Zakynthos

Zakynthos

Zante, also known as Zakynthos, is a lush island that is blessed with rich valleys and a moderate temperature. Its area is 406 square kilometers, and its shoreline is 123 kilometers. In the southern half of the island, there are sandy beaches in hidden coves where the seas are calm and deep blue. On the other hand, if you are interested in rough cliffs and a fascinating undersea world, you might try the western part of the island. Its diverse topography has resulted in different types of beaches.

The island of Zakynthos was referred to as “Fioro di Levante” (flower of the East) by the Venetians, who held it from 1484 to 1797. This was due to the fact that there are over 7,000 different varieties of flowers on the island. Following Corfu and Kefaloniá as the third biggest island in the Ionian Sea, the island that is commonly referred to as “Zante” is renowned globally. In addition to being credited with the construction of the ancient acropolis, Zakynthos is supposed to have been the first person to settle on the island. It was his father, Dardanos, who presided over the ancient kingdom of Frigia, and he was his son. After some time had passed, a Venetian fort was constructed on the site.

Although Zante has suffered damage as a result of the seismic activity that has occurred in the region, the Venetian architectural influence has clearly left its mark on the island. In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that occurred in 1953 and the subsequent fire that followed, a number of historical structures and churches were destroyed by fire. As a direct result of this, the priceless items that were protected within these structures were destroyed. The town was reconstructed in accordance with a design that adhered to stringent anti-seismic criteria and, to a considerable extent, respected the architectural structure that had been in place previous to the reconstruction.

The monachus monachus seal and the caretta aretta sea turtle are two of the endangered animal species that are protected on the island of Zante with the purpose of preserving their existence.

The city of Zakynthos serves as both the capital of the island and the port of the island because it is located on the island.

In the course of your tour of the city, you will visit:

– The Solomos Square, which is flanked by buildings that have arch-shaped windows and arcades, some of which are historic architectural elements of the island. In the middle, the bust of D. Solomos, the national poet of Greece, is the most prominent feature. at addition, the Public Library, which has 55,000 books, and the Post-Byzantine Museum of Zante, which displays artifacts like as sculptures adorned with gold, icons, and art woodcuts, can be found at this location.

Located in Solomos square, the Post-Byzantine Museum of Zante provides visitors with the opportunity to view priceless artifacts such as sculptures embellished with gold, icons, and art woodcuts.

The seaside road known as Strata Marina, also known as K. Lomvardou street, is one of the most popular parts of the city. It is lined with cafés, bars, and restaurants, and it extends from Solomos Square all the way up to the church of the patron saint Aghios Dionysios.

This is the plaza of Aghios Markos. In this location, in the year 1797, the revolutionary individuals, known as popularos, set fire to the Libro d’Oro and planted the tree of freedom. This plaza, which is paved, serves as the primary gathering place for both locals and tourists. In this location, you will discover the Museum of Solomos, Kalvos, and Eminent Zakynthians, which is also home to the bust of the Greek national poet, which was crafted by Georgios Broutos in the year 1902.

The name of this street is Alexandros Romas, and it begins from Aghios Markos Square and extends throughout practically the entirety of the town named Rouga. Over the course of several centuries, this street, which is lined with imposing arcades, has served as the primary commercial core of the city.

Psofis, the location of the former acropolis, is now occupied by the Venetian Castle, which is perched on a hill that overlooks the neighborhood.

At a distance of two kilometers from the town, the Stranis hill provides a breathtaking panorama. The poet Dionysios Solomos was the source of inspiration for the “Hymn to Liberty,” which would eventually become the national song of Greece, as well as the “Free Besieged” who were present during the siege of the city of Messolonghi.

In addition, you should go to the magnificent cathedrals of Zakynthos.

There is a church in Solomou Square called Aghios Nikolaos tou Molou that is of the Renaissance type and dates back to the 17th century. It has a belfry that dates back to the Byzantine period. In the year 1853, Aghios Dionysios called this place home.

Aghios Dionysios is located near the new pier of the harbor, and it is there that the relic of the patron saint of the island is housed in a silver larnax.

– Aghios Markos (1516): The bell tower of this Catholic church, which is located in Aghiou Markou Square, is a replica of the bell tower that is found at Saint Mark’s Basilica in Venice.

– Aghios Georgios: All of the soldiers that participated in the 1821 Revolution, including army leaders Kolokotronis, Nikitaras, and Fotomaras, took their vows on the icon that is maintained in this chapel.

In the vicinity of the castle is where you will find Panaghia Pikardiotissa.
It is well known that Zakynthos has a vibrant cultural life.

These are some of the most well-known cultural events:

“Carnival”: A traditional town crier travels throughout the island and announces the schedule of events that will take place during the Carnival celebrations. The parade of the Carnival King takes place on the final Sunday of the Carnival. At the conclusion of the celebrations is the “Mask Funeral.”

During the 24th of August and the 17th of December, there will be litany and artistic activities held in remembrance of Aghios Dionysios.

Holy Week in Zakynthos is characterized by its own unique personality, which is characterized by the presence of old rituals and a rite that is special in terms of the religious rites that are performed.

People who live on Zakynthos Island and those who come to visit the island agree that the celebration of Holy Week on the island is one of a kind and something that they will never forget. On Good Friday, around noon, large groups of worshipers get together to take part in the procession of the Crucified being carried through the town.

In line with the local historic custom, the epitaph procession begins in the early hours of Holy Saturday morning, beginning at the “Saint Nicolas” Cathedral Church. At the same time, the Bishop makes the announcement that the Resurrection has occurred at daybreak.

When the bell rings for the first time, the Bishop releases white doves into the air, and clay containers are thrown into the road from the bell tower. This is done in the same manner that all of the people who live on the island toss their belongings out of their windows.