If you’re visiting Kefalonia and enjoy history, scenic views and places with a soul, the Castle of Agios Georgios is a must-see. Perched on a hill above the village of Peratata, just a few kilometers southeast of Argostoli, this site offers much more than old stones – it offers perspective.
A View You Won’t Forget
From the top, you get a panoramic view over olive groves, villages, the Ionian Sea – and on clear days, all the way to the Paliki Peninsula.
The place is quiet and almost sacred. If you come early or just before sunset, you’ll feel like time slows down.
A Place Full of History
Originally built in the 12th century by the Byzantines, the castle passed through the hands of Franks, Ottomans and finally the Venetians, who restored and expanded it in 1500 and made it the capital of the island until 1757.
Once, it was a fully functioning town: houses, churches, storage rooms, a prison, even a secret tunnel to the lagoon of Argostoli.
Architecture & Atmosphere
The castle covers more than 16,000 square meters, with bastions offering views in all directions. Despite damage from centuries of wear – especially the 1953 earthquake – parts of the walls, a Venetian throne and the ruins of Saint Nicholas Church remain.
At its foot lies the small settlement of Kastro, with old houses and the Agios Andreas Monastery, home to 17th-century frescoes and rare icons.
Practical Info
- Location: Peratata, approx. 7 km from Argostoli
- How to get there: by car, scooter or bike
- Opening hours: 8:30–15:00 (closed on Mondays)
- Admission: free or low fee
