The interest in antiquities in Greece began after the conclusion of the revolution that led to independence of the country in 1832. A brief history of the legislation to protect the country’s architectural heritage is traced up to the historic landmark law of 2002 that defined the concept of cultural heritage and the re-organization of government departments to achieve the law’s objectives. Beginning in the 1920s and parallel with the protection of antiquities a movement to preserve Greek vernacular architecture was undertaken that was recognized in the landmark law of 1978. The application of the laws of protection and preservation are examined in a case study of the Ionian Islands of Kefalonia and Ithaka. In conclusion the objectives of the 1931 Charter of Athens and the 1964 Charter of Venice on the preservation and protection of historic sites are analyzed.