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The Solomou Square in the evening
The greater Square of Zakynthos town surrounded by very important
buildings like the Byzantine Museum of Zakynthos, the church of
Saint Nikolaos on the Mole and the Cultural Center of Zakynthos.
Solomou Square, which is dominated by the statue of the Greek national
poet Dionysios Solomos, throngs with people on summer evenings,
when locals and visitors come here to take a stroll. |
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The Byzantine Museum of Zakynthos
The Byzantine Museum of Zakynthos is situated in Solomou Square,
in Zakynthos town. Here you can admire a rich collection of hagiographies
from the Byzantine times to the 19th century, Hellenistic and Byzantine
sculpture and statues, and some beautiful icon-stands from the island's
churches. The Museum houses, the works of great Zakynthian hagiographers
such as Doxaras, Koutouzis, Tzanes, Kandounis and Damaskinos. |
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The Cultural Center of Zakynthos and the Library
Another imposing building next to church of Saint Nikolaos on the
Mole, houses the Cultural Center of Zakynthos and the Public Library,
one of the best in Greece with over 50.000 books concentrated. The
Library includes a small art gallery, small dolls with local costumes,
photographic material and the historical archive of Zakynthos with
codices and documents. |
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The church of Saint Nikolaos on the
Mole
Saint Nikolaos it was built in 1561 and is the oldest building on
the square. It is the only Venetian building that survived. It is
a church of historical value and great importance because the patron
saint of the island Saint Dionysios served here. |
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The church of Saint Dionissios, the
patron - saint of the island
The church is situated in the southern end of the sea - front street
of Zakynthos town, called Srata Marina. It was built in 1708 and
it was reconditioned half a century later, in 1764. The church contains
noticeable paintings, created by hagiographers Koutouzis and Doxaras.
The saint's memory is celebrated on 24 of August. |
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The monastery of Anafonitria
35 km. north of Zakynthos town, in the village of Anafonitria, is
the famous monastery of Virgin Anafonitria. It was built in 14th century
in memory of Panaghia Vrefokratousa.
The patron saint of the island, Dionysios, was the abbot of this monastery
and the man who had murdered the saint's brother sought refuge in
the monastery. Saint Dionysios realized who he was, but gave him his
forgiveness and led him escape to Kephalonia.
Every devout visitor who comes here feels awe. |
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Saint George at Gremna
Saint George at Gremna, near to village of Anafonitria, was built
by the monk Varlam Beletis in 1540-1550.
The monk, Saint Gerasimos of Cephalonia lived here and the theologian
and historian Pachomios Rousanos wrote his work here. |
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The Castle of Zakynthos (Kastro)
The Castle is a Venetian structure at Bohali, 2 km. from Zakynthos
town, and is almost hidden among the pine trees. Over the central
of its three gates, we see the sculptured crest of Venice, St Markos'
Lion. This castle with its huge hewn stones, the embrasures, the towers
and cannons, is used to protect the old city of Zakynthos.
The view from here is really amazing! |
