Zakynthos

Historical landmarks in Zakynthos

Zakynthos’ historical landscape is defined by its Venetian fortifications, Mycenaean burial sites, and the remnants of rural life before the 1953 earthquake. This selection features the 17th-century Venetian Castle in Bochali, ancient Tholos tombs, and the unique 15th-century Andronios Wells. The list also includes the atmospheric ruins of the St. Andreas and St. Nicholas monasteries, alongside the surviving stone bell tower of Lagadakia village.

Castle of Zakynthos

Venetian fortress built on the site of an ancient acropolis. The current structure dates to 1646 and features stone gates adorned with the Lion of Saint Mark, the symbol of the Venetian Republic.

Tholos Tomb

A Mycenaean-era beehive burial site dating back to the Late Bronze Age. These structures represent early Greek funerary architecture and are carved into the limestone landscape.

Andronios Wells

A collection of hundreds of stone-built wells dating from the 15th century. These limestone structures were historically used for water storage and irrigation in the island’s arid mountainous regions.

Ag. Andreas monastery

Ruins of a 16th-century monastic complex. The site preserves traditional stone masonry characteristic of pre-earthquake Ionian religious architecture.

Old Village Lagadakia / St. Johns Bell Tower

Remains of a traditional settlement largely destroyed in the 1953 earthquake. The site is notable for its surviving stone bell tower and the skeletal remains of pre-modern dwellings.

Ag. Nikolaos monastery

A 16th-century monastery ruin featuring a fortified stone tower and remnants of a Byzantine-style church, reflecting the defensive architecture used against pirate raids.