Visit the Monastery of Anafonitria in Zakynthos
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The Greek island of Zakynthos is known for its breathtaking beauty. People flock here all over the world each year to enjoy all that the island has to offer. The island also has a history that should be explored. Visiting the Monastery of Anafonitria is a great way to begin this journey. Here’s more information:
About the Monastery of Anafonitria in Zakynthos
Located 25 km from Zakynthos Town, the Monastery of Anafonitria on the island of Zakynthos was established during the mid-15th century during the Venetian occupation. The monastery was built to honor Panagia Vrefokratoussa, which means “Virgin Holder of the Newborn,” but took its name from the icon of Our Virgin Anafonitria.
The icon was brought to the monastery, where it is housed, from Constantinople. It is said that in 1453, a commercial ship that got away from Constantinopolis was shipwrecked at the coast of Zakynthos. One night, shepherds noticed a light coming from the low part of the mountain. In the morning, they
During the 16th century, Agios Dionysios become a monk and lived the last years of his life at the Monastery of Anafonitria. In fact, Dionysios met his brother’s murderer at the monastery where he would forgive him and show him love. Agios Dionysios is the protector saint of the island.
The Monastery of Anafonitria is a complex of several buildings and a tower. The tower was originally built for protection and is now used as a belfry. The entrance of the Monastery of Anafonitria is arched and protected by a square-shaped tower. At the center of the complex of buildings is the main church. The main church of Monastery of Anafonitria is a three-aisled basilica. There are wonderful frescoes that date back five centuries. Today, the monastery doesn’t have any monks, but serves as a church for the area.
Visit the Monastery of Anafonitria
The Monastery of Anafonitria is located 25 km from Zakynthos Town, near Volimes. Volimes is a traditional village in the mountainous northwestern part of the island of Zakynthos. The monastery is situated in a beautiful pine forest, so it is a bit off the beaten track.
This place draws many visitors each year thanks to the icon that came from Constantinople and for the fact that the monastery is connected to the patron saint Dionysios. One of the ways you can visit the Monastery of Anafonitria is with a tour of the island. By taking this type of tour you will not only see many important and interesting sites of Zakynthos, including the monastery, with a knowledgeable tour guide.
You can get to the island of Zakynthos by ferry or plane. The ferry trip from Killini to Zakynthos takes about one hour. The airport of Zakynthos is located at the southern side of the island. Getting around the island can be done by car or taxi. There is a public transportation system as well, but if you are on a strict schedule, this might not be your most reliable option. The monastery of Anafonitria is located 25 km from Zakynthos Town, so getting there will not be difficult if that is your starting point.
Categorized in: About Zakynthos, Greece, Greek Travel Guide
This post was written by Greek Boston
