The Holy Monastery of Theotokos Anafonitria in Zakynthos, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is a Byzantine monument with impressive architecture. It was built in the middle of the 15th century in honor of Panagia Vrefokratoussa (the Virgin Mary the Holder of the Newborn) but took its name after the miraculous icon of the Virgin Anafonitria it is housing. This icon was brought to the monastery from Constantinople when the town was captured by the Turks.
Several buildings are forming this monastery, as well as a tower that was built for defensive reasons and is used today as a belfry. The entrance to the monastery is arched and guarded by a square-shaped defensive tower. The main church of the monastery is situated in the center of the complex and it is a three-aisled basilica. The frescoes of the church are impressive and date from five centuries ago.
References:The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.
Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.