Aegenia of Saronic Isles

Aegina of the Saronic Isles

Mythology relates that Aegina is named after the daughter of Asopos, who was abducted by Zeus. The god transported her to the then deserted island and fathered a son, Aiakos, who afterwards became one of the three judges of the underworld.
According to archaeological evidence, Aegina was inhabited from the Neolithic era and is considered to be the birthplace of Aristophanes.
Pausanias writes that near the harbour there were temples dedicated to Aphrodite, Apollo, Artemis, Dionysus and Asclepius.
Nothing of these remains but a single Doric column from the 6th century temple of Apollo on the small picturesque hillock, called "Kolona".
The most important archaeological site lies to the east of the island near Agia Marina, where the temple of Aphaia, a very ancient goddess once patroness of Aegina is situated. The first temple was erected in 570 B.C.and destroyed some sixty years later. The temple whose remains we see today was build on the same spot out of limestone from the vicinity. Traces of the original temple can be seen in the foundations of this Doric building.

On the same site there are also ruins of the propylon, altar and parts of the sanctuary. Aphaia, a goddess little known to the Greeks, was subsequently replaced by Athena, to encourage them during the Trojan War. Scenes from that epic conflict are depicted on the temple pediments. This is why the temple is known today as Aphaia-Athena.
Finds excavated in the area, such as sculptures, pottery and the like are on display in the Archaeological Museum of Aegina.

The fine arts and especially sculpture, blossomed on the island from earliest times and the Aeginetan workshop had an established reputation by the 6th find 5th century. The Middle Ages also left their mark on Aegina. Just 6.5 km. from the port, opposite the monastery of Agios Nektarios, there is a low hill covered with the ruins of the abandoned city of Palaiohora. This was the capital of the island from the 9th to early 19th century. Crowning the summit are the remnants of the medieval castle where the population sought refuge during pirate raids. In its heyday, Palaiohora could survive, many with memorable wall paintings.

Another interesting landmark is the monastery of the Virgin Chryssoleontissa on the road to Marathon. Dating from 1600, this monastery is built in a style reminiscent of the fortified monasteries of Mount Athos.The church possesses a splendid carved iconostasis.

Apart from antiquities, the island has much to offer in the way of sandy beaches for sun worshippers and swimming enthusiasts, along with delightful fishing villages, and a richly varied landscape.

South of the capital is the seaside village of Marathon, followed by the fishing port of Perdika (9 km.). From Perdika small boats ferry visitors to the picturesque islets of Angistri and Moni, ideal spots for enjoying nature, solitude and relaxing pursuits.

The road to the northeast of the island cuts through pistachio and olive groves to the village of Kipseli and the small basilica of St. Theodore (1282). It then proceeds to the seaside hamlet of Souvala, winding up at Agia Marina 14 km.),a village known for its long sandy beach, the biggest on Aigina; it is the most popular resort on the island.

Nowadays Aigina is famed for its pistachios and its ceramics.