Kefalonia Iakovatios Library

Location: Lixouri
Don't miss: Museums guide (free admission dates and other useful info)

One of the charming places of interest on the island of Kefalonia is the Iakovatios Library and Museum, located in the suburbs of Lixouri. The library is housed in a mansion that used to belong to the Typaldos - Iakovatos family, which was not affected by the catastrophic earthquake of 1953. It was restored to its original grandeur in 1984.

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There are thousands of books in the library, displayed in 14 rooms with wood-paneled ceilings. A large quantity of the books dates back to the 16th - 19th centuries, while 7,000 of them were originally owned by the Iakovatos family. A great number of publications were also donated from the collections of other prominent local families. The Complete Works of Hippocrates, published in 1595, is considered to be the most valuable book of the collection. The library also houses the 1556 edition of The Complete Works of Plato, published in Venice. Finally, visitors will find three gospels from the Bible on animal skin parchments from the 10th, 14th and 15th centuries.

The museum takes up one floor of the building. Other than books, it has a collection of documents belonging to the Iakovatos family, church vestments, antique furniture, the Metropolitan's bedroom suite, portraits, a 1954 leaden seal, a psalter in 4 languages, prelatic garments, bishop crosses and more. Visitors can also admire 36 religious icons. The most notable are The Assembly of Archangels by Philotheos and Miracle at Chonae by Damaskinos, placed in a special chamber.

The building is surrounded by a beautiful garden, and the museum is unique for its architecture and extensive collection. It is one of the two lending libraries in the village and often hosts cultural events.

How to get there

The Iakovatios Library is located in Lixouri Village.

Private transfers: We recommend using an online pre-booked Kefalonia transfer service, which provides transfer by taxi, minibus, or private VIP car and arranging a pickup directly from the airport, port, or your hotel. Alternatively, there's the option of arranging a pickup by a local driver directly at the following numbers: 0030 694 511 8866, 0030 694 530 6145, 0030 699 561 9605, or booking your taxi online.

Car rental: There's the option of renting a car in Kefalonia and picking it up directly from the airport, port, or your hotel. Using a rental car allows visitors to discover Iakovatios Library and Museum and many other places of interest in Kefalonia at their own pace.