An island full of contrasts, Zante (in Greek Zakynthos) combines cosmopolitan life with its pristine beauty. The island of Zante will impress you to its shores and its rich historical and cultural tradition. It is a crossroad of peoples and cultures and home to famous and worthy men of letters and arts, like the Greek National poet, Dionysios Solomos and the famous poets and writers Andreas Kalvos, Grigorios Xenopoulos etc. Here, was also born and raised Nikolaos Ugo Foscolo, the National poet of Italy. Zante has a great environmental importance, as it is the island where the rare sea turtle caretta-caretta and the Mediterranean seals are finding the ideal environment for spawning.

Zakynthos Archaeological Sights and Castles

According to Plinius, the ancient name of Zante was Iria. Iria also called the wider area of Katastari in the early postwar years. Homer mentions Zante as Yliessa, i.e. forested, but it was named Zante by the first settler of the island, Zante, the son of the king of Frygia, Dardanos. Zante arrived on the island from the Arcadian town Psofida and settled around 1500 B.C. on the island, building a city and giving it its name.

The history of the island, similar to the other Ionian Islands, has its roots in antiquity. The earliest traces of life found on the island were discovered at Laganas and date from the Neolithic period. Samples of a glorious civilization, but, particularly because of the devastating earthquake of 1953, researchers are not allowed to draw more information on the past.

Zakynthos Churches and Monasteries

The largest church in Zante is Aghios Dionysios, dedicated to the protector and patron saint of the island is located on Zante town esplanade. The tall bell tower stands above the many buildings and is recognizable immediately when entering the port.

Zakynthos Museums and Historical Monuments

Corfu (Kerkyra) has a very rich history and cultural tradition and is famous for its big number of museums. Its museums include rare and novel exhibits and meticulous collections and, moreover, some of them are unique, especially in Greece.
You will find important museums at the historic centre of Corfu (Kerkyra) town, which, in 2007, was listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage Monuments and it is the most important sight in the island.

All the museums are situated in Corfu (Kerkyra) town or very close to it (10-15km). The richest collection, historically, is found at the Archaeological museum of Corfu (Kerkyra), where predominates the famous gable of Gorgo of the 6th century, the most ancient saved stone gable.

Zakynthos Settlements and Destinations

Most of the 44 villages of Zante are developed having maintained their traditional colours. Tourism has gradually developed and the sensitivity of the inhabitants about the environment has not left huge hotel blocks to smother the natural beauties.

 

Zakynthos Sightseeing Photos

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