MY AEGINA A hospitable place, with an enviable historical heritage
Αξιοθέατα
The Temple of (Athena) Aphaia is located in Aegina, in the sanctuary dedicated to the homonymous deity. It is located at a height of 160 meters on the east side of the island. The sanctuary is also located about 29 kilometers southwest of the Acropolis of Athens.
107 Einheimische empfehlen
Tempel von Aphaia
The Temple of (Athena) Aphaia is located in Aegina, in the sanctuary dedicated to the homonymous deity. It is located at a height of 160 meters on the east side of the island. The sanctuary is also located about 29 kilometers southwest of the Acropolis of Athens.
The Monastery of Agios Nektarios is one of the largest Monasteries of Greece and one of the largest orthodox churches in the Balkans. It is an attraction for tourists arriving from different parts of the world to worship and get healed, due to its reputation for being thaumaturgic, which goes back in history. The Monastery of Agios Nektarios was built in 1904. Its current form was set in the period 1973-94, when the locals started building on the ruins of a Byzantine monastery. Its history relates to Saint Nektarios himself, who settled on the island in 1908.
He soon became popular, thanks to two miracles he performed according to the folk tradition: He healed a possessed young man and then brought down rain following 3 years of drought after praying to God on request by the Aegineans. The inhabitants of the island perceived these two events as divine signs, so that they considered him a saint even while he was still alive.
Saint Nektarios, who is now the patron saint of Aegina, died of cancer in the Aretaio Hospital in 1920 and left behind a rich pastoral, theological and literary opus. His relic, despite the three burials and exhumations, remained unchanged for over 30 years. Thus, he was proclaimed a saint, officially, in 1961, and since then the Monastery is considered a source of hope for the pious believers. Agios Nektarios is located midway between the port of Aegina and Agia Marina. It is just 1 kilometer from Paleochora, in an uninhabited area. Upon arrival, you will feel great awe just from the building’s sheer volume.
15 Einheimische empfehlen
St. Nektarios Kloster - Heilige Dreifaltigkeit Aigina
The Monastery of Agios Nektarios is one of the largest Monasteries of Greece and one of the largest orthodox churches in the Balkans. It is an attraction for tourists arriving from different parts of the world to worship and get healed, due to its reputation for being thaumaturgic, which goes back in history. The Monastery of Agios Nektarios was built in 1904. Its current form was set in the period 1973-94, when the locals started building on the ruins of a Byzantine monastery. Its history relates to Saint Nektarios himself, who settled on the island in 1908.
He soon became popular, thanks to two miracles he performed according to the folk tradition: He healed a possessed young man and then brought down rain following 3 years of drought after praying to God on request by the Aegineans. The inhabitants of the island perceived these two events as divine signs, so that they considered him a saint even while he was still alive.
Saint Nektarios, who is now the patron saint of Aegina, died of cancer in the Aretaio Hospital in 1920 and left behind a rich pastoral, theological and literary opus. His relic, despite the three burials and exhumations, remained unchanged for over 30 years. Thus, he was proclaimed a saint, officially, in 1961, and since then the Monastery is considered a source of hope for the pious believers. Agios Nektarios is located midway between the port of Aegina and Agia Marina. It is just 1 kilometer from Paleochora, in an uninhabited area. Upon arrival, you will feel great awe just from the building’s sheer volume.
The Archaeological Museum of Aegina was the first National Museum of Greece. It was founded on 21 October 1829 by Ioannis Kapodistrias in Aegina, the then capital of the Greek state.
Originally the Museum was housed in the Kapodistrian Orphanage and after several relocations, it found its current position in 1981 in the archaeological site of Kolona, next to the ruins of prehistoric settlements and the acropolis of historical times.
In the three halls of the archaeological museum, the collections exhibited cover the period from Prehistoric to Roman times and include findings from Kolona, the Temple of Aphaia, the Temple of Ellanios Zeus, the Temple of Artemis, the Temple of Apollo and more.
Also, vases from the Cyclades and Crete are exhibited, thus proving the intense commercial activity of the Aegineans of the time.
The Museum also features a reconstruction of a Proto-Helladic, two-storey residence known as the “White House”, as well as a copper foundry, while among the wonderful exhibits you will find ceramics, marble statues, ancient jewels, bronze vessels, pots, inscriptions and coins.
Through a number of impressive sculptures, Aegina confirms its reputation as one of the most well-known schools of the plastic arts in the Archaic period (7th-5th century B.C.). The sculptures of the pediments of the two archaic temples of Apollo, the two sphinxes of the sanctuary and some reliefs are some of them. Another interesting piece is the inscription which refers to the oldest temple of Aphaia.
The most important exhibit of the Museum is the statue of the Sphinx, a work of the classical period (460 BC), which was dedicated to god Apollo and was unearthed during the excavations of 1903. We are talking about an excellent sculpture of a creature whose body is half lion and half eagle, while the head is that of a female human.
In the patio you can admire the tombstone reliefs from the cemetery of Rhenia. By the sea under the hill there are traces of the island’s war harbor, known as the “Cryptos” (hidden) harbor. There the Aegineans kept their 400 triremes.
The collection of the museum is planned to be transferred to the space from which it originated, namely the Kapodistrian Orphanage, which is being repaired and shaped to house Aegina’s “Diachronic Museum”.
20 Einheimische empfehlen
Archaeological Museum of Aegina
1 Patriarchou Grigoriou EThe Archaeological Museum of Aegina was the first National Museum of Greece. It was founded on 21 October 1829 by Ioannis Kapodistrias in Aegina, the then capital of the Greek state.
Originally the Museum was housed in the Kapodistrian Orphanage and after several relocations, it found its current position in 1981 in the archaeological site of Kolona, next to the ruins of prehistoric settlements and the acropolis of historical times.
In the three halls of the archaeological museum, the collections exhibited cover the period from Prehistoric to Roman times and include findings from Kolona, the Temple of Aphaia, the Temple of Ellanios Zeus, the Temple of Artemis, the Temple of Apollo and more.
Also, vases from the Cyclades and Crete are exhibited, thus proving the intense commercial activity of the Aegineans of the time.
The Museum also features a reconstruction of a Proto-Helladic, two-storey residence known as the “White House”, as well as a copper foundry, while among the wonderful exhibits you will find ceramics, marble statues, ancient jewels, bronze vessels, pots, inscriptions and coins.
Through a number of impressive sculptures, Aegina confirms its reputation as one of the most well-known schools of the plastic arts in the Archaic period (7th-5th century B.C.). The sculptures of the pediments of the two archaic temples of Apollo, the two sphinxes of the sanctuary and some reliefs are some of them. Another interesting piece is the inscription which refers to the oldest temple of Aphaia.
The most important exhibit of the Museum is the statue of the Sphinx, a work of the classical period (460 BC), which was dedicated to god Apollo and was unearthed during the excavations of 1903. We are talking about an excellent sculpture of a creature whose body is half lion and half eagle, while the head is that of a female human.
In the patio you can admire the tombstone reliefs from the cemetery of Rhenia. By the sea under the hill there are traces of the island’s war harbor, known as the “Cryptos” (hidden) harbor. There the Aegineans kept their 400 triremes.
The collection of the museum is planned to be transferred to the space from which it originated, namely the Kapodistrian Orphanage, which is being repaired and shaped to house Aegina’s “Diachronic Museum”.
anagia Chrysoleontissa was built in the 17th century and is one of the old monasteries of Aegina. It was formerly in the Kypseli area in Leonti, until the monks transferred the icon of Virgin Mary to the present location, deep in the mountains, in order to protect it from the pirates.
The purpose for which it was built was therefore to provide a safe place for the protection of the monks from pirates. Consequently, its architecture is very special, with characteristically high walls and a three-storey tower. The tower, 20 meters high, was built long before the church, around 1600, while the church was built in 1800 to replace the previous one that had been burned completely.During the 19th century most monastic estates were expropriated – this particular monastery was always very rich in land property – and the monks left.
Since 1935 Chrysoleontissa switched from male to female Monastery and now there are about 10 nuns living there.
Monastery of Chrysoleontissa
anagia Chrysoleontissa was built in the 17th century and is one of the old monasteries of Aegina. It was formerly in the Kypseli area in Leonti, until the monks transferred the icon of Virgin Mary to the present location, deep in the mountains, in order to protect it from the pirates.
The purpose for which it was built was therefore to provide a safe place for the protection of the monks from pirates. Consequently, its architecture is very special, with characteristically high walls and a three-storey tower. The tower, 20 meters high, was built long before the church, around 1600, while the church was built in 1800 to replace the previous one that had been burned completely.During the 19th century most monastic estates were expropriated – this particular monastery was always very rich in land property – and the monks left.
Since 1935 Chrysoleontissa switched from male to female Monastery and now there are about 10 nuns living there.
In the Plakakia area, 3 km from the port of Aegina to the north on the coastal road, is the museum of Christos Capralos, one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century world-wide, and it is definitely worth visiting.
The Greek sculptor, painter and engraver, Christos Kapralos, one of the greatest representatives of modernism in Greece, was born in 1909 in Panetoliko (near Agrinio). Despite the fact that his family’s wealth did not allow it, he managed to study painting, at the School of Fine Arts in Athens, and sculpture, in Paris, thanks to the support of his sponsors.
In 1991, two years before his death, he founded the Christos and Souli Kapralos Foundation in Aegina, through which the Christos Kapralos Museum opened in 1995, two years after the death of the artist.
The Christos Kapralos Museum in Aegina hosts, in its halls and outdoor space, a significant number of works from all of the artist’s periods from 1963 to 1993, while he was working mainly on the island of Aegina.
Using a variety of materials (wood, bronze, marble, local limestone, plaster, etc.), Christos Kapralos’ work is expressed through paintings, sculptures, engravings, ceramics and terracotta creations. His work is inspired by the everyday life of people, from peace and war, but also from his relationship with his friends and relatives.
He represented Greece at the Venice Bienniale in 1962 and participated in the Sao Paulo Bienniale in 1975. Today his works are exhibited in private collections and museums in Europe and America.
One of the most important works that one can admire in this museum is the replica of the frieze “The Monument of the Pindos Battle”, inspired by the Greek revolution against the Germans, which today adorns one of the halls of the Greek Parliament. Also, the bronze statue ” Mana” (Mother), which is standing opposite to the museum and looking out over the sea, symbolizing the Greek mother awaiting her mariner son.
14 Einheimische empfehlen
Christos Kapralos Museum
In the Plakakia area, 3 km from the port of Aegina to the north on the coastal road, is the museum of Christos Capralos, one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century world-wide, and it is definitely worth visiting.
The Greek sculptor, painter and engraver, Christos Kapralos, one of the greatest representatives of modernism in Greece, was born in 1909 in Panetoliko (near Agrinio). Despite the fact that his family’s wealth did not allow it, he managed to study painting, at the School of Fine Arts in Athens, and sculpture, in Paris, thanks to the support of his sponsors.
In 1991, two years before his death, he founded the Christos and Souli Kapralos Foundation in Aegina, through which the Christos Kapralos Museum opened in 1995, two years after the death of the artist.
The Christos Kapralos Museum in Aegina hosts, in its halls and outdoor space, a significant number of works from all of the artist’s periods from 1963 to 1993, while he was working mainly on the island of Aegina.
Using a variety of materials (wood, bronze, marble, local limestone, plaster, etc.), Christos Kapralos’ work is expressed through paintings, sculptures, engravings, ceramics and terracotta creations. His work is inspired by the everyday life of people, from peace and war, but also from his relationship with his friends and relatives.
He represented Greece at the Venice Bienniale in 1962 and participated in the Sao Paulo Bienniale in 1975. Today his works are exhibited in private collections and museums in Europe and America.
One of the most important works that one can admire in this museum is the replica of the frieze “The Monument of the Pindos Battle”, inspired by the Greek revolution against the Germans, which today adorns one of the halls of the Greek Parliament. Also, the bronze statue ” Mana” (Mother), which is standing opposite to the museum and looking out over the sea, symbolizing the Greek mother awaiting her mariner son.
The Marκellοs Tower dates from the 17th century. Ιt is considered to be part of the fortifications that protected the harbor and a watchtower used by the Venetians. In 1802 the tower was renovated by the fighter, member of the parliament, Spiridon Markellos from whom it took its name. During the revolution of 1821 the Tower of Markellos hosted Greek freedom-fighters and politicians, such as G. Koundouriotis, I. Kolletis, N. Mexis, K. Favieros and many more. From 1826 onwards, it functioned as the seat of government and housed the treasury of the Greek state, while during the Kapodistrias’ administration, it hosted various ministers.
Today, the Tower of Markellos belongs to the municipality of Aegina and is one of the island's main attractions. It houses the Kapodistrian Cultural Center of the Municipality and the Spyros Alexiou Social Awareness Centre. It also hosts a variety of painting exhibitions, lectures and other cultural events, during which the tower is open to the public.
11 Einheimische empfehlen
Tower of Markellos
The Marκellοs Tower dates from the 17th century. Ιt is considered to be part of the fortifications that protected the harbor and a watchtower used by the Venetians. In 1802 the tower was renovated by the fighter, member of the parliament, Spiridon Markellos from whom it took its name. During the revolution of 1821 the Tower of Markellos hosted Greek freedom-fighters and politicians, such as G. Koundouriotis, I. Kolletis, N. Mexis, K. Favieros and many more. From 1826 onwards, it functioned as the seat of government and housed the treasury of the Greek state, while during the Kapodistrias’ administration, it hosted various ministers.
Today, the Tower of Markellos belongs to the municipality of Aegina and is one of the island's main attractions. It houses the Kapodistrian Cultural Center of the Municipality and the Spyros Alexiou Social Awareness Centre. It also hosts a variety of painting exhibitions, lectures and other cultural events, during which the tower is open to the public.
In the heart of the city of Aegina, in a beautiful neoclassical building of 1828, is housed the Historical and Folklore Museum of the island.
As Aegina has a long history, it makes sense for such a museum to be of special interest to visitors, who shall get a good taste of how the everyday life of the island’s inhabitants was two centuries ago. Once the residence of the family of Panagis Iriotis, a lecturer of literature, archeologist, folklorist and for many years Director of the Secondary School of Aegina, this particular museum was bequeathed to the Municipality of Aegina by his daughter, Polymnia Iriotou Thomakou.
Since October 2007, it hosts a rare collection of historical and traditional objects and archival documents.
On the ground floor you will admire the representation of the Aeginean “Village House” with objects of everyday life and agricultural tools and the “Fisherman’s House” with fishing tools and miniatures models of different types of caiques. The ground floor with its beautiful courtyard serves as a Cultural center, since it occasionally hosts exhibitions, theatrical performances and other cultural events.
On the 1st floor there is a faithful representation of the “Urban Aeginean House”. In the space are displayed furniture, relics, the library and the correspondence log of the Iriotis family, paintings, traditional and urban costumes and various decorative objects.
Historical and folklore exhibits, when displayed as a whole, can carry you magically to a different era making you feel the daily rhythm of the locals’ life in the past century.
10 Einheimische empfehlen
Historical & Folklore Museum of Aegina
16 Spyrou RodiIn the heart of the city of Aegina, in a beautiful neoclassical building of 1828, is housed the Historical and Folklore Museum of the island.
As Aegina has a long history, it makes sense for such a museum to be of special interest to visitors, who shall get a good taste of how the everyday life of the island’s inhabitants was two centuries ago. Once the residence of the family of Panagis Iriotis, a lecturer of literature, archeologist, folklorist and for many years Director of the Secondary School of Aegina, this particular museum was bequeathed to the Municipality of Aegina by his daughter, Polymnia Iriotou Thomakou.
Since October 2007, it hosts a rare collection of historical and traditional objects and archival documents.
On the ground floor you will admire the representation of the Aeginean “Village House” with objects of everyday life and agricultural tools and the “Fisherman’s House” with fishing tools and miniatures models of different types of caiques. The ground floor with its beautiful courtyard serves as a Cultural center, since it occasionally hosts exhibitions, theatrical performances and other cultural events.
On the 1st floor there is a faithful representation of the “Urban Aeginean House”. In the space are displayed furniture, relics, the library and the correspondence log of the Iriotis family, paintings, traditional and urban costumes and various decorative objects.
Historical and folklore exhibits, when displayed as a whole, can carry you magically to a different era making you feel the daily rhythm of the locals’ life in the past century.
A characteristic Aegina mansion which can be seen leaving Kolona in the direction of Faros and Plakakia.
Exactly opposite the mansion, steps lead us down towards a very lovely small beach with azure water.
Pyrgos Ralli Estate Apartments & Suites
A characteristic Aegina mansion which can be seen leaving Kolona in the direction of Faros and Plakakia.
Exactly opposite the mansion, steps lead us down towards a very lovely small beach with azure water.
Paleochora (translating to “Old Town” in Greek) is an abandoned medieval village and one of the most popular sites on Aegina Island. Located on a barren hillside close to the Monastery of Agios Nektarios, it is dotted with the remains of a Byzantine village and according to tradition with more than 365 churches – one for every day of the year - though this figure is not confirmed by research. Historical studies indicate the existence of around 50 churches, 38 of which have survived to date and are open to visitors. You can easily spend the day wandering the hills visiting every single one of them. The churches punctuate the rocky heights of the citadel and are linked by a network of paths. Some of the churches have been renovated and parts of their frescoes have been cleaned and reestored. The houses however have been turned into ruins and there is not much of it to see today.
The hill itself was blessed with natural springs of drinking water and small stone-lined reservoirs for its storage, known as “souvales”. The valley of Mesagros below was well-watered and fertile, providing the people living in the citadel with food. The castle at the top afforded an extensive view of the Saronic Gulf, allowing forewarnings of pirate raids. Moreover, the town was well-camouflaged due to its natural building materials, which blended with the rocky landscape.
Paleochora was Aegina’s Byzantine capital for nearly 1,000 years, from the 9th century through the medieval period and was only abandoned during the 1820s. The village was inhabited in the 9th century when Saracen Arab raids forced the inhabitants of coastal settlements to abandon their villages and seek new and fortifiable refuges inland to avoid pirate raids. Paleochora flourished until 1537 when notorious pirate Khaireddin Barbarossa destroyed and burnt everything but the churches which stand still today. Gradually, the inhabitants returned to the hill and rebuilt the town. However, they lived under the fear of the pirates and the only way to survive was to join them or leave the island. In order to give an end to piracy, Venetian Fransisco Morozini, besieged Paleochora for 8 days, took 600 inhabitants with him and left the castle completely ruined. From 1800, the residents of Paleochora began to abandon the hill in order to settle around the harbor area.
Churches
Today, on the hill there are the ruins of the castle built by the Venetians in 1654 and the 38 churches that still survive. Most of them are small, single-aisle and belong to the type of the basilica. But there are also some cross-in-square churches and others dedicated to two saints and different religious doctrines. The Metropolis during the Byzantine period was the church of Panagia Fortissa. Other remarkable churches of historical and religious interest, are the church of Stavros (Holy Cross) at the entrance of the citadel, the church of Metamorphosis with a beautiful wall painting at the altar, the church of Agios Nikolaos with its remarkable wall paintings of 1330 and the monastery of Agia Kyriaki with the church and the cells. The church of Agios Dionisios offers an amazing view of both the valley below and of the opposite hillside while the church of Agii Anargyri boasts a fabulous view to the east of Aegina’s pine forest. The icons of the churches are not all in good condition but are of exceptional art and represent the dominant art tendencies from the 13th to the 18th century.
Getting there
Paleochora, the so called "Mystras of the Saronic Gulf», is one of Aegina’s most atmospheric places to visit. It is 6.5 km east of Aegina Town, very close to the Monastery of Agios Nektarios. Buses from Aegina Town stop at the monastery, and if you want to visit Paleochora, you will need to hike a short path. Entrance is free but bring plenty of water with you, wear hiking shoes and a hat. In Paleochora, you can also visit the cell of Agios Dionisios of Zante, where he lived from 1567 and throughout the three-year duration of his archbishopric in Aegina. The cell still exists today, next to the church of Episkopi along with the touching inscription which is a token of love and worship of the locals to his person.
Παλιαχώρα Αίγινα
Paleochora (translating to “Old Town” in Greek) is an abandoned medieval village and one of the most popular sites on Aegina Island. Located on a barren hillside close to the Monastery of Agios Nektarios, it is dotted with the remains of a Byzantine village and according to tradition with more than 365 churches – one for every day of the year - though this figure is not confirmed by research. Historical studies indicate the existence of around 50 churches, 38 of which have survived to date and are open to visitors. You can easily spend the day wandering the hills visiting every single one of them. The churches punctuate the rocky heights of the citadel and are linked by a network of paths. Some of the churches have been renovated and parts of their frescoes have been cleaned and reestored. The houses however have been turned into ruins and there is not much of it to see today.
The hill itself was blessed with natural springs of drinking water and small stone-lined reservoirs for its storage, known as “souvales”. The valley of Mesagros below was well-watered and fertile, providing the people living in the citadel with food. The castle at the top afforded an extensive view of the Saronic Gulf, allowing forewarnings of pirate raids. Moreover, the town was well-camouflaged due to its natural building materials, which blended with the rocky landscape.
Paleochora was Aegina’s Byzantine capital for nearly 1,000 years, from the 9th century through the medieval period and was only abandoned during the 1820s. The village was inhabited in the 9th century when Saracen Arab raids forced the inhabitants of coastal settlements to abandon their villages and seek new and fortifiable refuges inland to avoid pirate raids. Paleochora flourished until 1537 when notorious pirate Khaireddin Barbarossa destroyed and burnt everything but the churches which stand still today. Gradually, the inhabitants returned to the hill and rebuilt the town. However, they lived under the fear of the pirates and the only way to survive was to join them or leave the island. In order to give an end to piracy, Venetian Fransisco Morozini, besieged Paleochora for 8 days, took 600 inhabitants with him and left the castle completely ruined. From 1800, the residents of Paleochora began to abandon the hill in order to settle around the harbor area.
Churches
Today, on the hill there are the ruins of the castle built by the Venetians in 1654 and the 38 churches that still survive. Most of them are small, single-aisle and belong to the type of the basilica. But there are also some cross-in-square churches and others dedicated to two saints and different religious doctrines. The Metropolis during the Byzantine period was the church of Panagia Fortissa. Other remarkable churches of historical and religious interest, are the church of Stavros (Holy Cross) at the entrance of the citadel, the church of Metamorphosis with a beautiful wall painting at the altar, the church of Agios Nikolaos with its remarkable wall paintings of 1330 and the monastery of Agia Kyriaki with the church and the cells. The church of Agios Dionisios offers an amazing view of both the valley below and of the opposite hillside while the church of Agii Anargyri boasts a fabulous view to the east of Aegina’s pine forest. The icons of the churches are not all in good condition but are of exceptional art and represent the dominant art tendencies from the 13th to the 18th century.
Getting there
Paleochora, the so called "Mystras of the Saronic Gulf», is one of Aegina’s most atmospheric places to visit. It is 6.5 km east of Aegina Town, very close to the Monastery of Agios Nektarios. Buses from Aegina Town stop at the monastery, and if you want to visit Paleochora, you will need to hike a short path. Entrance is free but bring plenty of water with you, wear hiking shoes and a hat. In Paleochora, you can also visit the cell of Agios Dionisios of Zante, where he lived from 1567 and throughout the three-year duration of his archbishopric in Aegina. The cell still exists today, next to the church of Episkopi along with the touching inscription which is a token of love and worship of the locals to his person.
Today’s Municipal Theater of Aegina originally served as an Interdisciplinary Teaching School (1828), during Kapodistrias era, and later as the Preparatory School (1829-1830), where the students would get prepared for the Central (Eynard) school. The building seems to predate the Kapodistrias era, but there is no information about the purpose it served. To visit the theater you need to follow the road towards the Cathedral of Aegina; it is found next to Eynard School. At the Municipal Theater of Aegina many interesting theatrical performances and cultural events take place.
Δημοτικό Θέατρο Αίγινας
8 Antonioy PelekanouToday’s Municipal Theater of Aegina originally served as an Interdisciplinary Teaching School (1828), during Kapodistrias era, and later as the Preparatory School (1829-1830), where the students would get prepared for the Central (Eynard) school. The building seems to predate the Kapodistrias era, but there is no information about the purpose it served. To visit the theater you need to follow the road towards the Cathedral of Aegina; it is found next to Eynard School. At the Municipal Theater of Aegina many interesting theatrical performances and cultural events take place.
The Valley of Elaiona is located south of Pahia Rahi. In Elaiona there are many churches and many ruins. The valley took its name from the old olive trees which are more than 400 years old. These olive trees are scattered and between them are the churches of Santa Kiriaki, Saint Triada and Saint George.
13 Einheimische empfehlen
Αρχαίος Ελαιώνας
The Valley of Elaiona is located south of Pahia Rahi. In Elaiona there are many churches and many ruins. The valley took its name from the old olive trees which are more than 400 years old. These olive trees are scattered and between them are the churches of Santa Kiriaki, Saint Triada and Saint George.
The internationally acclaimed Greek author Nikos Kazantzakis was one of the many artists that became enchanted by Aegina and its unique light. The island imbued him with inspiration and this is why he chose it as his residence for some years. His house, a neoclassical building built in 1936, is located in the Plakakia area, and it is within walking distance from the harbour, heading North. The house of Nikos Kazantzakis is not open to the public, but it is worth seeing it even from the outside. Just imagine that in this house, the great writer was inspired to compose some of his most important works (the Odyssey was one of them).
Οικία Νίκου Καζαντζάκη
The internationally acclaimed Greek author Nikos Kazantzakis was one of the many artists that became enchanted by Aegina and its unique light. The island imbued him with inspiration and this is why he chose it as his residence for some years. His house, a neoclassical building built in 1936, is located in the Plakakia area, and it is within walking distance from the harbour, heading North. The house of Nikos Kazantzakis is not open to the public, but it is worth seeing it even from the outside. Just imagine that in this house, the great writer was inspired to compose some of his most important works (the Odyssey was one of them).
The Ellanios Zeus Temple in Aegina is one of the most interesting archaeological finds. It is the oldest temple in Europe (predating the Trojan War by three generations) and is included in the 500 most historialc and of exceptional natural beauty places in Greece, as well as in the 24 key destinations within the region of Attica.
Located in the center of the island, on Mt. Ellanio, the highest mountain of Aegina (532 m.), at the Sfyrichtres area. You can get there by following the road to Pachia Rachi – Anitseo, 8km from the port of Aegina.
Studies show that the area was inhabited in prehistoric, Hellenistic and Byzantine times. Indeed, finds in the area include remains from the Mycenean civilization, Hellenistic buildings and the ruins of the Byzantine monastery of Agios Nikolaos (14th century).
What survives of the Temple of Zeus today is a wall from the Hellenistic period, and a wide stone staircase which leads to the level where the sanctuary had been built. At the same spot today the chapel of the Prophet Elijah/Ascension is found, made partially of the same material.
The view from the point is unique and if you have what it takes to climb above the Church of the Taxiarches and up to the church of the Prophet Elijah, you can enjoy the entire Saronic bay from one end to the other.
7 Einheimische empfehlen
Ναός Ελλανίου Διός / Temple of Zeus Hellanios
The Ellanios Zeus Temple in Aegina is one of the most interesting archaeological finds. It is the oldest temple in Europe (predating the Trojan War by three generations) and is included in the 500 most historialc and of exceptional natural beauty places in Greece, as well as in the 24 key destinations within the region of Attica.
Located in the center of the island, on Mt. Ellanio, the highest mountain of Aegina (532 m.), at the Sfyrichtres area. You can get there by following the road to Pachia Rachi – Anitseo, 8km from the port of Aegina.
Studies show that the area was inhabited in prehistoric, Hellenistic and Byzantine times. Indeed, finds in the area include remains from the Mycenean civilization, Hellenistic buildings and the ruins of the Byzantine monastery of Agios Nikolaos (14th century).
What survives of the Temple of Zeus today is a wall from the Hellenistic period, and a wide stone staircase which leads to the level where the sanctuary had been built. At the same spot today the chapel of the Prophet Elijah/Ascension is found, made partially of the same material.
The view from the point is unique and if you have what it takes to climb above the Church of the Taxiarches and up to the church of the Prophet Elijah, you can enjoy the entire Saronic bay from one end to the other.