southern part of the capital of Zakynthos, near the harbour.
The church is dedicated to Agios Dionysios, saint patron of the island, whose corpse was transferred from the monastery of Strofades to this church in 1717.
Saint Dionysius was born on Zakynthos in 1546 and was part of the Venetian ruling class but he refused all advantages his social position was offering him, lived with a great kindness and charity towards the less fortunate ones and was said to have miraculous skills.
The church was built in 1708 and combines two architectures: Byzantine style mixed with occidental.
The entrance of the church is full of fine Orthodox wall paintings and the interior is entirely gold-painted. The impressive icons decorating the interior of the church were made by the Greek hagiographers Koutouzis and Doxaras.
Many pilgrims are visiting the church every year and keep on honouring the saint.
Two celebrations are dedicated to the Protector Agios Dionysios: one on the 17th of December which is held in memory of the saint's death, and the other on the 24th of August commemorating the transportation of the Holy Body from the monastery to the church.
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The Monastery of Panagia Yperagathou dates from the 17th century and hosts rare Byzantine icons.
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during the 14th century and is considered one of the most important and famous churches of the Zakynthos Island.
It has an imposing Venetian belfry built in a way that every bell ring they can be heard throughout Zakynthos.
Built like a simple and common basilica, the church houses a remarkable collection of fine icons and frescoes painted by famous Greek artists.
Among those art pieces one can admire the icon of Agia Mavra which is said to be miraculous.
Innumerable offerings surround the icon and among them, the famous and valuable jewel of Queen Olga.
The feast of Agia Mavra is celebrated on the 3rd of May when the villagers and other pilgrims gather in the church to pray all night long.
| The
Monastery of Agios Georgios Gremon |
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This monastery stands, surrounded by huge pinetrees, north-west of Zakynthos, in the mountainous area of Volimes, near the village of Anafotiria.
Built during the 16th century, the Monastery of Agios Georgios Gremnon (Saint Georges of the Precipice) use to welcome many important ecclesiastical figures, such as Yerassimos Notaras (who became Saint Notaras), the saint patron of the island of Kefalonia. Only three monks are still living in this monastery today.
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A list with the names of the members has been placed close to the icon and contains the name of famous revolutionary Greek heroes such as Kolokotronis, Fotomaras and Nikitaras.
| The
Monastery of Anafonitria |
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This monastery is situated in the area of Plemonariou, near the village of the same name, north-west of Zakynthos.
Agios Dionysos, the saint patron of the island, spent its last years in this monastery where he also gave forgiveness to the murderer of his brother.
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| Monastery
of Saint John the Baptist |
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Located nearby the village of Katastari, this monastery was built during the 16th century and houses beautiful icons dating to the 17th century but also superb woodcarvings.
From the monastery one can admire a wonderful panoramic view of the island of Kefalonia and the Peloponnesian coast. |
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