All about Zakynthos

The Agioi Saranta, as it was called by the people, was built in the centre of the town, due to the second plague epidemic that affected the island (1646). It was built as a tribute to the inhabitants of the town on a piece of land donated by the noble Baptist Motsenigos. It became the centre of the shipbuilders' guild. Many sacred vessels, candles and icons of the church of Agios Minas of Crete, which they had brought with them to Zakynthos, were dedicated to it by the Cretan scouts. Among the valuable archives of the church was the codex of the guild of the tanker builders of Heraklion ("Kandia"), which had Agios Minas as its patron. A sacred relic was the finger of Saint Minas, which was kept in the church. On November 11th there was an official celebration of Agios Minas on the initiative of the Cretan community.The church had wonderful wood carvings and silver sculptures and important icons. Also a beautiful icon of Panagia Odigitria (who leads), which had been brought from Crete. In August 1953 the church was burnt to ashes.