Anafonitria Monastery
Description
The Holy Monastery of Theotokos Anafonitria in Zakynthos, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is a Byzantine monument with impressive architecture. It was built in the middle of the 15th century in honor of Panagia Vrefokratoussa (the Virgin Mary the Holder of the Newborn) but took its name after the miraculous icon of the Virgin Anafonitria it is housing. This icon was brought to the monastery from Constantinople when the town was captured by the Turks.
Several buildings are forming this monastery, as well as a tower that was built for defensive reasons and is used today as a belfry. The entrance to the monastery is arched and guarded by a square-shaped defensive tower. The main church of the monastery is situated in the center of the complex and it is a three-aisled basilica. The frescoes of the church are impressive and date from five centuries ago.