The island's capital since 1757, Argostoli has all the characteristics of a metropolis. On the shores of the homonymous bay, its location protects it from the strong winds of the open sea, and on several occasions has saved it from enemy attacks. It has the chief port, connecting Kefalonia with the Peloponnese, which is well-matched with the cosmopolitan character of the city. Argostoli was built on the foundations of the ancient city of Krani, and has since undergone several changes, the most important being its utter destruction by the terrible earthquake of 1953. Its reconstruction, the result of which we admire today, marries the modern with the neoclassical Ionian style. Exquisite examples of this particular architecture are the Kosmetatou mansion, at the end of the palm-flanked central road of the Rizospastes, as well as the building that houses the theater of Argostoli, the Kefalos. On weekdays, the city is flooded with commuters, while on Sundays it is an excellent place for a relaxing stroll or a chance meeting with friends. For visitors, the cosmopolitan Argostoli offers many alternatives for a pleasant stay: a dash of shopping on the famous Lithostroto, the main shopping street of the island for centuries; an interesting tour of the exhibits of the Archaeological and Ethnological Museum of the city, an exploration of the rare archives of the Korgialenios library; or a tasty traditional sweet aside the central square of Valianou, a delightful stroll along the pebble beach road under the shade of exotic palm trees and finally a walk over the stone bridge of Devossetou, separating the Koutavos lagoon from the sea. Argostoli is one of the cities that maintains its vitality throughout all hours of day and night. Especially during the summer months, traffic on city streets is dense till late evening. Children playing tag in the streets, the elderly sit in the squares and reminisce about the old days; gaggles of youths stroll along with a flirtatious air. The shops stay open until late, and the best way to enjoy the carefree atmosphere of the city is to buy a mandolato ( a famous local sweet) and wander about where you will.