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Grigorios Xenopoulos Museum in Zante

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Zante has its history influenced by numerous cultures as it has been occupied by various foreign rulers. Thats the reason the architecture of Zante too shows traces of different cultures. The architecture forms a huge part of the citys history. If you are planning a vacation in Zante then get ready to be mesmerized by its magnificent churches, museums and Baroque as well as Renaissance style buildings. A lot of these cultures are still prevalent in Zante in form of the islands rich local food, art, culture, as well as peoples temperament. Zante is accessible by air and there are several daily flights to Zante.

In spite of tremendous influence of other cultures you will find many structure made in Venetian style. There are numerous Byzantine as well as Neo Classical structures. Apart from these the next most prominent structures are show Gothic architecture found around Zantes several Bell Towers. Specific to the Zakynthian architecture are its typical stone houses accompanied by its wood and tile roofs, wrought iron stairs, sculpted structures above windows and doorways along with balcony gates and rails.

One of the most famous tourist destinations at Zante is the Museum of Gregorios Xenopoulos. As the name suggests, the Museum of Gregorios Xenopoulos is dedicated to the play writer and novelist, Gregorios Xenopoulos. The museum was established in 1998 to house his magazine issues, manuscripts, novels, leaflets, photographs and brochures including other family heirlooms. All of these are placed as exhibits in the museum. The museum has been made from the 2 storey ancestral home of Xenopoulos, on the Gaita Street, close to the Agios Dionysios church. At this house he spent most of his childhood.

Gregorios Xenopoulos was born on 9th December, 1867 in Constantinople. His father belonged to Zante and the whole family shifted to this island and this was where Xenopoulos stayed till 1883. He had joined the University of Athens but did not continue with his studies. His desire to produce good literary works was too strong which he pursued by becoming a poet and play writer. Several of his novels, articles and short stories were printed in magazines and newspapers.

In 1896, Xenopoulos got the magazine named Diaplasis ton Paidon published. Soon after he also got a book of short stories for children published which became instant hits in the island. He worked with other Greek newspapers viz. Panathinea and To Ethnos. In 1927, Xenopoulos established a magazine called Nea Estia and remained the director till 1934. The museum of Gregorios Xenopoulos remains open from Monday to Friday from 09:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

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