Description
Orthonies is a picturesque mountain village which lies on the slopes of the Mountain Vrachionas, 25 kilometres northwest of Zakynthos town. Orthonies lies 450 meters above the sea level, in the village live 250 inhabitants. It is a pleasure to stroll through the traditional alleyways of the village and watch the beautiful decorated gardens.
The houses are built of stone and their roofs have ceramic tiles in the original Zakynthian architecture style. The village lies on the slopes of a hill, in the middle of a green area surrounded by olive groves and grape groves.
The most famous sight in Orthonies is the historic monastery of Spiliotissa (16th century). That name has been given to the monastery because of the Icon of the Virgin Mary that was found nearby in a cave. Every year on September 8th, a public festival is held in Orthonies in honour of the Holly Mother. Another festival is on November 8 in honour of the Archangels Gabriel and Michael.
