Panagia Skopiotissa Zakynthos
Panagia Skopiotissa considered the oldest church on Zakynthos island, we find it on top of Mount Skopos to the south east with its altitude of 492 meters where there are the remains of the ancient oak forests Quercus ilex and Quercus coccifera as well as many others native tree species. Four kilometers from the picturesque Argassi village.
It was built in the first half of the 15th century and in 1534 it was sold to a noble family from Zakynthos, the Logotheton legitimate owners still today. It was built over the Byzantine-style temple of the goddess Artemis and has a cross plan. It is very different from the other churches you will find in Zakynthos, it is the only one to have a white dome and it is completely made of stone. Still visible the symbol of the Byzantine Empire the Bicipatal Eagle especially on the floor. Inside, wonderful murals of saints and the icon of the Virgin Mary of Skopiotissa from Istanbul. All around are the ruins that recall the flourishing times of the Monastery.
Being in a high point, Panagia Skopiotissa offers a breathtaking view especially from the hill on the east side of the church that to get there you have to climb from the back (do not worry it's much simpler than it seems) with the help of special ropes that will help and support you in the climb. From here the infinite view of the entire landscape made up of villages and hills surrounded by Mediterranean scrub up to the majestic sea.
The nature that encloses it is of extraordinary beauty, still intact and as at the origin therefore absolute respect, do not collect souvenirs such as stones or flowers.
The Venetians during the period of domination loved this place very much either because it was excellent for spotting those who approached the island, or for the wonderful view so much that it was nicknamed "Belvedere".
It can only be reached on foot in fact it is one of the trekking routes that can be done in Zakynthos. A panoramic climb immersed in a still uncontaminated universe that starting from Argassi will take you to the top of the mountain. On the way there is an ancient Byzantine church and to rest at the top you will find a bar (called Kantina in Greek) where you can have a drink and refresh yourself. The kiosk owner has the keys to the Monastery and will be happy to open it and let you admire its beauty.
To say that the route is quite challenging, between gorges and steep climbs better if you are a little trained but in any case if you have a good willpower and you are not so used to walking it is still doable.
A break-beach excursion as we like to call it where surely the effort to get there will be amply rewarded by the panoramic view of the incredible and always stunning island. Don't forget to mark it on the things to see in Zakynthos.