Standing proudly on the western coast of Kefalonia, Lixouri has long been the island’s second-largest town, famous for its distinct character, literary heritage, and age-old rivalry with Argostoli. With a history marked by Venetian influence, British modernization, and catastrophic earthquakes, Lixouri is a town that has endured and evolved while holding onto its unique identity.
Venetian Rule and the Birth of Lixouri (16th–18th Century)
Lixouri's history is deeply tied to the Venetian occupation of Kefalonia (1500–1797). While Argostoli was chosen as the island’s capital, Lixouri flourished as a wealthy port town, benefiting from its position near the fertile Paliki Peninsula. The town became a hub of trade and shipbuilding, attracting merchants and fishermen. However, like much of Kefalonia, it was constantly under threat from pirate raids, forcing its residents to remain vigilant.
During this time, Lixouri developed a unique identity—its people prided themselves on being different from Argostoli, fostering a rivalry that continues to this day. While Argostoli was seen as more aristocratic and bureaucratic under Venetian rule, Lixouri was known for its free-spirited, independent character, with a culture steeped in music, poetry, and humor.
The British Era and the Rise of Literature (19th Century)
When the British took control of Kefalonia (1809–1864), Lixouri thrived. The British modernized the town’s infrastructure, built roads, and encouraged education. During this period, Lixouri became known as a center of literature and philosophy.
The most famous figure of this era was Andreas Laskaratos (1811–1901), a satirical poet and writer from Lixouri. His sharp wit and criticism of the Greek Orthodox Church made him a controversial figure, leading to his excommunication. Yet, he remains one of Greece’s most celebrated literary minds, embodying the rebellious, intellectual spirit of Lixouri.
In 1864, when the Ionian Islands were united with Greece, Lixouri continued to grow, maintaining its rivalry with Argostoli.
Disaster and Survival: Earthquakes and World War II
Like the rest of Kefalonia, World War II brought hardship to Lixouri. The town was occupied by Italian forces, followed by Germans after Italy’s surrender in 1943. While Lixouri avoided the Acqui Division massacre that devastated Argostoli, its people still endured great suffering under German rule.
However, the greatest catastrophe struck a decade later. The devastating earthquake of 1953 leveled most of Lixouri, reducing centuries of history to rubble. Unlike Argostoli, which was rebuilt in a modern style, Lixouri was restored in a way that preserved its traditional charm, allowing it to retain a sense of its old-world character.
Lixouri Today: A Town of Music, Culture, and Rivalry
Today, Lixouri remains one of Kefalonia’s most vibrant towns, known for its musical traditions, festivals, and laid-back atmosphere. It boasts one of the oldest philharmonic orchestras in Greece, a testament to its deep-rooted cultural heritage.
Though the rivalry with Argostoli is now more playful than serious, it still lingers in the hearts of locals. While Argostoli sees itself as the administrative capital, Lixouri takes pride in its artistic soul, warm hospitality, and strong sense of community.
From its Venetian origins to its literary golden age, from war and destruction to cultural revival, Lixouri stands as a proud and resilient town—forever Kefalonian, yet distinctly its own.