According to testimonies of the time, the garden stands on what was once a vineyard. Charles James Napier, the British governor of the island in the 19th century responsible for many infrastructure projects on the island, bought the estate and transformed it into an elevated park for his children to play. In 1905 the Municipality of Argostoli regained possession of the area and converted it into a municipal park, installing, among other things, a bust of Napier. During the Second World War the statue was heavily damaged by the Germans and in the following years, the park was abandoned. In 2003-2004 the garden was renovated and has recovered much of its charm: wide cobbled paths wind upwards to a romantic gazebo around which outdoor events and concerts are often held. The park is well lit and is very pleasant even for a quiet evening stroll.
THE NAPIER PARK, A GARDEN IN THE HEART OF ARGOSTOLI
Right in the center of Argostoli there is a large iron gate that seems to lead to a secret garden. Little Napier Park sits on a rise just above the town's main square. Surrounded by stone walls in the local style, thanks to its secular trees the park offers a particularly pleasant shaded refuge during the summer heat.
