A view from the castle over Zante town

If you’re in Zante town, on the Greek island of Zakynthos, you should drive or hike up to the ruined 15th century Venetian castle that overlooks the town. It’s an ideal place to go in the afternoon or evening as it’s cooling down and the town lights start to twinkle, when you can sit at one of the terrace cafes with a drink and a view of the town.

Perhaps this view inspired the Zakynthian poet Dionysios Solomos to write his poem, Hymn to Liberty that later became the Greek National Anthem.

From the Greeks of old whose dying brought to birth our spirit free,
Now, with ancient valour rising, let us hail you, oh liberty!

Unfortunately the castle was closed when we visited, and we had to content ourself with peering through the old stone gate and wondering at the work involved to bring these smooth stone blocks to the top of the hill.

There’s a little church there at the top which is a popular spot for weddings and christenings. It was being prepared for a christening when we visited, so we were able to take a look inside - the interior is beautifully decorated with gilding and coloured glass.

On a more secular note I noticed what looked like an uber-cool bar and nightclub on the cobbled lane leading up to the castle, also with a terrace overlooking the bay. This hill is definitely the place to see and be seen.

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See all my photos from Zakynthos

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