Listed 52 sub titles with search on: Information about the place for wider area of: "ZAKYNTHOS Island IONIAN ISLANDS" .
ZAKYNTHOS (Island) IONIAN ISLANDS
STROFADES (Island complex) ZAKYNTHOS
Strophades (Strophades: Eth. Strophadeus: Strofadia and Strivali),
formerly called Plotae (Plotai), two small islands in the Ionian sea, about 35
miles S. of Zacynthus, and 400 stadia distant from Cyparissia in Messenia, to
which city they belonged. The sons of Boreas pursued the Harpies to these islands,
which were called the Turning islands, because the Boreadae here returned from
the pursuit. (Strab. viii. p. 359; Ptol. iii. 16. § 23; Steph. B. s. v.; Plin.
iv. 12. s. 19; Mela, ii. 7; Apoll. Rhod. ii. 296; Apollod. i. 9. § 21; Virg. Aen.
iii. 210; It. Ant. p. 523.)
This text is from: Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography (1854) (ed. William Smith, LLD). Cited September 2004 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains interesting hyperlinks
ZAKYNTHOS (Island) IONIAN ISLANDS
Zacynthus (Zakunthos: Eth. Zakunthios: Zante), an island in the Sicilian
sea, lying off the western coast of Peloponnesus, opposite the promontory Chelonatas
in Elis, and to the S. of the island of Cephallenia, from which it was distant
25 miles, according to Pliny, (iv. 12. s. 19) but according to Strabo, only 60
stadia (x. p. 458). The latter is very nearly correct, the real distance being
8 English miles. Its circumference is stated by Pliny at 36 M. P., by Strabo at
160 stadia; but the island is at least 50 miles round, its greatest length being
23 English miles. The island is said to have been originally called Hyrie (Plin.
l. c.), and to have been colonized by Zacynthus, the son of Dardanus, from Psophis
in Arcadia, whence the acropolis of the city of Zacynthus was named Psophis. (Paus.
viii. 24. § 3; Steph. B. s. v.) We have the express statement of Thucydides that
the Zacynthians were a colony of Achaeans from Peloponnesus (ii. 66). In Homer,
who gives the island the epithet of woody (huleeis and huleessa), Zacynthus forms
part of the dominions of Ulysses. (Il. ii. 634, Od. i. 246, ix. 24, xvi. 123,
250; Strab. x. p. 457.) It appears to have attained considerable importance at
an early period; for according to a very ancient tradition Saguntum in Spain was
founded by the Zacynthians, in conjunction with the Rutuli of Ardea. (Liv. xxi.
7; Plin. xvi. 40. s. 79; Strab. iii. p. 159.) Bocchus stated that Saguntum was
founded by the Zacynthians 200 years before the Trojan War (ap. Plin. l. c.) In
consequence probably of their Achaean origin, the Zacynthians were hostile to
the Lacedaemonians, and hence we find that fugitives from Sparta fled for refuge
to this island. (Herod. vi. 70, ix. 37.) In the Peloponnesian War the Zacynthians
sided with Athens (Thuc. ii. 7, 9); and in B.C. 430 the Lacedaemonians made an
unsuccessful attack upon their city. (Ib. 66.) The Athenians in their expedition
against Pylus found Zacynthus a convenient station for their fleet. (Id. iv. 8,
13.) The Zacynthians are enumerated among the autonomous allies of Athens in the
Sicilian expedition. (Id. vii. 57.) After the Peloponnesian War, Zacynthus seems
to have passed under the supremacy of Sparta; for in B.C. 374, Timotheus, the
Athenian commander, on his return from Corcyra, landed some Zacynthian exiles
on the island, and assisted them in establishing a fortified post. These must
have belonged to the anti-Spartan party; for the Zacynthian government applied
for help to the Spartans, who sent a fleet of 25 sail to Zacynthus. (Xen. Hell.
vi. 2. 3; Diodor. xv. 45, seq.; as to the statements of Diodorus, see Grote, Hist.
of Greece, vol. x. p. 192.) The Zacynthians assisted Dion in his expedition to
Syracuse with the view of expelling the tyrant Dionysius, B.C. 357. (Diod. xvi.
6, seq.; Plut. Dion, 22, seq.) At the time of the Roman wars in Greece we find
Zacynthus in the possession of Philip of Macedon. (Polyb. v. 102.) In B.C. 211
the Roman praetor M. Valerius Laevinus, took the city of Zacynthus, with the exception
of the citadel. (Liv. xxvi. 24.) It was afterwards restored to Philip, by whom
it was finally surrendered to the Romans in B.C. 191. (Id. xxxvi. 32.) In the
Mithridatic War it was attacked by Archelaus, the general of Mithridates, but
he was repulsed. (Appian, Mithr. 45.) Zacynthus subsequently shared the fate of
the other Ionian islands, and is now subject to Great Britain.
The chief town of the island, also named Zacynthus (Liv. xxvi. 14;
Strab. x. p. 458; Ptol. iii. 14. § 13), was situated upon the eastern shore. Its
site is occupied by the modern capital, Zante, but nothing remains of the ancient
city, except a few columns and inscriptions. The situation of the town upon the
margin of a semi-circular bay is very picturesque. The citadel probably occupied
the site of the modern castle. The beautiful situation of the city and the fertility
of the island have been celebrated in all ages (kala polis ha Zakunthos, Theocr.
Id. iv. 32; Strab., Plin., ll. cc.). It no longer deserves the epithet of woody,
given to it by Homer (l. c.) and Virgil ( nemorosa Zacynthos, Aen. iii. 270);
but its beautiful olive-gardens, vineyards, and gardens, justify the Italian proverb,
which calls Zante the flower of the Levant.
The most remarkable natural phenomenon in Zante is the celebrated
pitch-wells, which are accurately described by Herodotus (iv. 195), and are mentioned
by Pliny (xxxv. 15. s. 51). They are situated about 12 miles from the city, in
a small marshy valley near the shore of the Bay of Chieri, on the SW. coast. A
recent observer has given the following account of them: There are two springs,
the principal surrounded by a low wall; here the pitch is seen bubbling up under
the clear water, which is about a foot deep over the pitch itself, with which
it comes out of the earth. The pitch-bubbles rise with the appearance of an India-rubber
bottle until the air within bursts, and the pitch falls back and runs off. It
produces about three barrels a day, and can be used when mixed with pine-pitch,
though in a pure state it is comparatively of no value. The other spring is in
an adjoining vineyard; but the pitch does not bubble up, and is in fact only discernible
by the ground having a burnt appearance, and by the feet adhering to the surface
as one walks over it. The demand for the pitch of Zante is now very small, vegetable
pitch being preferable. (Bowen, in Murray's Handbook for Greece, p. 93.) The existence
of these pitch-wells, as well as of numerous hot springs, is a proof of the volcanic
agency at work in the island; to which it may be added that earthquakes are frequent.
Pliny mentions Mt. Elatus in Zacynthus ( Mons Elatus ibi nobilis, Plin. l. c.),
probably Mt. Skopo, which raises its curiously jagged summit to the height of
1300 feet above the eastern extremity of the bay of Zante. (Dodwell, Tour through
Greece, vol. i. p. 83, seq.)
This text is from: Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography (1854) (ed. William Smith, LLD). Cited September 2004 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains interesting hyperlinks
ZAKYNTHOS (Ancient city) ZAKYNTHOS
The chief town of the island, also named Zacynthus (Liv. xxvi. 14;
Strab. x. p. 458; Ptol. iii. 14. § 13), was situated upon the eastern shore. Its
site is occupied by the modern capital, Zante, but nothing remains of the ancient
city, except a few columns and inscriptions. The situation of the town upon the
margin of a semi-circular bay is very picturesque. The citadel probably occupied
the site of the modern castle. The beautiful situation of the city and the fertility
of the island have been celebrated in all ages (kala polis ha Zakunthos, Theocr.
Id. iv. 32; Strab., Plin., ll. cc.). It no longer deserves the epithet of woody,
given to it by Homer and Virgil (nemorosa Zacynthos, Aen. iii. 270); but its beautiful
olive-gardens, vineyards, and gardens, justify the Italian proverb, which calls
Zante the flower of the Levant.
This extract is from: Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography (1854) (ed. William Smith, LLD). Cited June 2004 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains interesting hyperlinks
STROFADES (Island complex) ZAKYNTHOS
Insulae, formerly called Plotae. Now Strofadia and Strivali.
Two islands in the Ionian Sea, off the coast of Messenia and south of Zacynthus.
The Harpies were pursued to these islands by the sons of Boreas; and it was from
the circumstance of the latter returning from these islands after the pursuit
that mythology derived the name (strepho, "to turn").
This text is cited Oct 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains interesting hyperlinks
ZAKYNTHOS (Island) IONIAN ISLANDS
Now Zante; an island in the Ionian Sea, off the coast of Elis,
about forty miles in circumference. It contained a large and flourishing town
of the same name upon the eastern coast, the citadel of which was called Psophis.
Zacynthus was inhabited by a Greek population at an early period. It is said to
have derived its name from Zacynthus, a son of Dardanus, who colonized the island
from Psophis in Arcadia. It was afterwards colonized by Achaeans from Peloponnesus.
It formed part of the maritime empire of Athens, and continued faithful to the
Athenians during the Peloponnesian War. At a later time it was subject to the
Macedonian monarchs, and on the conquest of Macedonia by the Romans passed into
the hands of the latter. It was said to have colonized the Spanish city of Saguntum.
This text is cited Oct 2002 from The Perseus Project URL below, which contains interesting hyperlinks
AGIOS KIRYKOS (Village) ZAKYNTHOS
The village of Agios Kirikas or Aggerikos is located almost in the middle of the verdant plain of the island, among vineyards and olive trees. The village was famous in the past (before the devastating earthquake of 1953) for its churches, with magnificent architecture and the finely-decorated interior, and its mansions. Here was and the mansion of our national poet Dionysios Solomos.
ALYKES (Settlement) ZAKYNTHOS
The village took its name from the salt-marshes that are to be found behind the beach. Today it is a popular holiday ressort, with a marina and a wealth of choices for those who love marine sports.
ARGASSI (Village) ZAKYNTHOS
In the southeastern part of Zakynthos, Argasi is a lush green valley that opens out onto the sea, onto another lovely beach, while Vassilikos, with houses scattered over a large area, nestling among greenery and with abundant water, farmlands and orchards, as well as pretty beaches, constitutes yet another of the island's attractions.
ARKADES (Municipality) ZAKYNTHOS
KALIPADO (Village) ZAKYNTHOS
The village of Kalipado extends towards the southern foothills of Agios Petros, where according to the tradition, there is on a rock the footprint of the St Petros. Remarkable traditional buildings, churches, mansions etc. are spread all over the green plain of the village. Every September the local festival of Spiloula gathers lots of locals and tourists.
KERI (Village) ZAKYNTHOS
At the southernmost point on the island, Lake Keri is an inlet on which one can find picturesque little tavernas; caiques are available to transport romantic souls in less than an hour and a half to the caves, rocks and bays around Cape Marathia.
KYPSELI (Village) ZAKYNTHOS
With the sandy beaches of the village of Kipseli our tour to the east side of the Municipality of Arkadion is complete. The beaches of Pachi Ammos, Drosia and Agios Konstandinos attracts many tourists from all over Europe. The village of Kipseli (also known as Belousi) is famous for the sweet water-onion that grows only in this area. Here is located the the bottling factory of the water "LEVANTE", as the village is also renown for its water springs
LAGANAS (Port) ZAKYNTHOS
Laganas, which is in the southeastern part of the island, is the busiest beach on Zakynthos, and one of the most beautiful bays on the island. The beach, 9 km long, is regarded as one of the longest in Greece and is suitable for most sea sports.
LITHAKIA (Village) ZAKYNTHOS
Lithakia is one of the island's leading villages. Its fertile soil puts it among
the richest villages in the area. Today many of its inhabitants work in the fishing
industry. The 14th century Agia Faneromeni is the pride of Lithakia.
MARIES (Village) ZAKYNTHOS
A mountain village set in a verdant landscape. Its church is dedicated to Mary Magdalene, who is said to have come to the island to preach Christianity. This is a gem among the island's churches.
NAVAGIO (Beach) ZAKYNTHOS
Μικρός όρμος με υπέροχα νερά, λευκή χοντρή άμμο και βράχια. Από το μικρό λιμάνι
του Πόρτο Βρώμη μπορεί να πάει κανείς με ιδιωτικό σκάφος στον όρμο του Αγίου Γεωργίου,
στη γνωστή παραλία Ναυάγιο. Οι κάθετοι βράχοι και το ναυάγιο στη μέση της παραλίας
μοιάζουν με σκηνικό. Από εδώ μπορεί ο επισκέπτης να φτάσει και στις δυο σπηλιές.
PLANOS (Village) ZAKYNTHOS
The village of Planos (and the Tsilivi beach) is a magnificent seaside resort, only 5 km from the historical town of Zakynthos. The picturesque area and the lovely climate, with the characteristic cool air from the Tsilivi bay, are the reasons for which many tourists visit it every summer.
SARAKINADO (Village) ZAKYNTHOS
South of the village of Agios Kirikas, among olive grooves and vineyards, we meet the village of Sarakinado. It is a crossroad that connects the mountainous villages with those in the plain of Zakynthos, and for this reason is now rapidly developing into a commercial area.
TRAGAKI (Village) ZAKYNTHOS
Tragaki, next to Tsilivi bay, offers a great selection of sandy beaches, like Bouka, Katragaki, Gaidaros and Amboula. Here you will find well organized hotel complexes with European standards as well as smaller units. The picturesque port nearby is big enough to service the local fishing boats. The village of Tragaki, built in the north side of the Kavelaris hill, offers a wonderful view of the Ionian sea among vineyards, gardens and olive trees. Its crystal clear waters (awarded with Blue Flag from the EC) in combination with the fine white sand of its beaches makes it an ideal vacation spot.
VANATO (Village) ZAKYNTHOS
Located almost in the center of the Municipality, hosts the Town Hall, a highschool and a day-long primary school. The main country road Zakynthos town - Volimes runs through Vanato and smaller roads connects it with the popular resort of Tsilivi. Wine, grapes, olives and currants are of its main products. Unfortunately the magnificent churches and mansions of the area was destroyed in the earthquake of 1953. The first Sunday of September a religious festival dedicated to the Virgin is a cause for joyful celebrations.
This extract is cited Oct 2002 from the Prefecture of Zakynthos URL below, which contains image.
ZAKYNTHOS (Town) IONIAN ISLANDS
Zakynthos is the capital and port of the island, located at the foot of Bochali hill. It is a modern city, built after the old one was destroyed in the earthquake of 1953, a town that is constantly expanding toward the interior of the island owing to the great number of activities that have sprung up in recent years. Some of the sites worth visiting are: the monastery of Agios Dionysios where the holy remains of the saint are preserved; its interesting museums; the squares of Agios Markos and Dionysios Solomos; the shopping centre on Alex. Roma street and the coast road; Kon. Lombardou street or Strata Marina (as the local people call it), as well as a number of old churches that were either preserved or restored after the earthquake in 1953. Bochali, the district around the Castro, charms us with its quiet lanes and old houses, its flower-bedecked countryards and elegant tavernas in which old zakynthian music is played.
Also of interest are the two hills: Strani, where Dionysios Solomos was inspired to write the "Ode to Liberty" which after being set to music, became the Greek national anthem; and Bochali, as mentioned earlier; on top of which is the Venetian Castro, with its superb panoramic view of the modern town of Zakynthos and the Ionian sea. The briefest stroll along the streets of the town is enough to convince the visitor that the efforts to preserve the pre-seismic Zakynthian atmosphere are not directed to the buildings alone but to its entire urban fabric. In Zakynthos everything is steeped in nostalgia, with a note of romanticism. The island's picturesque squares, Dionysios Solomos Square and Agios Markos Square, the long coast road, the Strata Marina, old Rougas Square and the modern Alexandrou Roma street, are all reminiscent of times past.
ARKADES (Municipality) ZAKYNTHOS
ZAKYNTHOS (Island) IONIAN ISLANDS
Zakynthos is particularly rich in terms of flora and fauna. The high
rainfall haw created a verbant environment of trees and forests, with a wide range
of rare flowers and plants.
The Zakynthos environment haw become an object of international interest
because the loggerhead turtle Caretta-caretta, an endangered species protected
by international conventions and by Greek legislation lays its eggs on the island’s
southern shores. Already, Greece
is going ahead to create a National Marine Park in the Laganas
Bay with the sole purpose of protecting this rare species.
Also, on the steep western shores of the island the Mediterranean
monk seal Monachus-monachus lives and breeds, a species also protected by Greek
law.
This text is cited March 2004 from the Prefecture of Zakynthos URL below, which contains images.
This Greek diocese, the only suffragan of the Archdiocese of Corfu,
is permanently united with the Diocese of Cephalonia.
The diocese includes the Islands of Cephalonia,
Zante, Ithaca, Santa Maura
or Leucas, and Cerigo or Cynthera.
As early as the fourth century the Island of Zante was the see of
a Catholic bishop, whose successors fell away to the Greek Schism. About 1200
a Catholic Latin diocese was again established in Zante, and in 1222 this was
united with the Diocese of Cephalonia,
which is also mentioned in the fourth century and later became schismatic. In
1386 both dioceses wee made suffragans of the Archdiocese of Corfu.
Joseph Lins, ed.
Transcribed by: Thomas M. Barrett
This extract is cited June 2003 from The Catholic Encyclopedia, New Advent online edition URL below.
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