Wide arcades, churches with different historical connections, and collections ranging from books to icons shape the cultural offerings in the city of Zakynthos. The wider destination of Zakynthos adds its own nature and regional themes to this urban perspective. This allows you to choose between focusing on the city’s history and exploring the destination’s diverse themes.

Arcades and churches tell the city’s story

The wide arcades along the central streets of Rouga and Strata Marina are a surviving feature of the architecture of old Zakynthos, which was destroyed in 1953. They provide a tangible architectural connection to the city’s history. The churches also differ in their histories: the Church of Agios Nikolaos tou Molou was founded in 1561 by the seafarers’ guild. The church and bell tower were restored to their pre-earthquake appearance.

The Catholic Church of Agios Markos was founded in 1518 and retains its pre-earthquake exterior. Together, the two churches reflect different historical connections: the history of Agios Nikolaos tou Molou includes its founding by the seafarers’ guild and the restoration of the church and bell tower; at Agios Markos, its preserved exterior is a distinctive feature.

Libraries, museums and diverse collections

The Roma House Museum on the waterfront houses memorabilia from the 15th to the 20th century, directly connected with the modern history of Greece. It also has a library with more than 10,000 rare editions, manuscripts, maps and prints. The Public Library of Zakynthos has a different historical focus: it is located in the cultural centre on Solomos Square in the city centre and holds valuable books, newspapers and printed materials from before the earthquake.

On Agios Markos Square in the city centre, the Museum of Solomos and Eminent Zakynthians houses the tombs of Solomos and Kalvos, manuscripts by the national poet, and personal belongings of prominent Zakynthians, including Xenopoulos and Romas. Literary history and personal accounts of notable figures come together here.

The Museum of Zakynthos displays religious icons from the Cretan School, Cretan-Ionian icons and works of Ionian Naturalism dating from the 15th to the 19th century. These artworks complement the city’s written collections with a distinct art-historical focus.

Culture in the cityscape

Festivals, musical events and local celebrations take place at the port and in the city’s narrow streets. Public celebrations are therefore part of Zakynthos’s cultural character, alongside its buildings and collections. If an event is the main reason for your trip, check its specific date in advance.

Across the wider destination of Zakynthos

Zakynthos also offers distinctive landscape attractions. The Blue Caves are located in the Aspros Vrachos area at Cape Skinari. The Keri Lighthouse is known for panoramic sunset views of the Ionian Sea and the Myzithres rocks. At Lake Keri, the focus is on its protected status: it is a wetland protected under the Ramsar Convention, a Natura site and a nature reserve within the Zakynthos National Marine Park.

Local produce and connections are also part of the destination’s appeal. In Volimes, Zakynthian Ladotyri cheese is made in dairies and home workshops and sold as a local product. The port of Agios Nikolaos in Volimes is a seaport access point and connects Zakynthos with Kefalonia by ferry. If you plan to use this connection, check the current timetable.

Discover more destinations: Kipseli, Zakinthos, Anafonitria, Laganas, Sakynthos, Lithakia, Fiolitis, Ampelokipoi

To the main travel overview: Zakynthos.