Zante is full of churches and monasteries that have survived the disastrous earthquake of 1953 and other that have been built after that.
Here are some of the most famous and more visited churches and monasteries of the island.

The church was built in 1708 and combines the Byzantine architectural style with the occidental one.

The entrance of the church is full of fine Orthodox wall paintings and the interior is completely gold-painted.

The impressive icons decorating the interior of the church were made by the Greek hagiographers Koutouzis and Doxaras.
Many pilgrims are visiting the church every year and honour the saint.

Two celebrations are held in honour of the Protector Agios Dionysos one on the 17th of December which is held in memory of the saint's death, and the other on the 24th of August commemorating the transportation of the Holy Body from the monastery to the church.

The Church of Agia Mavra
This church is located in the village of Maherado; it was built during the 14th century and is considered as one of the most important and famous churches of Zante Island.
It has an imposing Venetian belfry built in a way that when its bells ring they can be heard throughout Zakynthos.

Built like a simple and common basilica, the church houses a remarkable collection of fine icons and frescoes painted by famous Greek artists.

Among those pieces of art is the icon of Agia Mavra which is considered to be miraculous; innumerable offerings are surrounding the icon and have, among them, the valuable jewel of Queen Olga.

The feast of Agia Mavra is celebrated on the 3rd of May when the villagers and other pilgrims gather in the church to pray all night long.

The Church of Agios Georgios Filikon
This church stands on the top of a hill in the area of Bohali and is one of the most famous of Zante churches.

Its fame is due to the icon it is housing that was the icon in front of which the members of the secret revolutionary organisation called “Filiki Eteria” (Friendly Organisation) took their vows to serve the Revolution and fight the Turks.

A list with the names of the members has been placed close to the icon and contains the name of the famous revolutionary Greek heroes, Kolokotronis, Fotomaras and Nikitaras.

The Monastery of Anafonitria
This monastery is situated in the area of Plemonariou, near the village of the same name, north-west of Zakynthos.

It was built during the middle of the 15th century in honour of Panagia Vrefokratoussa (Virgin Holder of the Newborn) but took its name from the miraculous icon of Our Virgin Anafonitria which it is housing; this icon was brought to the monastery from Constantinople, when the town was captured.

Several buildings are forming the monastery as well as a tower that was built for defensive reasons and which is used today as a belfry.

Agios Dionysos, saint patron of the island spent its last years in this monastery where he also forgave the murderer of his brother.
More information can be obtained from the website of the Greek Ministry of Culture

Monastery of Saint John the Baptist
Located nearby the village of Katastari, this monastery was built during the 16th century and houses beautiful icons dating to the 17th century and superb woodcarvings.

From the monastery one can admire a wonderful panoramic view over the island of Kefalonia and the Peloponnesian coast.
More info on the site of the Greek Ministry of Culture