CHURCH OF ST. DEMETRIOS & THE EVANGELISTRIA AT FARAKLATA

The Church of St. Demetrios & The Evangelistria in the village of Faraklata is one of the grandest in Cephalonia.
It suffered complete destruction internally from German bombing raids during the Occupation, St Demetrios's icon being the only item that was spared.

The church was restored in 1955 after the devasting earthquake. A grand celebration takes place every year on March 25th which is mainly characterized by the numerous "artoklasies" (baskets of ornate bread dedicated to the Holy Virgin.

The bell tower was destroyed during the 1953 earthquake and its place a new one was erected in 1994 through a bequest by Georgios Kalogeratos from Faraklata. At a height of 42 meters, it is the tallest bell tower in Cephalonia with 102 steps leading from the ground to bell level!