An island full of myths & history
Aegina is an island of whimsical myths and rich history. According to the ancient myths, the island took its name from the nymph Aegina, the most beautiful daughter of the river god Asopos. Zeus fell in love with her, abducted her, and took her to an uninhabited island called Oinoni, that later became Aegina. Zeus and Aegina’s son, Aiakos, was the first king of Aegina and the forefather of the inhabitants of the island; One day, as Aiakos was observing a colony of ants he was instantly inspired by their number and industriousness, and he begged his father to send on his island as many people as the ants. Zeus, wanting to please his son, transformed the ants into people, creating the great nation of Myrmidons, who took their name from the Greek word for ant “myrmingi”.
Apart from the myths and legends, Aegina has a long history too, dating from the Neolithic era. The historical highlights of the island, are the periods of its great prosperity, from 5th to 7th century BC, as well as the short period when it was proclaimed the first capital of the newly founded Greek state, in 1828, with Ioannis Kapodistrias being the first governor.
Today, Aegina is a very popular destination, due to its proximity to Piraeus port of Athens. Its historical significance and immaculate natural beauty are protected by law; thus the construction of contemporary infrastructure in Aegina Town, the capital of the island, has been banned. As a result, Aegina Town is retaining its original charms and traditions, combining them with modern amenities.
Even though it is a small island, Aegina boasts a great number of landmarks, like the famous Aphaia Temple. There are also many things to do and so many exciting places to explore, from the mesmerizing capital town, its sites and vibrant life, to the charming little picturesque villages, such as Perdika, Vagia and Pachia Rachi as well as the organized resorts like Agia Marina and Souvala. There are also many beautiful islets surrounding Aegina, and you can plan an excursion to visit some of them by boat.
Apart from the myths and legends, Aegina has a long history too, dating from the Neolithic era. The historical highlights of the island, are the periods of its great prosperity, from 5th to 7th century BC, as well as the short period when it was proclaimed the first capital of the newly founded Greek state, in 1828, with Ioannis Kapodistrias being the first governor.
Today, Aegina is a very popular destination, due to its proximity to Piraeus port of Athens. Its historical significance and immaculate natural beauty are protected by law; thus the construction of contemporary infrastructure in Aegina Town, the capital of the island, has been banned. As a result, Aegina Town is retaining its original charms and traditions, combining them with modern amenities.
Even though it is a small island, Aegina boasts a great number of landmarks, like the famous Aphaia Temple. There are also many things to do and so many exciting places to explore, from the mesmerizing capital town, its sites and vibrant life, to the charming little picturesque villages, such as Perdika, Vagia and Pachia Rachi as well as the organized resorts like Agia Marina and Souvala. There are also many beautiful islets surrounding Aegina, and you can plan an excursion to visit some of them by boat.
Old Monasteries & Ancient Monuments
Aegina island has many churches and monasteries to visit and “Agios Nektarios” is one of the most notable. The impressive monastery lies near Palaiochora, on the road to Souvala, and is one of the largest monasteries in the Balkan area. It was built in the 20th century, upon the ruins of a small Byzantine monastery. The church of “Agios Nikolaos o Thalassinos” is one of the first sites you behold when you arrive in the Town of Aegina, offering you a warm welcoming, as it is located at the harbor of the island. The church was built in the 17th century, and it stands out for its bright white color, its simple, smooth architecture with curves and clean-cut lines, its small size, and the magnificent frescoes that adorn the interior spaces.
The ancient temple of Athena Aphaia, built around 500-490 B.C., is an architectural jewel among the many ancient treasures that dot the island from coast to coast, and offers visitors a glimpse to antiquity. The temple was dedicated to goddess Aphaia, whom many historians believe it was an aspect of goddess Athena and was built in the northern side of the island, overlooking the Aegean sea. When there are no clouds and the weather allows it, you can see Poseidon's temple in Sounio, and the Acropolis of Athens. It is said that these three temples form an isosceles triangle, known as “the holy triangle” of antiquity.
Another important ancient site you should visit is the sanctuary of Apollo Delfinios, also known as Kolona. It lies at a short distance from the harbor, and it took its name from a tall Doric-style column that stands on the site, the only one remaining from the 6th century BC temple. In front of the archaeological site, there is an archaeological museum, bearing the same name, that houses many interesting exhibits.
Aegina island has many churches and monasteries to visit and “Agios Nektarios” is one of the most notable. The impressive monastery lies near Palaiochora, on the road to Souvala, and is one of the largest monasteries in the Balkan area. It was built in the 20th century, upon the ruins of a small Byzantine monastery. The church of “Agios Nikolaos o Thalassinos” is one of the first sites you behold when you arrive in the Town of Aegina, offering you a warm welcoming, as it is located at the harbor of the island. The church was built in the 17th century, and it stands out for its bright white color, its simple, smooth architecture with curves and clean-cut lines, its small size, and the magnificent frescoes that adorn the interior spaces.
The ancient temple of Athena Aphaia, built around 500-490 B.C., is an architectural jewel among the many ancient treasures that dot the island from coast to coast, and offers visitors a glimpse to antiquity. The temple was dedicated to goddess Aphaia, whom many historians believe it was an aspect of goddess Athena and was built in the northern side of the island, overlooking the Aegean sea. When there are no clouds and the weather allows it, you can see Poseidon's temple in Sounio, and the Acropolis of Athens. It is said that these three temples form an isosceles triangle, known as “the holy triangle” of antiquity.
Another important ancient site you should visit is the sanctuary of Apollo Delfinios, also known as Kolona. It lies at a short distance from the harbor, and it took its name from a tall Doric-style column that stands on the site, the only one remaining from the 6th century BC temple. In front of the archaeological site, there is an archaeological museum, bearing the same name, that houses many interesting exhibits.
