Village at Palia Farsa

Farsa was no exception from the rest of Kefalonia as far as the devastating consequences of the earthquake of 1953 are concerned. However, it’s special compared to the other villages which were destroyed then because this settlement remained as it was. This happened because the villagers decided to move closer to the Argostoli- Fiskardo country road since they had to take care of the housing of their families as soon as possible.

Let’s not forget that the earthquake happened in August and winter was coming, while transporting materials for any necessary repairs wouldn’t have been as easy as building new houses by the country road.

The very first reference to the village occurs under the name “Farisa” in the Venetian State’s archives, concerning its then tax capacity. Its strange name is attributed to an ancient Greek word, “farsea” (from the noun farsos- farseos- farseous, meaning cut off, part || farsea polios, city suburbs) which refers to anything small and remote, distant. The residents of this settlement are quite and distant, as if they have accepted the fate of such a name. However, no-one can calumniate their industriousness, as their efforts on the entire west side of Mount Horeftis are still evident and flawless. They persistently worked on building stone walls everywhere, in order to hold back the small amount of dirt. Years ago, most of the residents were farmers and livestock breeders; later on, many became sailors. These sailors didn’t hesitate to travel far and wide, opening up their own sails.

Unfortunately, the earthquake came and caused much damage, but it didn’t flatten the village. It was as if the rocks themselves were as stubborn as the constructors who built them and most of them remained in their place. Every single one of us, much more the descendants of those who lived here, feel the energy that used to once fill this settlement, just by walking through the roads and visiting the houses of the old village.

Quite some research and many endeavors have been made for the reconstruction and development of the old settlement. But, the future will show if they will be able to be applied and materialized for the restoration of this old village to its pre- earthquake form, something which will constitute a developmental model.

Extracts from Mr. Vasilis Voutsinas’ article for Kefalonitis Magazine.