Near the seaside boulevard in Zakynthos town, an old building which survived the 1953 heavy earthquake can be visited. As one of few constructions still standing after the catastrophe, it is an example of the ancient Zakynthian architecture. The house used to be the mansion of the Roma family, an aristocratic family with Venetian roots, and is now open for public as a museum. The Roma's played a significant role in Greek politics over many years and is considered to be the most influential nobility of the island.