Sami Acropolis, Kefalonia, Greece

Sami was a powerful fortified town whose ruins are found in Lapitha Mountain, over the current port town. This town was an autonomous and independent state with its own coin inhabited from the Paleolithic Times. A strong and densely populated town with strong fortifications, it was located on top of the cliff. Several references of Ancient Sami are found in Homer's poems (Heliad, Odyssey) when Sami fought in the Trojan War. Though, in 188 BC, Sami lost its autonomy and freedom during the siege from the Romans.

During the Roman times, Ancient Sami flourished again due to the trade development and the increasing population. At that time, they built luxurious houses and public buildings. Excavations have brought to light parts of the citadel built during the Hellenistic Period and some Cyclopean walls situated in Paleokastro and Agioi Fanendes, from where the view is spectacular. The walls included 22 entrances, parts of an ancient theatre and rich tombs that date back to the 3rd century BC. The view from Ancient Sami to the sea and the island is great.

References:

greeka.com

User Reviews

Ray Say (3 years ago)
Not much to see, a project that received so much money and was left dead on the ground. Offers a nice View .

Marcus Moody (3 years ago)
If you're looking for hillwalking it's quite pretty, the ruins are pretty dismal for non-historians. Worth a visit at sunset for the views though

Paul Stross (3 years ago)
Very ancient ruins ar the top of a hill. We walked around them but it is best considered as an undeveloped area now.

James Lewis (3 years ago)
Well worth a wonder none there in April when visted

Christian Phillips (4 years ago)
Very little to see but could be an interesting place if done right. Very little parking areas and no information availible. Good walking routes and viewpoints though

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Infomastern

Historic Site of the week

Visby Cathedral

Visby Cathedral (also known as St. Mary’s Church) is the only survived medieval church in Visby. It was originally built for German merchants and inaugurated in 1225. Around the year 1350 the church was enlarged and converted into a basilica. The two-storey magazine was also added then above the nave as a warehouse for merchants.

Following the Reformation, the church was transformed into a parish church for the town of Visby. All other churches were abandoned. Shortly after the Reformation, in 1572, Gotland was made into its own Diocese, and the church designated its cathedral.

There is not much left of the original interior. The font is made of local red marble in the 13th century. The pulpit was made in Lübeck in 1684. There are 400 graves under the church floor.

Sami Acropolis

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Visby Cathedral