The castle of Agios Georgios lies on a hilltop of 304 m. height, 6 kilometers on the northeastern of Argostoli. Its panoramic view and its potential for fortification lead the Byzantines to build there the first castle. In 1125, for a brief period, the castle was taken over by the Venetians when the relics of Saint Donato were transferred to Murano; it was actually the Venetians that ruled the longest (until actually 1797 that the Franks conquered the island). The Castle of Agios Georgios took its current shape during the main Venetian period from 1500 to 1797. Its perimeter extends to 600 m. and it covers an area of 4 cares. Right in the centre of the castle there are powerful bastions, standing there as ultimate points of defense; the Castle gates and walls bear witnesses to the strong influences of the Venetian dominance. The importance of the castle was somehow diminished, when the capital of the island was transferred to Argostoli.

Venetian architectural elements are dominant at the gate of the castle.	The castle of Agios Georgios, on the northeastern of Argostoli (red circle) (Map © Cephalonia-Ithaki published by Road)

Εdward Lear in his book Seven Ionian Islands writes the following about Argostoli:
Argostoli, the capital city of Cephalonia is built on the western part of the island, on a plateau. In the southern side of the port, where the waters are shallow, one can see a stone paved path as well as a cobbled road, both excellently constructed. […] The buildings of Argostoli are built to tiny and beautiful detail and the city, even though it is not that lively, has many noisy streets and public buildings. On its first level there is a path of gray rocks, on the sides of which lentisks and locust-trees grow, and, further ahead, olive groves abound.

Every summer, in the Castle of Agios Georgios, many cultural activities take place organized by the Municipality of Argostoli (please see: www.argostoli.gr).

The Castle of Agios Georgios (picture background) and Petrata village (Picture © www.argostoli.gr )	Aerial phtotograph of the Castle of Agios Georgios

An engraving depicting the castle during the Venetian period.	Argostoli and Koutavos lagoon in an engraving of 1864 (© Edward Lear). Mount Aenos (of 1627 m. height) is in the background. The red circle denotes the location of the Castle of Agios Georgios.

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