History and sights of Zakynthos

Zakynthos is the largest town on the island of Zakynthos and is currently home to approximately 10,000 inhabitants. The capital is known by the abbreviated name of Zante and is also called Chora (meaning "town") by locals to better distinguish the town and the island of the same name.

Zakynthos has also earned the nickname "Venice of the South" in the past because it was built according to Venetian architecture. Venetian mansions were interspersed with town houses, and the town had many beautiful gardens, stone churches and small squares. Unfortunately, in 1953 a very strong earthquake hit Zakynthos, completely destroying the capital and causing damage all over the island. In addition, the earthquake was followed by extensive fires. In the capital Zante, only three important buildings remain standing - the Church of St. Dionysius, the National Bank building and the Church of St. Nicholas. Thus, in the 1950s, the new construction of Zakynthos began.

Today, the capital of Zakynthos is primarily a bustling and modern tourist centre, but still retains the glamour of the past. Walking through Chora, one can admire important historical and religious monuments, arcaded streets, churches with imposing bell towers, picturesque squares and alleys with cafes, restaurants and shops.

The dominant feature of the town is the Church of Saint Dionysus, which was founded by monks in the early 18th century to safely and reverently enshrine the remains of Saint Dionysus, the patron saint of Zakynthos. The current appearance of the church dates from the mid-20th century, with construction work completed in 1948, just a few years before the great earthquake. The fact that the cathedral survived the devastating earthquake of 1953 is considered by the locals to be a miracle and a blessing from St. Dionysus. The large, three-aisled basilica stands on the quay near the wharf and includes the church's tall, white bell tower, which was built in the style of the bell tower of St Mark's Basilica in Venice.

The pretty harbour promenade, Strada Marina, leads to the main square of Solomos. Dionysios Solomos was a Greek writer, poet and author of the lyrics of the Greek national anthem and his monument stands in the square. There are also two important buildings here - the Byzantine Museum of Zakynthos and the Church of St Nicholas. The Byzantine Museum forms an architecturally very interesting central element of Solomos Square and presents a collection of magnificent historical works and objects from different historical periods of Zakynthos on two large floors.

The Church of St. Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos of Molos) is another building that withstood the great earthquake of 1953. The single-nave, stone basilica was built in 1561 and is the oldest Venetian building in Zante. It was renovated in the second half of the 20th century and the ornate interior of the church is worth seeing. Interestingly, the church of St Nicholas originally stood on a small island and was connected to the town by a bridge. However, after the earthquake, there was also a lot of construction debris from destroyed buildings, furniture and other things to deal with. In some parts of the town the ground was raised, in other parts (as in the case of the islet with the church of St. Nicholas) the area of the town increased towards the sea.

St Mark's Square (Platia Agiou Markou), dating from the Venetian period, is also a well-known square. In the square stands the Museum of Dionysios Solomos and other important figures of Zakynthos, which exhibits portraits of these important Zakynthos figures, their life stories, as well as manuscripts and personal objects of Dionysios Solomos.

Zakynthos Town as a modern tourist centre

The main street of Zakynthos is Alexander Roma Street, which leads from the harbour area to the central part of the town, to the largest square, Dionysios Solomos Square, and to the smaller St. Mark's Square. While the streets and squares are empty during the day, as most tourists and locals seek shade under the loggias of individual houses and shops (a Venetian element), the town centre comes alive in the evening. Tables and chairs and souvenir stalls line the square and the streets fill with lights, music and people. Zante has a large number of restaurants, tavernas and bars, such as rooftop restaurants, and of course shops selling a variety of goods. For evening strolls and entertainment we recommend especially Square D. Soloma, St. Mark's Square and the coastal promenade. Nightlife is provided by nightclubs and discos, of which there are quite a few.

Tourists can stay in hotels, both smaller and more modest ones, as well as in larger and more luxurious hotel buildings. If one prefers private apartments or smaller villas for rent, these can be found in nearby resorts such as Bochali or Akrotiri.

The main town of Zakynthos is a bustling harbour resort, but not a typical beach destination. The beach at Zante is rather pebbly and stretches for about 2 km from Solomos Square northwards to the outcrop of Krioneri / Akrotiri and is mainly frequented by local Greeks at weekends. The beach isn't the prettiest, but it is lined with plenty of restaurants and bars overlooking the sea, and there are also facilities such as a tennis court and a children's playground. The water in this area is clear and clean.

There is a taxi service in the main town and a tourist train, which is especially loved by children. The train travels through the city through the most famous streets, squares and historical monuments.

From the port of Zakynthos, larger and smaller boats set sail for cruises around the island, with the most popular destinations being Navagio Bay, the so-called Blue Caves and the island of Marathonisi. A bus service connects to all the important tourist resorts of the island - Argassi, Kalamaki, Limni Keri, Tsilivi, Laganas, Vassilikos, Alykes and others. It is also possible to rent a car or motorbike and drive around the island of Zakynthos from all sides.

More touristic destinations of Zakynthos

Close resorts: Akrotiri, Argassi, Bochali, Kalamaki, Tsilivi

Most favourite resorts of Zakynthos: Agios Nikolaos, Agios Sostis, Alykes, Argassi, Kalamaki, Laganas, Limni Keri, Zakynthos Town (Chora), Tsilivi, Vassilikos

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Zakynthos.