Building Memories (BM) uses personal experiences and relates them to topics of importance to building.
This BM explores our trip to Zakynthos, Greece.
We revisited Zakynthos, an island I first visited in the summer of 1980 to help my friend Tony rebuild his historic family home. His family had lived on the property since the 16th century, but the house had been destroyed in the 1953 earthquake. In 1980, much of the island still bore the scars of that disaster. Many buildings, constructed from unreinforced stone masonry, had collapsed (see Image 1). . Many families moved away, and life circumstances or lack of interest prevented rebuilding. The island’s ongoing seismic activity also contributed to continued structural challenges.
By 2024, the island had transformed: infrastructure improvements—electricity, water, and roadways—were evident across most areas. Yet, remnants of destruction remain 71 years after the earthquake
Back in 1980, I spent time with three locals: Tony, Niko, and Tasso, in the village of Skoulikadon, where I helped rebuild Tony’s house. During our recent visit, I was fortunate to reconnect with Tony (Photo 2), still living in the house we built 45 years ago, and Niko (Photo 3), still an electrician working on new homes in the village. The church atop the hill had become unsafe for services; some repair work was underway, though it may take years or decades to restore fully.
I had forgotten Zakynthos’ natural beauty. The Ionian Sea is stunning, and the island features four distinct ecological zones:
- The beaches and coastal areas
- Inland valleys, primarily used for farming
- Lower hilly slopes, dotted with thousands of olive trees
- Mountainous regions, with peaks reaching 2,480 feet, cooler, windier, and above the tree line
Zakynthos also has a rich history, appearing in Greek mythology, the Iliad and Odyssey, and the Trojan War. In modern history, it played a key role in resisting German and Italian forces during World War II, notably saving its entire Jewish community of 275 people.
Revisiting the past can sometimes disappoint, as memories may outshine reality. In this case, Zakynthos did not disappoint, it was even more memorable than I remembered.
Photo 1: Ruins
Photo 2: Tony & Steve in Front of House
Photo 3: Steve & Niko
Photo 4: Ionian Sea
Photo 5: Skoulikadon