Mount Ainos is the largest mountain of the Ionian region and is located on the island of Kefalonia. Its highest peak, Megalos Soros, reaches 1,626 metres. The mountain is covered with the unique Kefalonian firs, Abies Cefalonica, which only grow in this territory.
Looking back in history, in 1824, High Commissioner Napier who was then responsible for the forest's preservation and for the construction of a road which would lead to Ainos was ordered to send specimens of the Abies Cefalonica trees to other parts of Europe to be transplanted.
During the 18th century, Ainos forest still covered an area of about 14 kilometres by 5 which slowly decreased through the years due to Venetians' needs for wood in winter and due to the forest fires which gradually destroyed a great part of it.
Mount Ainos was once named Monte Nero which derives from the Italian language and means ‘Black Mountain'. The Venetians had given it that name due to its forests' density. Throughout time, Ainos gained an international reputation as Kefalonia's black forest. As for the views, they are perhaps few of the most breathtaking that one can see on a clear day. From the very top there are views of all villages below as well as the islands of Zakynthos to the south, Ithaka to the east and Lefkada to the north.
Also, Mount Ainos is the home of a certain species of wild horses which have lived on the mountain for over a century. It is said that they have descended from the Greek breed, the Pindos horses, which were originally from the Aetoloakarnania region in the Greek mainland. Ainos horses are classed as Type B Mountain ponies, due to their temperament and features which indicate that they do not belong to a specific or an already well- known breed. They exist around the mountain slopes, in the area above Arginia village where the Monastery of Zoodohou Pigis is situated. The reason why these horses remain mainly in this area is due to existing water and vegetation resources. These wild creatures have been described as being ‘shy' because they tend to disappear quickly as soon as they sense human presence. Therefore one shall not expect to see them while visiting Ainos, although a few of the luckier visitors have even taken some photos!
In 1962, Ainos forest was declared a national park and is now protected by law.
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