Zakynthos is in itself a fine and graphical island that is a typical example of the Ionian Islands. The city of Zakynthos is the capital of the island. Built at the foot of the hill of Bohali. It is a modern city that was rebuilt, after the earthquake of 1953. When you visit it you will notice that it is the elegant city of the Ionian. You will see the imposing traditional buildings with the arches, the arched windows. Even the graphical squares maintain the traditional style of the old town. There is also the main port of the island that connects Zakynthos with the Peloponnese. Also daily there are boats that go around the island. This is how you will experience the Shipwreck, the Blue Caves, Marathonisi and many other beauties of Zakynthos.
Exploring the city’s historical monuments
Solomos Square, in the center of Lombardos Avenue (Strata Marina), surrounds the neoclassical buildings of the National Bank, the Post-Byzantine Museum, the Town Hall, the Municipal Library and hosts the statue of our national poet Dionysios Solomos. Opposite the Statue of Liberty and the Column of the Fallen(soldiers who died for Freedom) is one of the most graphical spots of the city, a point of cultural and social events.
On the way to the interior of the city and through a graphical pedestrian street we find cafes, bars, and restaurants with intense traffic the whole year. Arriving in the traditional paved square of Agios Markos we find the neoclassical building of the Mausoleum Solomos- Kalvos (poets) and Eminent Zakynthians as well as the Catholic Church of St. Mark and the traditional clock. The Catholic Church follows the traditional model, which gives a magnificent aspect and charm.
From this point begins the21st of May street connected to Alexandros Roma where the commercial center of the city with the traditional Venetian arches is located. It has a wide variety of shops for all the needs of the local population and visitors. In the center of the city, in the location < of Bridge is the Prefecture of > Zakynthos where it hosts many public services.
Photo Source: gozakynthos.gr
Churches and Museums
In the town of Zakynthos there are many impressive churches with the most important that of Agios Dionysios, protector of the island, where the sanctuary of the relic is kept. The towering bell tower and the plethora of artworks, images, and murals inside the church will really impress you. It is also worth admiring the Temple of Faneromeni with its mesonic bell tower that was restored as it was first built with their chipped stone. Still, traditional churches are those of the Lady of Angels and St. Nicholas of Molos where they were built just as they were before the earthquake of 1953.
In addition, in the city of Zakynthos it is worth visiting the Museum of Possession and National Resistance housed in the Spiritual Center, the Folklore Museum located in Leonidas Zoi, the home of G. Xenopoulos(writer) where he lived his childhood. This place has been shaped and has now become a museum.
The panoramic view of Bohali
Photo Source: ecozante.gr
At a distance of only one kilometer is Bohali. It is worth admiring the panoramic view offered by the area since the city of Zakynthos and the magnificent waters of the Ionian Sea are spread out in front of it. In the graphical settlement of Bohali with its cobbled streets, flowered courtyards, and shops with traditional serenades you will love them. It is necessary to visit the Venetian castle which is built there and the pine forest inside it. Even before you climb to Bohali you must pass by the hill of Strani on which our national poet (Solomos) inspired the national anthem.
External photography source: www.astrazantevillas.gr
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Frequently Asked Questions
Zakynthos city is known as the elegant capital of the Ionian Islands. It features imposing traditional buildings with characteristic arches and arched windows, beautiful squares that maintain traditional style, and a modern infrastructure rebuilt after the 1953 earthquake. The city serves as the main port connecting the island with the Peloponnese and offers access to natural attractions like the Shipwreck, Blue Caves, and Marathonisi.
The main historical monuments include Solomos Square with its neoclassical buildings housing the National Bank, Post-Byzantine Museum, Town Hall, and the statue of national poet Dionysios Solomos. Other important sites are the Mausoleum Solomos-Kalvos in Agios Markos Square, the Catholic Church of St. Mark with its traditional clock, and the commercial center with Venetian arches on 21st of May street.
Key churches include Agios Dionysios, the protector church with impressive bell tower and artwork, the Temple of Faneromeni with its restored bell tower, and the traditional churches of Lady of Angels and St. Nicholas of Molos. Museums worth visiting are the Museum of Possession and National Resistance, the Folklore Museum, and the G. Xenopoulos writer's house museum in Leonidas Zoi.
From Bohali, located just one kilometer from the city center, you can enjoy panoramic views of Zakynthos city and the magnificent Ionian Sea. The area features a charming settlement with cobbled streets, flowered courtyards, and traditional shops. You can visit the impressive Venetian castle and explore the pine forest within it. Nearby is the hill of Strani where the national poet Solomos was inspired to write the national anthem.
After the devastating 1953 earthquake, Zakynthos city was rebuilt as a modern city while maintaining its traditional character. The reconstruction preserved the elegant architectural style of the Ionian Islands, featuring traditional buildings with arches and arched windows. The city retained its beautiful squares with traditional layouts and continues to serve as the island's capital and main port, successfully blending modern infrastructure with historical charm.
