The plateau of Agios Donatos

Summary: Agios Donatos is situated on a plateau of Egluvi. There is also an old church. The church is dedicated to Saint Donatus, the patron saint of the island. The plateau is surrounded by picturesque hills and mountains and is a popular place for hiking and sightseeing. The place is mainly traditionally used for the cultivation of the well-known lentil variety.
An annual Lentil Festival takes place here at the beginning of August. It is lentil festival a celebration of the village's rich agricultural heritage and the importance of lentils to the local economy. It is also a great opportunity to try out traditional Greek dishes made with lentils, such as "fakes" (lentil soup), "fakorizo" (lentil and rice pilaf), and "revithada" (slow-cooked chickpeas and lentils). Visitors can also take part in traditional dancing, music, and other cultural events that are held throughout the festival.

Besides the church, there are some round stone buildings and a tower near Agios Donatos. These buildings are part of the historical and cultural heritage of the region and are worth a visit for anyone interested in the history and architecture of the region.

History: The history of Agios Donatos dates back to the Byzantine era, when it was known as "Agios Donatos of Lefkada". The village was named after the patron saint of the island, Saint Donatos. During the Venetian occupation of the island, Agios Donatos became an important center of resistance against the Venetian rulers. The villagers were known for their bravery and their willingness to fight for their freedom.

In the 18th century, Agios Donatos became the centre of the Lefkadian Enlightenment, a cultural and intellectual movement that flourished on the island. The movement was inspired by the ideas of the European Enlightenment and aimed to promote education, science and culture on the island. The movement was led by the famous Lefkadian scholar, poet and philosopher Ioannis Zampelios, who was born nearby in 1787.

In the 17th century, the Church of Saint Donatos was built on the ruins of an older Byzantine church and is known for its impressive frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Saint Donatos. However, the church was often damaged by various earthquakes. In 1980, the Eglouviers renovated it from the ground up with their own money.

Another interesting feature of Aghios Donatos is the presence of several round stone buildings known as "coursarades". These buildings were constructed during the Venetian occupation of the island and served as fortified dwellings for the villagers.