Filmed in 2001 by John Madden and based on the novel by the English author Louis De Bernier, Captain Corelli's Mandolin tells the love story between a girl from the island, Panagia, and an Italian officer, Captain Corelli, during the Italian occupation of Kefalonia in the Second World War. The story, although fictionalized and with characters that Italians and Greeks would consider a bit too stereotypical, takes up and commemorates events that really happened and are still alive in the memory of the islanders. However, let's leave aside, at least for now, the historical facts and the places that commemorate them (if you want to learn more about this topic you can read more here: https://kefalonialiving.com/blog-viaggi-cefalonia/item/39-kefalonia-living-divisone-acqui) to retrace the steps of the film's protagonists, relive their romantic stories and visit together the places on the island where the filming took place.
The film was shot mainly in the center/north of the island, with Sami as the chosen location for the reconstruction of the historical sets. The involvement of numerous local people as extras contributed to creating a realistic and suggestive setting for the events narrated. Palia Vlachata, Antisamos, Myrtos and a romantic pier on the beach of Chrogota are the most easily recognizable places, but for film buffs there are still many other sets to visit to relive the love story between Panagia and Corelli!
All that remains is to (re)watch the film to immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere created by the captain's mandolin and once you get here, set off on an adventure with your navigator in hand.
- House of Pelagia and Iannis: 38.269422, 20.668997 (between Sami and Antisamos)
- House of Drousilas and Mandras: 38.269416, 20.669961 (between Sami and Antisamos)
- Acqui Division Massacre: 38.254688, 20.602395 (Palia Vlachata)
- Acqui Training Camp: 38.260358, 20.673753 (Antisamos)
- Partisan Shelter: 38.255848, 20.602478 (Palia Vlachata)
- Mandras/Pelagia Pier: 38.364657, 20.615377 (Chorgota Beach)
- Detonation of the mine: 38.342761, 20.535461 (Myrtos Beach)
- March of the Italian troops to fight the Germans: 38.1166035, 20.5345886 (Metaxata)
Sources: Amazingkefalonia, Kefalonia by Anna, Best of Kefalonia
