 Zakynthos town
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The town of Zakynthos and capital of the island is right across the Peloponesean shores. It is the central port of the island, built in the same location as the ancient Psofida.
Zakynthos is a beautiful town keeping many elements of its old nobility, despite the catastrophic effects of the earthquake. The town was almost flattened by the 1953 earthquake, but people rebuilt it staying true to the traditional architecture. The influence of Venetians, which ruled the island from 1484 to 1797, is visible in the town’s construction. Buildings, squares, roads, all remind of old times. While staying in Zakynthos, you will enjoy walks around the town.
Walk along the sea front and fill your sight with sea pictures. Fish boats, ferries full of tourists, the town lying in front of you, all challenge you to meet her. Characteristics about Zakynthos are the many squares and statues of eminent Zakynthians, reminding visitors the island’s cultural inheritance. One of the best spots in the town is Strata Marina, the coastal road ideal for walking, as and Rouga with the arches and colonnades that characterize the Venetian architecture.
One of the buildings saved from the earthquakes is the metropolis dedicated to Saint Dionysios, the protector saint of the island. In the interior of this imposing church is kept the Saint’s relic.
It is worth visiting the town’s museums, which are hosting important findings. The Byzantine museum, Solomos’ museum and of eminent Zakynthians are a station in your tour around Zakynthos.
One of the town ornaments is the square of Saint Marcus. It used to be named Platiforos and during the 16th century was noblemen’ meeting point .In this square, in 1797, when French were at the island, plebeians burnt Libro d’oro, the noblemen book. Right on the square was built in 1518 the Catholic Church of Saint Marcus, from which the square was named.
Many of the town’s sites are in a close distance from the town center. Like the hill of Strani, 2km from the center of the capital. Here our National Poet Dionysios Solomos inspired the “Hymn to Freedom”, and the beautiful poem “Liberal Besiegers”.
One of the oldest districts of the town, with tourist development, is Bohali. It is built on the homonym hill and has a glorious view to the town. On the top of the hill you will see the remains of the Venetian castle, with the built-in Lion of Saint Marcus, the emblem of the Serene Venetian Democracy.
You will swim in Kryoneri, Agia Paraskevi and the beach of EOT. All beaches are organized and are a pole of attraction for the lovers of swimming and water sports.
You can take a touring boat and visit the famous Galazies Spilies (blue caves), as and the beach of Navagio (shipwreck), the most famous in the island.
Zakynthos is a good organized tourist town. Here you will find hotels and complexes of rooms to let, providing all comforts and for every “pocket”.
You can taste the Zakynthian cuisine in the restaurants and taverns all around the island. The island’s specialty is stifado with rabbit in red sauce, accompanied by the local red wine. As for your night entertainment, there are lots of clubs with live music. Zakynthos is a town for all tastes. In the island of serenade, music has a leading part. Enjoy with the traditional island music.
Don’t leave Zakynthos without tasting and buying for your friends mantolata and pastelia, the traditional Ionian sweets. Buy unique zakynthian fragiles: bougarini, fioroudena and grantouka.
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