Ionian Islands
Art, History & Archaeology Sites & Museums
Greece’s western coastline has been shaped by seismic geological forces. Tectonic activity along a coastal fault-line wrenched the Ionian Islands from the mainland millions of years ago, resulting in a dramatic and picturesque seascape. Today there are all manner of attractions that bear testimony to the comings and goings of powerful dynasties, republics and empires. The largest islands include Corfu, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Paxos, Kythira and Zakynthos, while Antikythira, Antipaxi, Ereikousa, Mathraki, Meganisi, Othonoi and Strofades are smaller, lesser known islands.Â
This page, part of our Greece Travel Guide, provides details of the art, archaeology and history sites, museums and related attractions to visit on the Ionian Islands. Readers wishing to visit these places will find visitor information, links to official websites as well as other helpful resources. The guide is produced by Thomas Dowson, an archaeologist and the founder of Archaeology Travel, who has been visiting Greece regularly since 1990, and is currently researching a comprehensive guidebook to Athens. Read more about the website, its authors and our work.
New to the Archaeology Travel website? Those who have an account (free of charge) can create personal travel lists and itineraries. To benefit fully from the various travel planning features, see the User’s Guide.
Archaeology & History Sites in Ionian Islands
Castle of Santa Maura
The first structure, a defensive station, to protect the island of Lefkada from raids from the mainland, was built in 1300 by the Frankish ruler Giovanni Orsini. Since then the castle has been significantly modified and occupied by almost everyone, from the Venetians to the Ottomans, from the French to the Russians, from the British to the Greeks. Although most of the buildings within the walls were destroyed, many features have survived, including the 14th century church dedicated to Saint Maura and the English prison.
Museums & Art Galleries in Ionian Islands
Focas Cosmetatos Foundation
Once the Focas Cosmetatos family home, the building was severely damaged during an earthquake that struck Kefalonia in 1953, and the fires that raged in the aftermath of the quake. Almost unrecognisable, the house was rebuilt and turned into a museum and art gallery, showcasing the family’s collection of art, furniture and other historical objects relating to the history and culture of Kefalonia and other Ionian Islands. These include a collection of historic lithographs and coins and bank notes, with items from ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine periods.
