Aegina

The Island of Aegina has a long historic tradition, from ancient to contemporary times. In the ancient times Aegina had a strong fleet and Aeginian ships would enter all the most important trade ports in those times. As a result, the island gained significant economic power, which contributed to the development of art and culture. Along with the economic growth of the island, its inhabitants began to issue their own, silver coins with a characteristic image of a turtle. It is worth mentioning that for 40,000 free citizens there were 400,000 slaves.
Some of the characteristic examples of works of art and culture are the Temple of Apollo on the Hill of Colona, situated a few meters from the main port of Aegina, and the Temple of Aphea, on the Hill of Agia Marina.

In 1829, Aegina became the first capital of the free Greek State, and along with the arrival of John Capodistria, Aegina became well-organized and all the most significant political decisions of the epoch were made here. In those times, the first governmental edifices were built and they remained in the history as “Capodistria’s Buildings”. In about the same period, buildings of the most prominent architects of the epoch were mounted in Aegina and they have been preserved until today, which provides an exceptional character to the town.

Today, Aegina is a perfect place for summer holidays and weekend breaks, as it is situated only 18 nautical miles from the Port of Piraeus.