Anafonitria

Anafonitria  is a settlement in the Zakynthos prefecture of Greece. It is located 30 kilometers from Zakynthos City and is near Porto Vromi. The patron saint of Cephalonia, Agios Gerasimos, was known to have lived in Anafonitria as a hermit. The name of the settlement itself was derived from the Monastery of Anafonitria, which was constructed in the 14th century. The patron saint of Zakynthos, Saint Dionysius, was known to have spent his final years in the monastery.

The patron Saint of the island, St Dionysios, took refuge and spent the last few years of his life in this monastery. Legend states that St Dionysios heard a murders confession and he gave the man pardon without knowing that the victim killed was his own brother. To help the murderer Saint Dionysios also told the only lie of his life, as when questioned by the police he denied ever having seen the man. Although Saint Dionysios was attributed with many healing powers which led to his canonization, the action of forgiving the man who murdered his brother was his most personal compassionate act. Many of the Saints possessions are housed in the monastery, a place of pilgrimage for visitors wishing to pay their respects to the Patron Saint of Zante.

A medieval tower marks the entrance to the monastery. In the past it was a point of defence whereas nowadays it is used as a bell tower. Inside the church are frescos and icons brought to Zante from Constantinople, in particular a fine icon of Virgin Mary after which the monastery was named.

This monastery was also home for a while to Agios Gerasimos, the Patron saint of Kefalonia. Agios Gerasimos spent four years at this monastery and was actually the person who baptized Saint Dionysios (the patron saint of Zante). When Saint Gerasimos wanted to return to his homeland, the neighbouring island of Kefalonia, he asked for help from the villagers to transport him to Kefalonia. The fishermen refused to assist him and he declared that from that day forward they would never again have a priest for their village. This prophecy has remained true; there has never since been a priest of Anafonitria.

Anafonitria is also near to Zante's most famous site - the Shipwreck (Navagio) with a nearby observation point overlooking it, providing stunning cliff and sea views.

Combining visiting the monastery and overlooking the Shipwreck would make for a very enjoyable day out.