to theEptanesian (Ionian) and entrance hasbeen at themonastery’s Kefalonia’s patron saint. The belfryis situated • The acclaimed products. vineyards and Greek among Kefalonia’s most produced in one ofthenoblestgrapevarieties and taste purchasewines, especially Robola, • The Must see Valsamata commemoration ofhis death and the second participate: the first one is participate: thefirston August 16 in his honour and thousands of people religious takeplaceeachyear processions 1570 still stands nexttothatchurch. Two The planethesaint tree planted retreat. in is a caveusedby there thesaint as his ascetic In old are keptthere.themonastery’schurch monastery of AgiosGerasimos Cooperative Winery Distance from Argostoli

where you where can : 11 kmE. skenoma th , , in 3 ) one is on 20 October trails will take you through of lovely forests • The translation of his holy relics. Ainos National Reserve 54. Thefar-stretchingLourdasbeach. th , in honour of the 55. AinosNationalPark. where the where the ancient town ofSami. It is Kefalonia’s sec- hills on the island’sside, easton the location of Sami is aseasidetownbuilt of two at thefoot at Arginia village (a 22 km drive). National Reserve’s central entrance and ending the at startingAinos through drive wheel 4x4 • • Cycling route: the tour of Ainos (a 30 km ride). • Hiking along Ainos’ trails. • Horseback riding at Mt Ainos foot. Activities

Cephalonica mountain via the Argostoli-Sami road. (elevation: 1,628 m). You the can access Ainos’ state. tallestpeakisMegalos Soros Sami species is a refugeforthesmall horse breedofthe is also The Reservehosting endemic floraand and highof to averyconsists degree one ofthemis fir trees;unique in expanse Equus caballus Equus

, the black fir, nativetoKefalonia. , living in a semiwild Abies Abies 4 from Argostoli ing ageological from point of view. interest which is extremely area surrounding the island toItaly.vegetationcovers Dense ond largest port and the only one connecting down from Argostoli’s underground thatflow of waters course NW). This is the point of dischargeforthe • The lake at Must see (4.5 and km S)withexquisitestalactite • The 150-million-year old cave into a fairyland of iridescentlight. part oftheroof,turnseverythingwithin the sunlight, entering throughcollapsed the cave’s Karavomylos, by accessible small boat. The worship site forgod Pan’s ancientcult, near • phenomenon. sinkholes), creating aunique geological Melissani Lake cavern, once the Karavomylos : 24kmNE. katavothres katavothres Drogarati cave village (4 km 56. Melissanicave. (meaning Distance - 59 KEFALONIA KEFALONIA 61 57. Antisamos - aerial photo. area is magnificent. From thislocation, the viewofgreater as well as remnantsof an ancient theatre. the Cyclopean walls, a Hellenistictimeswall during the Roman remain times; therepartsof church is Fanentes (6 km S). The townthrived • and Ithaca isamazing. the HolyMotherofGod: the viewofSami bay • turquoise waters. J. Madden, 2001) was filmed next toits “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” by (directed • for music and events. other and avenue the caveoftenbecomes perfect stalagmite formations. The acoustics within are Ancient Sami, on the same hill Agioi where Agrilia Monastery Antisamos cove (4.5 km E). A big part of (3 km NE),dedicatedto shown by yachts and recreational boats that as destination, tourist apopular becoming fast This seaside village with a beautiful beach is route • Hiking on the Sami - Ancient Sami - Antisamos • Camping • Minifootballona5x5field. • Horseback riding in Koulourata area (7.5 km S). • Volleyball • Basketball • Tennis • Watersports. askevi andAntisamos. Agia Par- Sami, in beaches the at Swimming • Activities Agia Effimia 58. ThefantasticMyrtosbeach,atbay.

5 ised resort. See the ruins of a Roman mansion Kefalonia’s southernmost village is a well organ- maton Monastery-Makryotikaroute. • Hiking along the Drakopoulata - Panagia The- ised inthearea. organ- get outings Underwater diving. Scuba • Activities Limani. syko, Giagianna, Gorgotha, Agia Sofia and Kalo beaches: AgiaParaskevi, Kapsolimnionas, Agrio- moor at its harbour. Drive or go by boat to the (4.5 km W); • The traditional villages (approx. 7 kmE). top ofawoodedslopeMount Agia Dynati to Panagia (the Virgin Mary) and built on the • Skala Must see cliffs. white expanseofsand is by sheltered towering top Mediterraneansandythe beaches, where • of traditional elements architecture. Komitata Thematon Monastery (9.5 km NW),among the 59. AgiaEffimiaistheperfect“base”forvariousoutings.

Distance from Argostoli (12 km N); you will find interesting

Neochori (10 km N); and Makryotika (17 th c), : 32 km NE. dedicated 6 63 KEFALONIA • Mini golf. rou and Xylomata. • Beach volleyball. • Biking. • Tennis. • Climbing. KEFALONIA • Water sports. • Hiking following the Poros – Asprogerakas • Scuba diving. route. 65 • Climbing. • Hiking along the Pastra – Kateleios route. North Poros 7 8 It is the island’s second main port, a busy town This is a particularly picturesque village, built hosting a variety of cultural activities. Distance along the neck of Asos peninsula, in a verdant from Argostoli: 40 km E. pine and cypress-covered location, with a Vene- tian castle towering over it. The sheltered har- Must see bour provides safe anchorage for recreational and fishing boats. As you walk down the main • Vochynas’ ravine and Drakaina cave, road, the view of the village is just lovely. Dis- 60. The sandy beach in Poros. the site of archeological finds. tance from Argostoli: 36.5 km. N. • Tzanata, the village where a large, with well preserved mosaics as well as the ruins overlooking Kaminia sandy beach. Mycenaean vaulted tomb was excavated, of Apollo’s temple. Distance from Argostoli: The loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta - caretta) Must see possibly belonging to a dignitary, together 37 km SE. find refuge here as well as in Mounta. • The 16th-century Venetian castle and a with a four-wall, chamber-like tomb (reliquary) marvellous view of the surrounding area and Must see of the same era. th the sunset. There remain the castle walls with • The 2nd -century BC Roman mansion’s Events • The 13 -century Atros Monastery, the • Panagia (Our Lady) feast on August 15th, at the arched gate, the Governor’s residence, ruins, containing marvellous mosaic floors. oldest one on the island, dedicated to Markopoulo village (12 km W). Notice the Agios Markos church and parts of the barracks. • The ruins of the Doric temple of Apollo the Nativity of Theotokos (Mother of God). harmless, small snakes with the black cross- • The mountain villages, namely Patrikata (3.5 km N). • The ruins of ancient Pronnoi, above shaped mark on their head, also known as “Pan- (8.5 km E) and Karya (9 km E). En route, • Palaio Chorio, the remarkable architectural Asprogerakas village. agia’s snakes”. the greater area’s view is fantastic. elements and the watermills found there. • Mounta (3 km SW), an area next to Cape Mounta with a gorgeous beach. Activities Activities Activities • Swimming: at the village’s beach, in Kaminia, • Swimming at the village’s beaches as well as • Swimming at the village’s beaches; and at • Ratzakli (4 km W), a seaside village Kateleio and Mounta. at Limenia, Kako Lagkadi, Ragia (Aragia), Laza- Myrtos, 12 km S.

61. Fiskardo, Kefalonia’s most cosmopolitan village. of Mycenaean tombs and churches with post- Activities Byzantine icons. • Swimming at Foki, Evreti, Kamini, Emplysi, KEFALONIA Kimilia, Dafnoudi, Alaties and Agia Ierousalim. • Sailing. Activities • Scuba diving in Fiskardo’s sea caves and in • Swimming at Lepeda beach, Xi (red sand 67 the area around Agia Ierousalim. beach), Megas Lakos and Petanoi. • Horseback riding in Ritsata near Livadi village (7 km N.). West Kaminarata 11 Lixouri 10 The 1759 Kipouraioi Monastery is in this mountain village. It was a major monastery Locals call this town “Pikolo Parisi” (little Paris; on the island once and possesses remarkable Italian Piccolo Parigi). It is the modern-day com- religious heritage items. The landscape and mercial and administrative centre of the island’s sunset view are breathtaking. The 1781 Agia 62. Lixouri, Kefalonia’s second largest town. western part with a long cultural and artistic Paraskevi Tafiou Monastery and Drakos- tradition, remarkable churches and monaster- pilia cave are nearby. Further south, you will Fiskardo 9 Must see ies. There are two libraries (Iakovateios and find the imposing Gero-Gompos lighthouse. A well-known cosmopolitan town, Fiskardo • The Roman cemetery and ancient baths Petritseios); the second oldest Philharmonic Distance from Argostoli: 37 km W. (known as Panormos in antiquity) is a listed tra- where a recess carved into the rock is called School (after Corfu’s Old Philharmonic); and ditional village with lovely houses (some date “Queen Fiskarda’s Throne” by the locals. the Vallianeios Professional School. There th • The 6th c. early christian church near are ferry runs to Argostoli. Distance from Arg- Activities back to the 18 c) painted with vivid colours, • Swimming at Platia Ammos, one of the area’s picturesque narrow alleys, tourist shops, res- Fiskardo’s lighthouse. There are ruins of the ostoli: 31.5 km W. th most beautiful beaches. taurants, fish tavernas, bars, and cafés. From older 16 c. Venetian lighthouse next to the 64. Kipouraioi Monastery this port, there is a shuttle boat service running new one. Must see (Annunciation to the Virgin Mary). to Ithaca and ; it is also a mooring area • The Marine and Environmental for luxury yachts since Fiskardo is on the list Museum. • Pantokrator’s Metropolitan Church. • Tzanata, Markantonata and Tzamarelata th of destinations preferred by the international • The restored, mid-19 -century Typaldos- mountain villages overlooking Fiskardo. jet set. Distance from Argostoli: 49.5 km N. Iakovatos Neoclassical Mansion, housing on the ground floor the Municipal Library 63. Gerogompos lighthouse. The height of the tower is 13 m. with 20,000 volumes, a Byzantine and post- Byzantine icon collection, Gospel manuscripts (dating back to the 10th, 14th, and 15th century) and on the first floor, a collection of personal items belonging to the founding family. • Ancient Pali, at “Palaiokastro” location. • The Venetian Kleisoura bridge, over a wooded gorge (near the road towards Livadi village). • village (4.5 km SW); nearby “Kounopetra” is a rock jutting out of the sea, that used to move until the 1953 earthquakes when its position stabilised. If pristine natural beauty is your thing, visit Vatsa, an area near Kounopetra, and enjoy the gorgeous beach. • The 14th-century Koroniotissa Monastery (2.5 km W). • Kontogenada village (15 km NW), the site HISTORY OF KEFALONIA According to mythology, the island of Kefalonia was named after the mythical persona of Kefalos who was a mixture of two different mythical people. He was the son of Dion and Diomeda and Mercury, or the son of Pandion and Kreoussa, or Ersi. The goddess Jo loved king Kefalos and, in order to make him hers, she made him doubt the loyalty and devotion of his wife, Prokris. Jo encouraged him to appear before his wife wearing a disguise, and to seduce her with gifts. Prokris gave in to Kefalos and when she realized who he really was, she left, crying desperately. After Prokris wandered around , she returned to where the goddess Diana agreed to help her win back her husband. Unfortunately, while hunting, Kefalos saw the movement of Prokris behind the trees and, mistaking her for prey, he aimed at her and killed her. Desperate from his misfortune, Kefalos left Athens. He met Amphetryon and helped him defeat the Televoes and the Tafious. In return, Amphetryon offered Kefalos this island, which he called "Kefalonia". According to another legend, the island was named after Kefalines of Kefalanes, a nation in western Greece. Many students claim that Kefalines were the Ulysse's people thus his kingdom was on the island of Kefalonia. Those who agree with this option, spell the island's name with two "ls".

I. PRE‐HISTORIC PERIOD Excavations indicate that the island of Kefalonia has been inhabited since 10,000 BC. The existence of Paleolithic civilizations on the island is verified. The Mycenaean tombs which were brought to light during the excavations, indicate that the island thrived during the Mycenaean years, around 1,600 BC, a phenomenon not observed for any other Ionian island. This occurred, among other reasons, because of the enormous corn production on the island, as well as Kefalonia's commercial contacts with Ithaki and the town of Nidri, in Lefkada. According to another tradition, the island of Kefalonia was introduced to the mycenaean civilization by emigrants to the Southern , Western Greece and . This is indicated by similar findings from these areas.

II. ANTIQUITY Herodotus is the first historian ever to refer to the island by the name of Kefalinia, while Thucydides called the island "Tetrapoli" (: Four cities), because of the towns of Pali, Sami, Kranea (alias Krani) and Proni, which thrived during the mycenaean years. The most significant of all the cities was Sami, on the northeastern part of the island. Pali was situated on the western peninsula, in the location of Palaiokastro; Krani was situated by the Lagoon of Koutavos where Argostoli stands today; and Proni was situated on the southeastern part of the island. The four cities were not related to each other and had separate coins and regimes. The inhabitants of the islands worshipped the Olympian Gods and performed sacrifices in the temples in order to please the gods. Hesiodus refers to the temple of Ainios on mount Aino, while the existence of a second temple of Zeus, is also mentioned on the isle south of Kefalonia. Kefalonia participated in the Persian Wars, in the battle of Plataies (479 BC) and in the Peloponnesian War, supporting both Sparta and Athens, as every city supported its political preference. In 218 BC, king Philip from Macedonia attacked the island and attempted to occupy it, but Athens helped Kefalonia defeat him.

III. THE ROMAN YEARS In 187 BC, the Romans occupied the island of Kefalonia. Despite the resistance of the locals, the Romans conquered the island and destroyed Sami. During the Roman Rule, the inhabitants of Kefalonia were constantly threatened with raids by pirates and conquerors who took away their fortunes, thus making life on the island impossible. In 50 BC, the island was ruled by Gaius Antonios. In the second christian century, Poplius Aelius Adrianus offered the island as a present to Athens, and the island, the area surrounding Sami in particular, progressed economically.

IV. BYZANTINE ERA During the Byzantine Era, the island of Kefalonia was often raided by pirates. The island, along with 64 other provinces and 935 cities, belonged to the Byzantine emperor. In the 10th century AD, Constantinos Porfyrogenitos indicated that the island was part of the "Scheme of Kefalonia", which was established by the VI?, as the remaining seals prove. The Byzantine Era ended in 1085, when Robert Guscard attempted to occupy the island.

V. THE FRANK YEARS In 1084, the adventurer Robert Guiscard attempted to occupy the island of Kefalonia, but he did not succeed, as the locals fought successfully against him. He then retired to the village of Fiskardo where, years later, he died after naming the village after himself. Consequently, the Normand noble Boimond took violent revenge against the locals who dared to resist Guiscard. In 1103 and 1125, the Crusaders attacked the island. Kefalonia was briefly occupied by the Normand Roger B?, in 1147, but the Byzantine emperor Manuel, with the help of the Venetians, defeated Roger B?. Nine years later, Manuel signed a treaty for peace and released the , including Kefalonia, to the Normands. In 1185, the Sicilian King Gullielmo B? gave Kefalonia to Admiral Margaritoni, as part of the "Palatian Country of Kefalonia and Zakynthos". Margaritoni's successor was appointed in 1194. He was the pirate Matteo Orsini, who constantly raided the surrounding areas. The Orsini family with the help of a multitude of rogues and murders ruled the island for 150 years, when they were succeeded by the Tokos dynasty, in 1357. Kefalonia was ruled by this dynasty until 1479, when Turks conquered the island.

VI. VENETIAN RULE In 1500, the Venetians and the Spanish, violating the treaty verifying Turkish dominion upon Kefalonia, attacked and conquered the island. Venetian Rule lasted 300 years with the help of local nobles who were granted a series of privileges, while the common people lived in poverty. In 1538, the Turk pirate Hairedin Barbarossa attacked Kefalonia, causing severe damage while capturing 13,000 slaves. In spite of this, hundreds of people from the mainland came to the island, fortifying the Greek presence in the area. During the last years of the Venetian Rule, there were severe disputes between the rich families of the island. The Venetian Rule ended in 1797, when the French occupied the island. VII. FRENCH‐RUSSIAN RULE On 28 June 1797, the French occupied the island of Kefalonia. Napoleon made the locals believe that he would liberate the Ionian Islands. The book describing the names and the privileges of the nobles, "Libro d'oro", was burnt in the square of Argostoli, while the people celebrated. The French rule of the Ionian Islands became official with the Treaty of Kamboformio on 17 October 1797. The Ionian Islands became part of the French State on 1 November 1797. The following year, the allied fleet of the Russians, the Turks and the English defeated the French at Aboukir and their fleet disembarked at Argostoli, where a government was appointed, its president being K. Horafas. On 21 March 1800, in Constantinople, the "Ionian State" was founded under the Sultan's supervision. The rich nobles of the island were granted exclusive privileges for ruling, a fact which caused insurrections on all the Ionian Islands, which were violently suppressed by the conquerors. In 1802, by popular demand, Kefalonia's elections took place and new, democratically elected representatives were charged, on 23 December 1803, with the creation of a new Constitution which would later establish the "Democracy of the Ionian Islands". In 1807, the Ionian Islands came under the French rule again, and Field Marshal Berthieux was in command. After several changes, the "Democracy of the Ionian Islands" was maintained and people hoped for a peaceful, normal life. Unfortunately, their hope did not last for long, as the English occupied Zakynthos, on 19 September 1809.

VIII. ENGLISH OCCUPATION On 19 September 1809, the English occupied Zakynthos and later, in spite of the French's objection, all the Ionian Islands, came under English occupation, which became official with the establishment of the "United States of the Ionian Islands", with the Treaty of Paris. According to this treaty, the Ionian Islands were to be under the command of the English Lord Commissioner. During the English Occupation, Kefalonia obtained significant constructions, such as the bridge of Drapano which joins Argostoli with the Lagoon of Koutavos, a constitution supervised by Charles Philippe de Boss? from Switzerland. The Constitution of 28 December 1817 imposed a series of unpopular measures which made the local's life even more difficult. The people of Kefalonia, along with other inhabitants of the Ionian Islands, resisted the despotic rule of the English by founding secret committees and secretly mounting insurrections.

IX. THE REVOLUTION OF 1821 ‐ ENGLISH OCCUPATION ‐ UNION Although the island of Kefalonia remained under the English Occupation, the locals participated actively in the Greek Revolution against Turkish Rule. Some of the fighters from Kefalonia were Constantinos and , Gerasimos and Dionissios Fokas, Demetrios Hoidas, Gerasimos Orfanos and Loukas Valsamakis. The most significant event in which Kefalonia participated was the battle of Lalas, in Helia. There, with the help of the Peloponnesian army, Andreas and Constantinos Metaxas defeated the Turks who invaded the village on 24 June 1821. At that time, the Ionian Commissioner was Charles Napier, a democrat who supervised significant constructions in Kefalonia, one of them being the building "Markato" at Lixouri, which initially housed the island's Court. On 14 September 1848, due to popular demand, Ionian Commissioner Seaton granted the people significant privileges. The next Commissioner, George Eward, wished to change the Constitution, yet he was prevented by the Conservatives. A new series of insurrections forced Queen Victoria to proclaim elections in 1850, after which the first Parliament was established. The Parliament's duration was short, as it dissolved after the union of the Ionian Islands with the rest of Greece. The crisis of the English policy regarding Greece and the people's insurrections forced England to secede from the dominion of the Ionian Islands and on 23 September 1863, the Parliament voted in favor of their union with the rest of Greece. On 21 May 1864, Thrasivoulos Zaimis officially received the Ionian Islands from Henry Storcks.

X. MODERN YEARS During World War II, Kefalonia was occupied by the Italians in 1941 and the Italian army settled on the island. The people of Kefalonia were actively involved in the Greek Resistance and fought for the country's liberation. In September 1943, the German‐Italian combat in Kefalonia, caused by the Italians' refusal to withdraw from the island's rule in favour of the Germans, cost 9,500 Italian soldiers their lives. Ten years later, in 1953, the earthquake which rocked the Ionian Islands, caused severe damage to Kefalonia. The majority of the houses in Argostoli collapsed and the locals fought hard to restore their life.