ZANTE’S VENETIAN CASTLE
Set above Zakynthos Town in the region of Bochali, you will find the
ancient Venetian Castle of Zakynthos. This is a wonderfully preserved
park area, well worth a walk around.
The exact date of construction of the Venetian Castle is unknown, but
it is estimated to have been built in 1480. The area of the Venetian
castle was built on the site of the Ancient Acropolis. During the
Venetian rule, the Castle was the capital of Zakynthos island.
Soon after been built, the Venetian castle in Zante was destroyed by
invading Turks. But, in 1514 it was repaired, again under Venetian
supervision.
Over the centre of the main entrance gates, you'll see the sculptured
crest of Venice, St Markos' Lion. It is clear as you walk around the
castle grounds, with its huge stone walls, towers and cannons, that the
castle was once a major source of protection to the people Zakynthos.
The strong earthquakes that have frequently struck the island, have
destroyed the fortifications so often that they had constantly to be
rebuilt. The construction of the walls and the Fortress defensive
system, which are still preserved today, was completed in 1646. The work
was done by Venetian engineers and local builders, with great care and
strong materials.
At that same time the main stone-paved road was laid down, running to
the coast. An important programme of conservation of the Castle was
carried out by the English in 1812 while they were in control of the
island.
In 1970-71 the Archaeological Service undertook the consolidation of
those sections of the walls and gates of the Fortress which were in
danger of collapsing. Recent excavations at the Venetian Castle have
found monuments from the Byzantine period, including a church dated back
to the 12th century.
Despite the wear and tear through the ages, even today when visiting the
Venetian Castle, you will see ancient stone vaulted prisons, canons, and
central foundations of the fortress itself, along with the remains of
several churches.
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We are filming a variety of Zante web videos this summer in Zakynthos
which will bring you a wide selection of our favorite accommodations,
sight-seeing, trips in Zante and our selected options of the best
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