Museums of Zakynthos

BYZANTINE MUSEUM OF ZAKYNTHOS

It is in D. Solomos square, the largest and most charming of the island, that after the havoc of the earthquake in 1953 is now getting back to its original charm.

The museum that for the first time was open to the public in 1960 is on three levels and in the first two rooms the visitor can admire Byzantine icons carved in the wood whereas in the third and fourth rooms there are original frescos of the 15th, 16th and 17th Century.
Two more rooms are dedicated to paintings of the 18th Century and oils on canvas of artists like Doxaras, Koutouzis and Kantouni.
The special importance of this museum is eventually due to the opportunity that the tourist has to appreciate the pictures and plastics reproducing the city before the earthquake besides the artistic evolution from the post Byzantine period to the contemporary Greek art.
The museum is open everyday except Monday from 8.30 to 15.00.
For further info it is possible to contact the following telephone number: +30 26950 42714.

MUSEUM OF SOLOMOS AND KALVOS

The museum was founded in 1959 by a club of admirers of the fine arts of Zakynthos; it is located in the striking St. Marco square and it is very famous since it keeps the relic of the two poets Dionysios Solomos and Andreas Kalvos, real national symbols.
In the museum there are local art handcrafts such as paintings of the 18th and 19th Century, carved pottery, sculptures and ancient musical instruments; the section dedicated to clothes and weapons of noble families of the last century is very well attended.
There are then many portraits dedicated to the most important people of the island and a collection of coats of arms.
The museum is open everyday from 9.00 to 14.00. For more info please call: +30 26950 28982.

THE MANSION OF THE ROMAS' FAMILY

This museum consist in the mansion of Alexander Roma that was President of the Greek Parliament and the creator of the "Greek Red Shirts" military unit with which he fought for the liberation of the city of Ioannina.
A. Roma remains one of the most characteristic and pure personalities of the modern Greek political and military history.
The mansion was built in 1660 by the Vice Consul of England in Zante, Robert John Geoffrey.
During the period of the "English Protection" (1816-64) the mansion was the seat of the English Resident of Zante and was known by local people as "Residenza".
The mansion was bought by Alexander Roma in 1880. Since then and until the Second World War became the seat of one of the two major political parties of the island (the Roman party).
This house survived to the earthquake of 1953 that destroyed all the city and then it was partly rebuild by Dionisios Romas.
Now represents the sole example of the old urban zakynthian architecture.

The large and decorated rooms of the building, the libraries consisting of old and rare editions, as well as the large collection of family portraits, paintings, gravures, old weapons and various objects of art, reflect the needs, the expectations, the mentality and the way of living of the old zakynthian aristocracy.
The mansion is located in Louka Karer street at number 19 not far from Solomos Square and the Town Hall. It's open everyday from 10.00 to 14.00 and from 19.00 to 21.00.
For more information please call: +30 26950 28381.

CULTURAL AND AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM

Founded in 1998 in the small village of Pigadakia, under the township of Alykes, it exhibits the culture and traditions

history of the Greek rural world, typical in particular of this island.
There you can admire rare works dated back to the 16th Century such as working tools, everyday tools and very rare works of ancient local handcraft.

TOWN HALL LIBRARY

The town hall library is located in a big building in Solomos square. Its story goes back to 1628 and before being destroyed by the earthquake and the fire; it kept unique papers and books of poets of the past.
Thanks to the donation of some people of Zakynthos who gave to the library books from their personal and private collection, it was possible to rebuilt the past and give it back to people at their disposal.
In the library it is possible to find rare books concerning the history and tradition of Zakynthos, treaties of famous writers, copies of old newspapers and memories concerning the second world war in addition to the pictures of Zakynthos before the calamity happened in 1953.

EXHIBITION CENTRE OF NATIONAL MARINE PARK

The Thematic Exhibition Center of the loggerhead sea turtle Caretta-Caretta is located in Dafni which is in the municipal department of Vasilikos. The landscaped area of the thematic centre, the exhibition and information material, the use of multimedia and memorabilia given, give visitors occasion for information and awareness on loggerhead sea turtles and its nesting beaches of Zakynthos.
Its role is not restricted to the study and promotion of Caretta caretta, but extends to the acquaintance with other priority species and endemic species of flora and fauna, found in Zakynthos, linked to the tradition and history of the island.
The construction of the Thematic Exhibition Center has been funded by the European Regional Development Fund and from national resources.