It was inhabited since the Prehistoric Age. It is mentioned that Ulysses had his kingdom here which included other neighbouring regions too. It was conquered by Normands, Venetians, French. In 1798 it was under the protection of Russian-Turks and two years later it was declared its independence after the intervenence of Kapodistrias. Ithaca is a small, mountainous green island with an extent of 96 sq.km. , enchanting bays like a small paradise. As Ulysses did not forget Ithaca although he had visited amazing distant places, the same will happen to you after having visited Ithaca and get to know its beauties. Ithaca is separated by Cefalonia through a sea channel 2-4 km. wide. The western coast of the island is steep and almost bare, while the eastern one is green full of trees going down to the sea. Capital and deep harbour sheltered of the winds is Vathy identified with the harbour Forkys mentioned by Omiros. The existing today houses in the city were re-built according to the traditional architectural style of Eptanissa after the destruction caused by the earthquake of 1953 that stroke the entire island. In the entry of the harbour there is the islet Lazareto or Sotiras with the homonym church. You can visit in the harbour ruins of the venetian castle and in a distance of 2 km. the cavern of Nymphs, where Ulysses hid the gifts given by Faeakes upon his return from Troja. The city has preserved many of its historical monuments, as the Cathedral and the house where Od. Androutsos had been born. Worthwhile are also the two libraries of the city, the Theatrical one and that of the Cultural Centre with rare books. In the Archaeological Museum findings of the Geometrical and First Geometrical period are exhibited. In the region of Aetos there are ruins of the ancient city Alalkomenes of the 8th B.C. century, known to the local people as the "Kastro tou Odyssea" (Castle of Ulysses). Here excavations have been made by Sliman regarding the Ulyssian city. A by the sea village with picturesque port is Frikes, 13 km. north-west of Vathy that has quite tourism. Built in altitude of 240 m. with marvellous view is Perahori that has particular local colour. It is located in a distance of 4 km. from Vathy. Kioni is a traditional by the sea village, with old houses that had survived the earthquake. It is situated in a distance of 24 km. from Vathy. Interesting it would be an excursion to the Monastery of Panaghia Katharon to the north side of the capital, in altitude of 600 m. with unique view from the belfry. Behind it you can see the mountains of Akarnania and of Zakynthos, the islands Ehinades as well as the eastern coast of Cefalonia. Small distances in the island and well maintained roads facilitate the exploration of the island.