Venetian Villa

Beside the old harbour in Gaios the villas are crammed tightly together. It is possible that the venetian style villa in the centre of this picture was once the residence of a British governr. Originally a Venetian posession the Ionian Islands were then briefly part of the British Empire.

The villa is still beautiful, despite being little more than a shell; with peeling stucco, broken windows and shutters hanging off their hinges. At the back a covered footbridge from the second floor leads across a tiny alleyway to a walled garden.

It is a mystery why no one has restored it to something like its former glory as a grand house or hotel. I am sure I am not the only person who has fantasised about being its rescuer.