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Acropolis of Ancient Krani

The ancient Krani was one of the four city-states of Kefalonia which controlled the western part of the island.It was autonomous and independent pursuing its own foreign policy and issuing bronze and silver coins depicting the city's monogram as well as representations related to the religious beliefs and activities of its inhabitants. The acropolis of ancient Krani stands on the top of the hills “Pezoules” and “Kastelli”. A part of the imposing Cyclopean masonry, also known as the "Cyclopean" wall, is still preserved while a little lower from the acropolis there are traces of a sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Demeter and her daughter Persephone, according to an inscription found in the area. The city of Krani was built amphitheatrically on the southern and western slopes of the hills; it had a rudimentary grid plan, and it is crossed by a main road. The area was first inhabited during the post-Helladic period while there are indications of trade relations with the then-known world during the same period.Habitation of the ancient Krani continued in the Roman years when two complexes existed.In medieval times, the hill of Castelli was used for defensive purposes.The ancient wall was repaired and a new one was built on its southeast side.