Zakynthos Churches and Monasteries
Aghios Dionysios: It is the largest church in the Zante town, situated on the coastal road, and is dedicated to the patron saint and protector of the island. The tall bell tower stands above the many buildings and is recognizable immediately when entering the port. The night is illuminated by innumerable lamps, creating a magnificent spectacle. It was constructed in 1948 and withstood the 1953 earthquake. Inside, it is worth seeing the murals, chandeliers and colours.
Aghios Markos: Aghios Markos is a small church and the only Catholic church on the island. It is located next to the Museum of Solomos and Kalvos, which seems to be a single building, as they are built with the same style.
Aghia Mavra: The church of Aghia Mavra, located in the centre of Macherado, is distinguished by the Venetian melodic bell tower, the many murals and an image depicting Aghia Mavra. According to a legend, this icon dates from the 3rd century A.D. and comes from Egypt, the country where she lived and has martyred.
Aghios Nikolaos at Kambi: The church is a true legacy of the great history of the island.
Aghios Nikolaos at Molos (in the dock): It is located in Solomos Square and is the only building of Venetian style that survived the 1953 earthquake and rebuilt keeping its original characteristics. Initially, the church was built on an island, connected with a bridge to the mainland, but, then, this island was an integral part of the city. For centuries the church belonged to the cooperative of the Navy. Its construction dates from the 16th century and is the oldest building in Solomos Square. Inside it you will see the vestments of Saint Dionysius, patron saint of the island, who worked in this church for a period of his life.
Aghios Nikolaos Kiliomenos: It is a church with a magnificent belfry, which will impress you when you get to Kiliomeno village. The church and bell tower are separated by the street and they look, because of their external appearance, as if two different and separate units.
Monastery of Aghios Georgios Krimnon: It is located in the village Anafonitria, at Volimes region and it is built on a small cape where you can admire the sea. It includes invaluable heirlooms. The period of its construction is not known, but it was destroyed by pirates in 1553 and rebuilt in Venetian style. The tower with a circular base was built to protect the monastery from any attack.
Monastery of Aghios Ioannis Prodromos (Saint John Baptist): It is a post-Byzantine monastery on the mountains, in the north of Alykes. In the past, because of its location, the pilgrims used it as a resting place, although the works that are housed here are valuable.
Monastery of Panaghia Spiliotissa/of Spilia (Virgin Mary): The monastery of Panaghia of Spilia (which means “of the cave”) is located in the north of the island, in the small village of Orthonies. Built in the 16th century, on the edge of the cliff, it is surrounded by a beautiful green environment with rich vegetation. Its sinterior is not accessible.
Monastery of Theotokos Anafonitria: In this monastery, in a lush environment, is located the medieval tower of the 15th century that seems right at the entrance, although partially destroyed. Inside the church there is a miraculous image, of great value, of the Virgin of the 15th century, coming from Istanbul, and numerous paintings. In this monastery Aghios Dionysios came and lived a solitary life.
Panaghia Keriotissa: In the mountain village of Keri, on the south side of the island, there is a very large church surrounded by a park. You can easily find it because of the large belfry, after the bells are heard throughout the village.
Other temples worth visiting is Aghios Leon, church of unique architecture, near Maherado, Aghios Timotheos at Maherado with priceless heirlooms, the monastery of Panaghia Dermatousa at Tragaki, a remarkable architectural monument.
