Overview

The church of Saint Nicholas of the Quay, or of the Elders, as it is known to the locals, is the only Venetian-style building that was left standing after the 1953 earthquakes that destroyed the island. The church was restored to its former elegance in the years following the tremblor.

Originally, Saint Nicholas was on a little island, in Zakynthos harbor, which was eventually united with the mainland. The church belonged to the Mariners Guild for many centuries, after it was built in 1560.

Saint Nicholas is historically significant because it was the parish church of Saint Dionysios, the Patron Saint of Zakynthos, for a time. The vestments of Saint Dionysios are on display in the church.