Municipality of Livathos

The Municipality of Livathos is located in the southwest side of the island. It was formed by 11 communities and the Assembly seat of the Municipality of Keramies. The villages, such as Svoronata, Skala, Keramies, Lakithra, Spartia etc, were named after the founding familes.The first mention of the name Livathos was made in 1264, in the minutes if the Latin diocese, Kefalonia.

Livathos was the area first resided by Kefalos, the name sake of the island.

There are thought to be several origins of the name Livathos. One of them is the medieval word ‘Leivadion’ from the ancient verb Leivo, referring to weather mean a condition that is both humid and cool. There is also the version which comes from the ancient word ‘lips’, referring to a particular type of wind called ‘Livas’ ( a southwestly, also known as Garbis).

The Livathos region can be traced, from Mycenaean times. Excavations of Kavvadias in the early 20th century testify to this.The Mycenaens chose safe, fertile, lowland areas,in which to settle. A good example of Mycenaean life is shown in the tombs and funeral gifts found at Mazarakata and Metaxata.

During the Byzantine and Venetian times a strategic position in the region, was held by the fort as a walled city that could sustain its inhabitants, due to the fertile soils.

An interesting fact is that Kosmas Aitolos lived in the village of Pessada for about a year from where he preached Christianity to the island. Another interesting personality who lived in the Livathos area, namely Metaxata is Lord Byron, the house he frequented still remains, marked by a stone tablet. There is a place in Lakithra that is known to be where he wrote his poems, overlooking the sea and the rock that now bears his name.

After the union of the Ionian Islands with Greece, on 21^st May 1864 the Livathos area was divided into two municipalities. The capital of Upper Livathos was Pessada and of Lower Livathos was laterly Lakithra . The Municipalities and communities joined together in 1999 to become one forming, the current Livathos.

The area is home to olives, fruits and vegetables and farmed animals. However the most important thing for the area is the tourists.In the summer Lourdata is busy with tourists who enjoy both the long stretching beach and the many bars & tavernas.Spartia and Koriana are also places with pleasant beaches. Svoronata also has beautiful beaches and the Marina of Agia Pelagia, with views of the island of Zakynthos.

The Municipality is home to the castle of St. George, located near the village of Peratata. Reportedly built in the 12th century but currently standing from the 16^th century. During the Venetian occupation it was the capital of Kefalonia prior to Argostoli due to its impregnable situation. Today the castle is preserved and worth a visit.