The island of Zakynthos has actively contributed in the spiritual and artistic development of Greece. Important figures of the island influenced the physiognomy of the Greek state in all the areas of art and Literature. Since the ancient times, the island was an important cultural center, due to its geographical position.

The flourishing of the arts started in 15th century with the distinctions of the translator of Homer's Iliad, Nikolaos Loukanis. And in the area of poetry and literature, Dimitris Zinos, Tzanes Koroneos and Pahomios Rousanos stood out. In the same period, works in the area of poetry, essay and prose were printed in Venice and became objects of admire of the Greeks and foreigners. Around 1600, the first Greek Academy was established and in 1815 the Academy of the Free Meridian Islands.

In 19th century, the flourishing of the island took place, with the birth of Andreas Kalvos and Dionysios Solomos. In 1864, the National Anthem was created with verses by the poem of Dionysios Solomos and music by Nikolaos Mantzaros from Corfu. After the death of D.Solomos, the Ionian School was founded. Furthermore, the Italian speaking poet, Nikolaos Ugo Foskolos was born and educated in the island of Zakynthos. He later became the national poet of Italy.

Along with the development of the music, theatre developed as well. It flourished in the period of Venetian domination and was influenced by the Italian folk theatre of Medieval and Renaissance. Important role played the refugees from Crete. So, the structure, the way of speaking and the acting come from the combination of Venetian Comedia De l Arte and Cretan theatre. So, the theatre started to flourish with the foundation of theatres and performances of ancient drama, Cretan and modern plays by Zakynthian play-writers.

The green landscapes, the blue sea and the dreamy caves influenced the inhabitants of Zakynthos in the area of painting. It is not accidental that many painters, from different parts of Greece, lived in the island.

In the area of architecture, the island managed to push forward a special architectural style. The influences from the west, the Venetian domination, the French Empire, the Italian Renaissance, the English state and the Byzantine contributed in the unique architectural style of the island. The mansions of the aristocrats, the churches, the monasteries and the houses of folk people reveal the important role of penetration and assimilation of foreign styles in the areas of design, construction, functionalism and decoration of those buildings.