Churches in Zakynthos
From the austere chapels to the glorious churches and imposing monasteries, Zakynthos has been a perfect example of ecclesiastical architecture with strong influences from the Venetian, French and British civilizations. However, the final form of the island's architecture was established after the devastating earthquake of 1953 where most of the buildings were rebuilt.
Today, one of the most famous religious sites of Zakynthos is the Church of Agios Dionysios. The church was built in 1708 and is dedicated to Saint Dionysius, the saint protector of the island. It owns the highest bell tower of the island that rises over the main port. Moving a little further from Chora, in the village of Kiliomeno you reach the small 17th-century monastery of Panagia Yperagathou dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The road is long, yet quite verdant with blooming meadows on both sides.
At the center of Maherado is the impressive church of Agia Mavra. There, amongst other worth-seeing icons, visitors will admire the icon dedicated to the saint. According to a local tradition, the icon dates back to the 3rd century and originates from Egypt, where the saint lived. In the village of Volimes, on top of a cape stands the monastery of Agios Georgios Gremon. While entering the monastery, you can see the monk cells, the tower in the middle and the church on the right side.
The Monastery of Panagia Anafonitria is a must-see visit for all tourists. This monastery lies in the middle of lush green forest and of unique interest is the half-ruined medieval bell tower that stands on the entrance. The monastery hosts a 15th-century icon of the Virgin and many wall frescoes. One of the last worth-seeing monasteries in Zakynthos is Agios Ioannis the Baptist located in the village of Katastari. It dates back to 16th century and offers an amazing panoramic view to the island of Kefalonia and the Peloponnesian coast.
Church of Agios Dionyssios
The church of Agios Dionysios, the patron saint of the island, is located close to the port. It has an impressive bell tower, the tallest in the town, and hosts the shrine of the saint.
Church of Agios Nikolaos Molos
The church of Agios Nikolaos Molos, located in Solomos Square, is the only building of Venetian style that survived the earthquake of 1953. It was later reconstructed keeping its original characteristics.
Monastery of Skopiotissa
The Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa is located on the slopes of a hill above Argassi. Although the monastery is half-ruined, it is worth visiting for the gorgeous view of the island.
Yperagathou Monastery
The Monastery of Yperagathou is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Located in the center of the island, the monastery can be reached through a track road.
Monastery of Anafonitria
The Monastery of Anafonitria is located on the northwest side of the island. Agios Dionysios, the patron saint of the island, spent his last days as a monk there.
Church of Agios Markos
The church of Agios Markos, located next to the Solomos Museum, is small in size and constitutes the only Catholic church on Zakynthos island.
Church of Agios Nikolaos
The church of Agios Nikolaos in Kiliomeno is a Venetian church with an impressive bell tower. Quite interesting is the fact that the church and the bell tower are separated by the street, looking like two different units.
Church of Panagia Keriotissa
This lovely church is located on the southern side of Keri village. It has a large bell tower and is surrounded by verdant vegetation.
Monastery of Spiliotissa
The Monastery of Panagia Spiliotissa is located on the northern side of the island. Constructed on the edge of a steep cliff, it is surrounded by lush greenery.
Monastery of Eleftherotria
The Monastery of Panagia Eleftherotria is located close to Maherado and the church of Agia Mavra. It looks more like a castle than a monastery. The location gives an amazing view of the countryside.
Church of Agia Mavra
The church of Agia Mavra in Maherado was built in the 14th century and it is among the most important churches in Zakynthos. It has an imposing Venetian bell tower next to the door. The church celebrates the memory of Agia Mavra on May 3rd.
Monastery of Agios Georgios Krimnon
The Monastery of Agios Georgios Krimnon is located atop a cliff with a gorgeous view of the sea. Its exact date of construction is not known, but in 1553 it was destroyed by pirates.
Metropolis of Zakynthos
The Metropolitan Church of Agios Nikolaos is a distinguished Orthodox church in Zakynthos Town that has a simple exterior design and a luxurious interior, boasting a beautiful dome and a gold templon.
Church of Agia Paraskevi
Agia Paraskevi is a picturesque Orthodox church in Volimes that showcases fantastic interior designs and a bell tower while also hosting festivities annually.
Temple of Saint Spyridon
Saint Spyridon is a temple with an impressive exterior design, boasting a beautiful blue color and a bell tower, though it still remains unfinished.
Church of Panagia Faneromeni
The impressive Church of Panagia Faneromeni is a single-aisle basilica with a wooden, triangular roof, lots of icons, a handful of wall frescoes, and a bell tower.
Monastery of Ioannis Prodromos
This post-Byzantine monastery is constructed in a lush scenery above Alykes. Its interior has many works of art and icons of great value.