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Zakynthos

Just Greece

Zakynthos, the most southernmost of the Ionian islands, owes its name to the son of Dardanos, the king of Troy, who according to myth built the first city here. It is also mentioned in the Iliad. all who came to this island fell under its spell. The Venetians baptized it 'the flower of the Orient'. Others gave it just as evocative names like "earthly paradise", and "Perfumed Isle", while Dionysios Solomos, the father of modern Greek poetry and a native son, wrote "Zakynthos could make one forget the Elysian Fields".

No 0ne who has been here can forget the emerald green of its sea, its pine-studded mountains, its musical people and their hospitality. The first thing to welcome you, as soon as you step off the ferryboat, isthe town of Zakynthos. Though it lost all but three of its buildings in the earthquake of 1953, the town has been meticulously reconstructed and its former layout has been faithfully preserved. Zakynthos today has pleasantly arcaded wide streets, spacious squares imposing buildings and cheerful houses. The Museum of Post-Byzantine Art on Solomos Square contains treasures salvaged from the island's historic churches.

Zakynthos shipwreck

Photo by Willem Punt.


Shipwreck Zakynthos.
Photo by D. Kop

On the waterfront, one should visit the churches of Agios Dionysios, the island's patron saint, with its tall campanile, and of Agios Nikolas tou Molou, a churchout of the italian Renaissance with, surprisingly, a 17th century Byzantine belfry. If you walk along the flagstoned coastal promenade, the so called Strata Marina between, thetwo churches, at dusk, you'll get the true flavour of the town. Sometimes it seems as ifthe whole population is out enjoying the ritual of the evening stroll. The street is lined with small cafes and shops selling folk art. Don't leave before tasting the famous Zakynthos "mandolato"or nougat; it's areal treat.

Zakinthos-city.
Photo of Jayway


The rocks of Skinari.

Photo by Ruud van Os

 The town is watched over by the Venetian fortress on the hill above. Only the gate, outer walls and battlements still stand. But from this vantage point a spectacular view can be had at the harbour, fertile inland plain and beaches as far as the eye can see. Nearby is another hill, the Lofos Strani where Dionysios Solomos  composed the famous, the father ot modern Greek poetry "Hymn to Liberty", which became the Greek National Anthem. Zakynthos is almost triangular in shape, with two green mountainous promontories extending into the sea to term the huge bay of Laganas.


Photo Zakynthos by Willem Punt



Zakynthos beach.
Photo by Elly Heij
 

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