Aegina, Greece | Paleochora, Aegina’s Medieval Capital for almost 1000 Years

Aegina, Greece | Paleochora, Aegina’s Medieval Capital for almost 1000 Years

Aegina, Greece | Paleochora, Aegina’s Medieval Capital for almost 1000 Years
Located on a steep hill, opposite the Monastery of Agios Nektarios, Paleochora was Aegina’s medieval capital for almost 1000 years. The Byzantine settlement of Paleochora dates from 896, when the people of Aegina moved here trying to avoid pirate raids. The city developed amphitheatrically on the slope of the hill, with small, densely built houses, and among them it is said that there were 365 churches, one for every day of the year. The Christian churches must have been there from the 5th-6th century inside the ancient city of Oie. Today, on the hill we can find the ruins of the castle, which was built by the Venetians in 1654, and the churches, from which only 38 still survive. The churches are open to visitors and some are still in good condition and many with wall paintings. The old churches and chapels are perched on the steep hill, offering the traveler spectacular views. Paleochora was the capital of the island of Aegina starting with the 9th century, when the inhabitants were forced to abandon their coastal villages and settle inland because of the frequent and disastrous attacks of the pirates, until 1826, when the pirate attacks became less frequent. The place is called the “old town” (Paleochora) and was completely abandoned. Only ruins remain from the medieval village since the inhabitants moved to the today capital of Aegina Town. Paleochora is a medieval gem, a ghost town hidden on the steep slopes of a hill. A marked path allows the visitor to hike the hill and to discover the beauty of the historic treasures preserved until now. In middle March, spring is in full swing, so we enjoyed the lush vegetation all around the pathway. The wild-orchids, forget-me-not and dozens of multicolored flowers delighted our eyes with a stunning color combination sprouted at every turn. As you climb the hill you can enjoy the legendary blue of the Mediterranean Sea. The beauty of the landscape and the charm of the old churches, dating back from 12th century, will make you wish to come back. Welcome and enjoy watching the short video Aegina, Greece | Paleochora, Aegina’s Medieval Capital for almost 1000 Years

The island of Aegina is the closest island to Athens (only 16.5 nautical miles from the Port of Piraeus). From 1827 until 1829, Aegina town was the temporary capital of the newly founded Greek state. Aegina is one of the most popular tourist destinations as it has many archaeological monuments, picturesque villages and beautiful beaches. Aegina Island offers not only beautiful sea views and the cool Mediterranean breeze but also some of Greece’s best religious sites and unique tourist attractions.

Greece is the southernmost country in Europe, located in the Balkan Peninsula at the intersection of Europe, Asia and Africa, being bordered by the waters of the Aegean Sea to the east, the Mediterranean Sea to the south and the Ionian Sea to the west. Greece is known as the birthplace of democracy, the Olympic Games and theater but is also famous for its ancient philosophers, like Plato, Pythagoras, Socrates, and Aristotle. With the longest coastline in Europe, Greece has wonderful beaches with white sand and clear turquoise water, offering the visitor a relaxing atmosphere. The country has three geographical regions: the mainland, the islands and the peninsula. The mainland has mountains, forests and lakes, the islands are more than 2,000, but only 170 are inhabited, and Peloponnese Peninsula lies at the south of the mainland.

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