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| Solomos and Kalvos Museum, Saint Mark's square |
Zakynthos island is not only famous for its wonderful beaches and unique landscape. It is also well-known for its culture, which is significantly influenced by the Venetian domination. In this guide you will find Zakynthos' top spots of historical interest. So, let's get started!
Saint Mark's Square (Zakynthos Τown)
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| Saint Markos Square, Zante Town |
A square full of life and significant history!
Saint Markos square used to be the center of the Zakynthian culture during the old times. During the Venetian domination there was a cafe (call casino those days) where the noblemen, the wealthy and generally the eminent people of Zakynthos used to gather and spend their leisure time there. Also in Saint Mark's square events of historic significance took place. In 1797 the '' Popolari'' (the poor were called like that) revolted and burnt the famous " Libro D' oro"(book of the nobles).
Popolari planted in the center of the square the '' tree of freedom'' symbolizing this way their liberation from the Venetian while were welcoming the French Republican.
The ''Masoleum of Kalvos and Solomos" is another building of historical importance also located in Saint Mark's square. The ''casino'' used to be at this spot but it collapsed in 1953 during the disastrous earthquake. The temple of Saint Markos is situated here too. It used to be a building with rich decoration but after the earthquake only few exhibits are still saved.
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| The Temple of Saint Markos (on the left side of the picture) |
Nowadays the square is full of life, ideal for an evening walk especially in summer time. There are a lot of shops with clothes, shoes or gifts-souvenirs and also plenty of taverns, modern cafe-bars and restaurants.
The History of Zakynthos through pieces of art and personal items
This folklore museum will take you back to Zakynthos of the 17th century. On the ground floor there are the tombs of Solomos and Kalvos. On the first floor there is a statue of Solomos, personal items of the two poets, flags of the rich Zakynthian families, manuscripts, musical instruments, traditional costumes, furniture and items of Paul Karrer ( opera composer), Andreas Kalvos (poet), Ugo Foskolo (poet), Alexandros Romas (politician), Nikolaos Kolivas (politician). It is worthwhile saying that there is a sign of Braille for people with sight problems. Yet, you can learn the history of the museum through the DVD installed at the computer of the museum.
The story of a great author through his manuscripts, personal items and photographs
The museum '' Grigorios Xenopoulos'' is located in Gaita Street. It is the house where Xenopoulos lived and grew up. He was one of the greatest Greek authors in the whole country. Also Xenopoulos is considered to be the founder of the ''neoeliniko'' (modern days) theater. At the museum there is a exhibition of his personal items, houseware, manuscripts of the writer and issues of the legendary magazine " Diaplasis ton Neon''.
Yet books, photographs, furniture of his family and especially of his daughter are on display.
The hill where the National Anthem was written by Dionysios Solomos
Dionysos Solomos inspired and wrote the lyrics of the National Anthem and the poem '' Eleftheri Poliorkimeni'' (free besieged) at this Hill. He wrote these great poems as he was sitting under a tree. Nowadays part of the tree's trunk is exhibited at the entrance of Solomos Museum, while at the position of the tree now there is a marble monument with the sign '' Solomos Anthem to the Liberty, May 1823 ".
Stranis Hill is full of green olive trees with a fantastic view to Tsilivi. There are lots of benches where you can sit and rest while at the small theater located there, music events and theatrical performances take place.
One of the most important monasteries of Zakynthos Island with a breathtaking view to Navagio!
The monastery of Saint George is built at the edge of a stiff cliff, that is why it was named like that, "gremnon" = cliff. It was constructed in 16th century and was one of the most important monasteries of Zakynthos. There, the historic monk Pahomios Rousianos and Saint Gerasimos the protector saint of Kefalonia spent part of their lives.
A special feature of the monastery is the tower that was built to protect the church from the pirates. A bit further there is also an iron platform from where you have a panoramic view of Navagio.
The monastery used to have a lot of valuable items but most of them were taken and now are exhibited in Italian museum and Libraries. The building was damaged during the earthquake in 1953 but in the last fifteen years it has been rehabilitated.
A temple in a breathtaking scenery
The monastery of Panagia Anafonitria was founded in the 15th century. As it was a church with power, the Venetian donated it to Saint Dennis (the protector saint of Zakynthos). The Saint's brother was murdered and it is said that the saint himself helped the murderer to escape showing a great mercy.
The monastery is also known because the painting of Madonna was found in the monastery in a mysterious way right after the fall of Constantinople.
Nowadays the monastery is the church of the village and is visited by many tourists. Over the years the buildings were damaged but there was a renovation in the 17th century. Some of the frescoes can still be seen. The restoration work continues up to now.
Solomos and Kalvos Museum (Saint Mark's square)
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| Solomos Square and the "Solomos and Kalvos Museum" |
The History of Zakynthos through pieces of art and personal items
This folklore museum will take you back to Zakynthos of the 17th century. On the ground floor there are the tombs of Solomos and Kalvos. On the first floor there is a statue of Solomos, personal items of the two poets, flags of the rich Zakynthian families, manuscripts, musical instruments, traditional costumes, furniture and items of Paul Karrer ( opera composer), Andreas Kalvos (poet), Ugo Foskolo (poet), Alexandros Romas (politician), Nikolaos Kolivas (politician). It is worthwhile saying that there is a sign of Braille for people with sight problems. Yet, you can learn the history of the museum through the DVD installed at the computer of the museum.
'' Museum - House '' of Grigorios Xenopoulos (Faneromeni district)
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| Museum-House of Grigorios Xenopoulos |
The museum '' Grigorios Xenopoulos'' is located in Gaita Street. It is the house where Xenopoulos lived and grew up. He was one of the greatest Greek authors in the whole country. Also Xenopoulos is considered to be the founder of the ''neoeliniko'' (modern days) theater. At the museum there is a exhibition of his personal items, houseware, manuscripts of the writer and issues of the legendary magazine " Diaplasis ton Neon''.
Yet books, photographs, furniture of his family and especially of his daughter are on display.
Stranis Hill (close to Bohali Hill)
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| Stranis Hill (close to Bohali Hill) |
Dionysos Solomos inspired and wrote the lyrics of the National Anthem and the poem '' Eleftheri Poliorkimeni'' (free besieged) at this Hill. He wrote these great poems as he was sitting under a tree. Nowadays part of the tree's trunk is exhibited at the entrance of Solomos Museum, while at the position of the tree now there is a marble monument with the sign '' Solomos Anthem to the Liberty, May 1823 ".
Stranis Hill is full of green olive trees with a fantastic view to Tsilivi. There are lots of benches where you can sit and rest while at the small theater located there, music events and theatrical performances take place.
"Ai Giorgis ton Gremnon" Saint George Monastery (close to Volimes)
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| Ai Giorgis ton Gremnon, Volimes, Zakynthos, Source www.zakynthos.gov.gr |
One of the most important monasteries of Zakynthos Island with a breathtaking view to Navagio!
The monastery of Saint George is built at the edge of a stiff cliff, that is why it was named like that, "gremnon" = cliff. It was constructed in 16th century and was one of the most important monasteries of Zakynthos. There, the historic monk Pahomios Rousianos and Saint Gerasimos the protector saint of Kefalonia spent part of their lives.
A special feature of the monastery is the tower that was built to protect the church from the pirates. A bit further there is also an iron platform from where you have a panoramic view of Navagio.
The monastery used to have a lot of valuable items but most of them were taken and now are exhibited in Italian museum and Libraries. The building was damaged during the earthquake in 1953 but in the last fifteen years it has been rehabilitated.
Monastery Panagia Anafonitria (Plemonari district, north-western Zakynthos)
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| Monastery of Panagia Anafonitria, Plemonari district , Source www.zakynthos.gov.gr |
A temple in a breathtaking scenery
The monastery of Panagia Anafonitria was founded in the 15th century. As it was a church with power, the Venetian donated it to Saint Dennis (the protector saint of Zakynthos). The Saint's brother was murdered and it is said that the saint himself helped the murderer to escape showing a great mercy.
The monastery is also known because the painting of Madonna was found in the monastery in a mysterious way right after the fall of Constantinople.
Nowadays the monastery is the church of the village and is visited by many tourists. Over the years the buildings were damaged but there was a renovation in the 17th century. Some of the frescoes can still be seen. The restoration work continues up to now.
Askos park (Volimes)
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| Askos park (Volimes), Source http://mapio.net |
This is a park with stony buildings, 200.000 plants and 45 different species
The stony park of Askos is located in a green area of 500 acres. There are 45 different species of animals and birds and plenty of plants. The stables and the cisterns that were build centuries ago, are made of stone. During the tour you will see goats, turtles, deer, raccoons, lamas, wild hawks and other species.
The tour is given by the experienced staff, while there is also a guide book translated in 25 different languages.
Photographs and video are allowed to take. Furthermore bottled water is offered to the guests by the staff. If you are interested you can also watch or participate in agricultural work like collecting olives.
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| Animals' feeding in the Askos Park, Source www.greece.com |
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