Situated on top of one of the highest hills on Zakynthos Island, is one of the 316 churches dedicated to Saint Nicholas in Greece. Saint Nicholas who was a devout christian lived in the  village of Patara in Asia Minor around 325 AD (this was considered part of Greece at the time). He was said to be a very kind and generous man owning to the fact that when his wealthy parents died he used his inheritance to feed the hungry, assist the sick and needy as well as looking after helpless children. 

Under the Roman Empire Diocletain he was persecuted and thrown in jail for his beliefs but that did not deter him and upon his release he joined the Council of Niceac, carrying on his great work. He spent his life helping others until he eventually died in 343 AD and was burried in the catholic church. Some years later an unusual relic called the manna was discovered whithin his tomb stone and was said to contain a liquid which had healing properties. This is another one of the reasons Saint Nicholas is so revered in Greece and you can find hundreds of magnificient churches decorated in his honour all over the islands.