Zakynthos history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Zakynthos is rooted in deep antiquity, where real facts are closely intertwined with Greek mythology. According to legends, the first settler and ruler of the island was Zakynthos, the son of the Trojan King Dardanus, who arrived here from Arcadia around 1500 BC. It is his name that the city and the island bear to this day.

In historical sources, Zakynthos is mentioned by the great Homer. In the "Iliad" and the "Odyssey," it is described as a wooded island that was part of the kingdom of Odysseus. Archaeological data confirms that settlements existed here as early as the Neolithic era, and during the Mycenaean period, the island was already an important center of civilization.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of Zakynthos into a prosperous polis (city-state) was driven by a unique combination of geographical and natural conditions:

• Strategic Location: Situated at the crossroads of the trade routes of the Ionian Sea, the city served as an important stopover for ships travelling between the Peloponnese and Italy.
• Natural Resources: The famous historian Herodotus mentioned unique sources of tar (bitumen) on the island, which were used for treating ships, thus attracting seafarers.
• Political Will: Zakynthos was one of the first in the region to establish a democratic form of governance, which contributed to stability and the growth of the citizens' prosperity.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of ancient Zakynthos was based not only on maritime trade but also on highly developed agriculture. Fertile soils allowed for the cultivation of olives and grapes, the fame of which spread far beyond the region.

A testament to its high level of development is the fact that as early as the 6th century BC, the city began to mint its own silver coin depicting the tripod of Apollo—the patron of the island. This speaks to the financial independence and significant weight of Zakynthos in the ancient Greek world. The cult of Apollo also defined the early cultural identity of the inhabitants, who have been renowned since antiquity for their love of music and the arts.

Major Historical Milestones

• 456 BC — Zakynthos enters a strategic alliance with Athens, strengthening its status as an important maritime power in the Ionian Sea.
• 146 BC — The island comes under the protectorate of the Roman Republic while retaining its laws, parliament, and the right to mint coins.
• 4th Century AD — Incorporation into the Byzantine Empire, accompanied by the active construction of Christian temples.
• 1185 — Capture of the island by the Normans and the formation of the County Palatine of Cephalonia and Zakynthos, marking the beginning of the era of Western influence.
• 1485 — Establishment of a long period of Venetian rule, which formed the unique cultural and architectural appearance of the city.
• 1797 — Arrival of French troops and the symbolic burning of the "Golden Book" of nobility (Libro d'Oro) in the main square.
• 1800 — Zakynthos becomes part of the Septinsular Republic—the first autonomous Greek state in modern times.
• 1815 — Establishment of the British protectorate, during which the island's road and urban infrastructure was actively developed.
• 1823 — Dionysios Solomos writes the famous "Hymn to Liberty" on Strani Hill, which later became the national anthem of Greece.
• May 21, 1864 — The historic reunification of the Ionian Islands, including Zakynthos, with the Kingdom of Greece.
• August 1953 — A devastating earthquake destroys most of the historical buildings, after which the city was effectively rebuilt from scratch.
• 1972 — Opening of the international airport, which gave a powerful impulse to the development of international tourism on the island.
• 1999 — Creation of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos to protect the unique ecosystem and nesting sites of the Caretta caretta turtles.

Architectural Flourishing under Venetian Aegis

The period of Venetian rule was decisive in shaping the unique character of Zakynthos, turning it into the "Florence of the East." During this time, the city acquired the features of a European polis, distinct from the settlements of mainland Greece which were under Ottoman rule.

• Urban Planning: A classic city structure was formed with spacious squares (such as Saint Mark's Square) and monumental loggia buildings.
• Defense Strengthening: Significant expansion and modernization of the fortress (Kastro) on Bohali Hill ensured the safety of trade routes and protection from pirates.

Cultural Revolution and the Ionian School

In the 18th–19th centuries, Zakynthos transformed into an intellectual center of the Greek world. Economic prosperity, based on the export of raisins and olive oil, allowed the nobility to invest in art and education.

• Painting and Music: The famous Ionian School of painting emerged, combining Byzantine traditions with the Italian Renaissance. The first opera theaters in the region opened in the city.
• Literature: The city became the cradle of modern Greek literature; Dionysios Solomos and Andreas Kalvos worked here, laying the foundations of the modern Greek language.

Infrastructural Leap of the British Period

During the British protectorate (1815–1864), the focus shifted to utilitarian development and modernization of the urban environment. This time was marked by the introduction of advanced engineering solutions.

• Road Network: The first high-quality road network was built, connecting the city with the rural areas of the island, which accelerated the transport of agricultural produce to the port.
• Public Utilities: Large-scale works were carried out to build aqueducts and improve the city's water supply system.

Rebirth from Ruins after 1953

The catastrophic earthquake and the subsequent fire destroyed more than 90% of the buildings. This event became the starting point of a new urban planning era for Zakynthos.

• Seismic Resistance: The city was rebuilt using the strictest anti-seismic standards, making it one of the safest in Greece.
• Preservation of Style: Despite the use of concrete, architects endeavored to recreate the external appearance of Venetian palazzos and churches, preserving the historical atmosphere for future generations.

Economic Reorientation towards Tourism

In the second half of the 20th century, the city underwent a radical change in its economic paradigm, transforming from an agrarian-trading center into an international resort.

• Transport Hub: The opening of the international airport in 1972 and the modernization of the seaport opened the island to mass tourism from Europe.
• Service Economy: Urban infrastructure was repurposed for the needs of guests: the Strata Marina promenade became a center for walking, and hundreds of hotels and restaurants opened, ensuring employment for the population.

Architectural Identity: Between Venice and Modernity

The architectural appearance of the city of Zakynthos is a unique example of large-scale historical reconstruction. Before the catastrophic earthquake of 1953, the city was called the "Florence of the East" for its exquisite buildings. Modern Zakynthos represents an attempt to preserve this spirit, combining the visual aesthetics of past centuries with strict requirements for seismic safety.

The urban structure is oriented towards the sea: the city descends like an amphitheater from Bohali Hill to the port, skirting the wide Strata Marina promenade. Streets here often feature arcades that protect pedestrians from the sun and rain, which is a direct legacy of Italian influence.

Eras and Styles

In the architecture of Zakynthos, Western and Eastern traditions have intertwined, forming a special "architectural dialect" of the Ionian Islands.

• Venetian Baroque and Renaissance (15th–18th centuries): The dominant historical style. It is characterized by elegant loggias, arched galleries, and detached bell towers (campaniles), reminiscent of the tower in St. Mark's Square in Venice. Residential houses were painted in warm tones of ochre and terracotta, a tradition preserved in modern construction.
• Neoclassicism (19th century): During the British protectorate, the city was enriched with strict public buildings featuring colonnades and triangular pediments. This style brought order and monumentality to the chaotic medieval layout, especially noticeable in the main squares.
• Postmodernism and Reconstruction (since 1953): After the destruction of the city, architects achieved a feat by recreating many buildings from old blueprints, but using reinforced concrete. This created an interesting phenomenon: the buildings look like ancient palazzos, but structurally they are examples of modernist engineering from the mid-20th century.

Landmark Buildings and Ensembles

The city's appearance is shaped by several key landmarks that serve as orientation points for tourists and preserve the island's history:

• Church of Saint Dionysios: The most important building in the city, which miraculously survived the 1953 earthquake. It is a striking example of Venetian influence with a tall white bell tower visible from any point in the port.
• Solomos Square: The heart of the city, framed by neoclassical buildings, including the Byzantine Museum and the Cultural Center. Spacious and solemn, it demonstrates the imperial scale of 19th-century urban planning.
• Saint Mark's Square: A more intimate space that historically served as a meeting place for the aristocracy. Here stood the building of the "Casino" (a club for the nobility), restored after the earthquake, symbolizing the social life of the Venetian era.
• Bohali District: Located on the heights beneath the walls of the old Venetian fortress, this district has preserved the atmosphere of the old city with narrow streets and low-rise buildings, offering a panoramic view of modern Zakynthos.

Famous Natives and Figures of Zakynthos

Zakynthos is rightfully called the "Island of Poets and Art." The high level of culture, formed at the intersection of Greek traditions and Western enlightenment, gave the world many outstanding personalities who left a deep mark on history and culture.

• Saint Dionysios (1547–1622) — Archbishop and Patron Saint of the Island.
  Born into an aristocratic family, he chose a spiritual path and became a symbol of Christian mercy. A widely known historical fact is when the saint forgave and sheltered the murderer of his own brother. His imperishable relics rest in the city's temple of the same name and are the main shrine of the island.
• Ugo Foscolo (1778–1827) — Poet and Philologist.
  An outstanding man of letters, born on Zakynthos to a Venetian father and a Greek mother. His work became a bridge between Greek and Italian cultures. The famous sonnet "To Zakynthos" (A Zacinto), written by him in exile, is considered a masterpiece of world literature, praising the beauty of his native island.
• Dionysios Solomos (1798–1857) — National Poet of Greece.
  A central figure of the "Ionian School" of literature. It was on Zakynthos, on Strani Hill, inspired by the sounds of the Greek Revolution, that he wrote the "Hymn to Liberty," the first stanzas of which became the national anthem of Greece. He is considered the father of the modern Greek literary language.
• Andreas Kalvos (1792–1869) — Poet and Playwright.
  A contemporary of Solomos and another great native of Zakynthos. His odes, combining strict classicism with the romantic pathos of freedom, played an important role in supporting the morale of the Greeks during the struggle for independence.
• Pavlos Carrer (1829–1896) — Composer.
  One of the leaders of the Ionian School of Music. He was the first Greek composer to create national operas and romances based on Greek subjects, which were successfully performed not only in Athens but also in theaters in Italy and France.
• Gregorios Xenopoulos (1867–1951) — Writer, Journalist, and Playwright.
  A prolific author whose novels (such as "The Red Rock") describe in detail the life and customs of Zakynthos society in the 19th century. He was also the founder of the influential literary journal "Nea Estia" and played a key role in popularizing prose in Greece.