Bohali hill

Bohali is one of the town’s prettiest suburbs, named after its flower filled gardens. In the square is the Church of the Life Giving Fountain. Ιt is situated 1,5 klm west, right above Zante town. You cannot visit Zakynthos without admiring the view from one of the island’s most beautiful balconies. Bohali (one of the island’s oldest neighbourhoods) is located at the highest point of the city of Zakynthos, 2 km from the centre. The view is breathtaking. The square hosts the church of Zoodochos Pigi, with a Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary. The Venetian castle is perched at the top of the hill. Passing through the Lions’ Gate, you will find yourself inside the castle, a true monument of the island’s history. Its walls protected the residents from attacks. The streets within the village are stone-built, preserving the island’s old architectural style.

CASTLE

High above the town, with views in every direction, is the castle, the largest settlement on the island during ancient and medieval times. According to legend, the island was named after Zakynthos, the son of King Dardanus, came to the island from Arcadia around 1537 BC. Ιt is said to have built the Acropolis Psofida in the region of the castle. The walls protected the inhabitants from the attacks by Turks and pirates. Within the castle was Terra, the medieval town of Zante. It was abandoned by its inhabitants, the 16th century, when the colonization of the foreshore began by utilising silt from the sea.