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home > villages > Aegina Town
Aegina Town
The main town of Aegina, located on the island's northwest coast, with a population of 7,783 in 2001 (or 7,410, according to another source) does not feel at all urban, though the locals refer to it as the πόλη/ city. One can walk through most of it, and around it, in well under an hour, if not stopping to enjoy its many delights, though its lovely waterfront, neoclassical buildings,cafes and tavernas within view of the water, open fish market, and the lovely church of Panagitsa, can easily occupy the visitor for as long as time and pleasure allow. Venturing inland from the harbour, one finds oneself wandering on narrow back streets lined with shops, bakeries and markets, neoclassical houses, buildings, and churches, including significant historic sites (detailed below). Though this small island capital has its share of touristic enterprises, it is also a home to many simple, basic businesses that serve the local population, and is full of brightness and simple beauty.
Chapel of Agios Nikolaos Thalassinos
This white double-domed chapel that sits out at the end of the main boat dock, is dedicated to the patron saint of sailors, Agios Nikolaos (St. Nicholas), and was built with funds raised by the island's sailors. The white domes remind one of the Cyclades, more than the Saronic islands.
The archeological site of Kolona (Temple of Apollo)
Approaching the island of Aegina from the sea, the visitor can see (just to the north of the modern harbor city), the ancient island acropolis with its single column (κολόνα/kolona), which is all that remains of the Temple of Apollo (500 BC). Part of the ancient city lies beneath the modern one. A visit to Kolona and the National Archaeological Museum is highly recommended to visitors to Aegina. One can walk to it in less than ten minutes from the harbour. See article: Kolona.
Along the Waterfront
Local products
are sold from stalls lined up just across from the main docks, as well as from a pergola near shelters where people wait for boats (on the harbor side). Local pistachios, along with confections made from pistachios are plentiful, though sometimes prices are better if one walks around a little on the lanes that go in from the waterfront. Cafes There are many of these, just across from the docks, with tables on the newly stone-paved sidewalk outside, enclosed during the winter with sheet-plastic curtains to keep the cold out.
The Fish Market
Wonderfully atmospheric, the fish market is one of Aegina's treasures. It is located a short walk down the waterfront from the port, close to the city hall. Near it are old Greek-style kafeneia, on the end facing the waterfront, and fish tavernas (at the inner end).
City Hall (Dhimarcheio) and Kafeneia
Below the city offices are two of Aegina's oldest kafeneia. These are not cafes, but old-style kafeneia (though they do serve filter coffee and espresso), along with ouzo, raki, plates of mezedhes (appetizers). Young and old hang out here, Greek and non-Greek, the outside tables filling up on a sunny day or on a weekend, when Athenians come in droves if the weather's fair. There are some public benches and trees, and public toilets on the side of the building.
Pedestrian Street (mostly)—Irioti/Ηρειώτη This is the street one block in and parallel to the waterfront. The fish market and city hall premises back up to it, and along it are many shops, markets, one nursery, bakeries, restaurants and cafes. The north end of this street (across from the boat ticket offices), abuts on a large square, with trees and benches. The bus station (KTEL) is on the northwestern corner of this square, and the post office on the northeast corner.
Markellos Tower (Pirgos Markellou)
This fascinating structure, a short walk into the town from the waterfront on the street called Aiakou, was likely built during the 17th century, despite a local legend that it was built by a Greek revolutionary hero and member of Greek's first parliament in 1802. It did, however, house many who fought during the Greek War of Independence, as well as polititicans, and was the seat of the Greek government from 1826 till the beginning of 1828. It now belongs to a municipal organization dedicated to research on Greece's first governor, Ioannis Kapodistrias (see article). The park-like grounds in front of the tower, with its trees, stone walls and benches, offer a quiet place to sit and eat a tiropita or drink a coffee, away from the bustle of the streets.
Church of Agios Nikolaos (within the town)
Just up from the Markellos Tower, to the left, on Thomaidis street, one comes across the imposing church of Agios Nikolaos, whose bells are among those that toll the hour and can be heard all through the town. It is surrounded by a large iron fence.
The Cathedral of Aegina/ Mitropolis
Mitropolis (Metropolis), is the name given to the main cathedral in Greek cities. This beautiful church, with its three front arches, three red-tiled domes, and three aisles and three altars inside, was not only the first cathedral of the newly independent Greek state, but community seat and political center, Parliament building and school. It is located on the street named for it (Mitropoleos), and is surrounded by sizeable fenced grassy grounds, with a stone-paved walkway leading up the the church. It was here that the Governor of the new Greek nation was joyfully welcomed by the people and the new government sworn in. The campanile (bell tower) was built during Kapodistrias' two-year rule, the bell a gift from him, said to have been brought from Russia (Kapodistrias had distinguished himself as Russian ambassador prior to his role as Governor of Greece). Two external stone staircases made from the local sandstone lead up to balconies, and within the church are frescoes, a marble iconostasis, and some outstanding icons.
Eynard School
This neoclassical building with a pillared gallery, located next to the cathedral (above), was one of the first modern Greek public buildings. Funded by a philhellene Swiss banker of the same name, it was built in 1830 , and housed a college preparatory school (this until 1835), a post graduate school for teachers of the Model School (Sarasin teaching method), and later, the public library and archaeological museum.
Kyvernio (Κυβερνείο)-- Governor's Residence
If one continues up Mitropoleos street from the cathedral, the street veers to the left and becomes Kyverneio Street, named for the govern or's mansion. A two-storey stone building with a tiled roof, its first floor is reached from the ground floor via an external marble staircase. The first floor houses Aegina's Historic Archives. It was on this upper floor that Kapodistrias had his bedroom and office, the other rooms used for government assemblies and offices. The first government mint was said to have operated on the ground floor. After the government was moved to Nafplio/Nauplio, the building was used by the Bishop of Aegina, and later by Cretan refugees (during the Cretan revolution of 1866-69 and until 1873). It then fell into ruin, was restored, and successively housed schools, the Archaeological Museum, the Nazi commanding post and barracks during WWII, the High School once again (1960-70), and, in 1984, was granted to the Aegina municipality to be used as a cultural center, with subsequent housing of the Historic Archives.
Aegina Public Library of Kapodistrias This modest library is housed in a one-storey building next to Kyvernio. It was built by the occupying Germans during WWII, who were using Kyvernio as their command post. The main part of the building contains books in Greek, and computers which anyone may use free of charge. A small room beyond the main one, for which one must request the key, contains books in foreign languages(mostly English, German and French). Hours are posted on the outer gate along the street (Mitropoleos), and include six mornings a week during the school year and some evenings, with fewer hours during the summer months.
Filakes (pronounced Fee-lah-KESS)/Orphanio/Orphanage
This long, massive stone building made from blocks of the honey-colored local sandstone is located up the main road perpendicular to the waterfront on the southernmost edge of Aegina town (just past the soccer field). The building was founded upon Kapodistrias' initiative as a home and school for children orphaned during the Greek War of Independence. The funding for construction of this building was from Greeks of the Diaspora, philhellenes, and the National Fund. Schools, including handicraft classes (vocational training) were held there, and on the 3 acres of grounds were built a church, printing office, Public/National Library, the National Archaeological Museum, a military cadet school, and musical school. The building is known in present times by locals as Filakes (prison), due to its use as such by the military "junta" that ruled Greece from 1967-1974 (and earlier as well).
Folklore Museum of Aegina/Laographiko
This museum is on Spirou Rodhi Street, one block above (and parallel with) Irioti. Regular exhibits (free) are held there, and concerts are held in the beautiful courtyard behind the museum, mostly in summer, though now and then in winter as well. Some Sites on the coast to the north (Plakakia)
Kapralos Museum
If you drive up the coast from Aegina city, passing Kolona on the way, and take the coast road to the left at the first fork, you will eventually see a copper statue up above the sea, a female figure named "Mother", which was one of the many works of sculptor, Christos Kapralos (1909-1993). The museum housing many of his works is across from it. Kapralos worked in many media: painting, ceramics, poros stone, marble, wood, terracotta, plaster and copper. His works have been exhibited internationally, and he is considered one of Greece's most important contemporary sculptors.
Kazantzakis House
The simple house where internationally acclaimed Greek/Cretan author Nikos Kazantzakis spent part of his life is in the same vicinity as the Kapralos museum, just past the lighthouse, and is signposted.
Mansions (Arhondika)
In this same area (Plakakia) in the northwesternmost corner of the island, you will also pass some magnificent mansions, including the Zaimis Tower, and the Venizelos house.
Chapel of Agios Nikolaos Thalassinos
This white double-domed chapel that sits out at the end of the main boat dock, is dedicated to the patron saint of sailors, Agios Nikolaos (St. Nicholas), and was built with funds raised by the island's sailors. The white domes remind one of the Cyclades, more than the Saronic islands.
The archeological site of Kolona (Temple of Apollo)
Approaching the island of Aegina from the sea, the visitor can see (just to the north of the modern harbor city), the ancient island acropolis with its single column (κολόνα/kolona), which is all that remains of the Temple of Apollo (500 BC). Part of the ancient city lies beneath the modern one. A visit to Kolona and the National Archaeological Museum is highly recommended to visitors to Aegina. One can walk to it in less than ten minutes from the harbour. See article: Kolona.
Along the Waterfront
Local products
are sold from stalls lined up just across from the main docks, as well as from a pergola near shelters where people wait for boats (on the harbor side). Local pistachios, along with confections made from pistachios are plentiful, though sometimes prices are better if one walks around a little on the lanes that go in from the waterfront. Cafes There are many of these, just across from the docks, with tables on the newly stone-paved sidewalk outside, enclosed during the winter with sheet-plastic curtains to keep the cold out.
The Fish Market
Wonderfully atmospheric, the fish market is one of Aegina's treasures. It is located a short walk down the waterfront from the port, close to the city hall. Near it are old Greek-style kafeneia, on the end facing the waterfront, and fish tavernas (at the inner end).
City Hall (Dhimarcheio) and Kafeneia
Below the city offices are two of Aegina's oldest kafeneia. These are not cafes, but old-style kafeneia (though they do serve filter coffee and espresso), along with ouzo, raki, plates of mezedhes (appetizers). Young and old hang out here, Greek and non-Greek, the outside tables filling up on a sunny day or on a weekend, when Athenians come in droves if the weather's fair. There are some public benches and trees, and public toilets on the side of the building.
Pedestrian Street (mostly)—Irioti/Ηρειώτη This is the street one block in and parallel to the waterfront. The fish market and city hall premises back up to it, and along it are many shops, markets, one nursery, bakeries, restaurants and cafes. The north end of this street (across from the boat ticket offices), abuts on a large square, with trees and benches. The bus station (KTEL) is on the northwestern corner of this square, and the post office on the northeast corner.
Markellos Tower (Pirgos Markellou)
This fascinating structure, a short walk into the town from the waterfront on the street called Aiakou, was likely built during the 17th century, despite a local legend that it was built by a Greek revolutionary hero and member of Greek's first parliament in 1802. It did, however, house many who fought during the Greek War of Independence, as well as polititicans, and was the seat of the Greek government from 1826 till the beginning of 1828. It now belongs to a municipal organization dedicated to research on Greece's first governor, Ioannis Kapodistrias (see article). The park-like grounds in front of the tower, with its trees, stone walls and benches, offer a quiet place to sit and eat a tiropita or drink a coffee, away from the bustle of the streets.
Church of Agios Nikolaos (within the town)
Just up from the Markellos Tower, to the left, on Thomaidis street, one comes across the imposing church of Agios Nikolaos, whose bells are among those that toll the hour and can be heard all through the town. It is surrounded by a large iron fence.
The Cathedral of Aegina/ Mitropolis
Mitropolis (Metropolis), is the name given to the main cathedral in Greek cities. This beautiful church, with its three front arches, three red-tiled domes, and three aisles and three altars inside, was not only the first cathedral of the newly independent Greek state, but community seat and political center, Parliament building and school. It is located on the street named for it (Mitropoleos), and is surrounded by sizeable fenced grassy grounds, with a stone-paved walkway leading up the the church. It was here that the Governor of the new Greek nation was joyfully welcomed by the people and the new government sworn in. The campanile (bell tower) was built during Kapodistrias' two-year rule, the bell a gift from him, said to have been brought from Russia (Kapodistrias had distinguished himself as Russian ambassador prior to his role as Governor of Greece). Two external stone staircases made from the local sandstone lead up to balconies, and within the church are frescoes, a marble iconostasis, and some outstanding icons.
Eynard School
This neoclassical building with a pillared gallery, located next to the cathedral (above), was one of the first modern Greek public buildings. Funded by a philhellene Swiss banker of the same name, it was built in 1830 , and housed a college preparatory school (this until 1835), a post graduate school for teachers of the Model School (Sarasin teaching method), and later, the public library and archaeological museum.
Kyvernio (Κυβερνείο)-- Governor's Residence
If one continues up Mitropoleos street from the cathedral, the street veers to the left and becomes Kyverneio Street, named for the govern or's mansion. A two-storey stone building with a tiled roof, its first floor is reached from the ground floor via an external marble staircase. The first floor houses Aegina's Historic Archives. It was on this upper floor that Kapodistrias had his bedroom and office, the other rooms used for government assemblies and offices. The first government mint was said to have operated on the ground floor. After the government was moved to Nafplio/Nauplio, the building was used by the Bishop of Aegina, and later by Cretan refugees (during the Cretan revolution of 1866-69 and until 1873). It then fell into ruin, was restored, and successively housed schools, the Archaeological Museum, the Nazi commanding post and barracks during WWII, the High School once again (1960-70), and, in 1984, was granted to the Aegina municipality to be used as a cultural center, with subsequent housing of the Historic Archives.
Aegina Public Library of Kapodistrias This modest library is housed in a one-storey building next to Kyvernio. It was built by the occupying Germans during WWII, who were using Kyvernio as their command post. The main part of the building contains books in Greek, and computers which anyone may use free of charge. A small room beyond the main one, for which one must request the key, contains books in foreign languages(mostly English, German and French). Hours are posted on the outer gate along the street (Mitropoleos), and include six mornings a week during the school year and some evenings, with fewer hours during the summer months.
Filakes (pronounced Fee-lah-KESS)/Orphanio/Orphanage
This long, massive stone building made from blocks of the honey-colored local sandstone is located up the main road perpendicular to the waterfront on the southernmost edge of Aegina town (just past the soccer field). The building was founded upon Kapodistrias' initiative as a home and school for children orphaned during the Greek War of Independence. The funding for construction of this building was from Greeks of the Diaspora, philhellenes, and the National Fund. Schools, including handicraft classes (vocational training) were held there, and on the 3 acres of grounds were built a church, printing office, Public/National Library, the National Archaeological Museum, a military cadet school, and musical school. The building is known in present times by locals as Filakes (prison), due to its use as such by the military "junta" that ruled Greece from 1967-1974 (and earlier as well).
Folklore Museum of Aegina/Laographiko
This museum is on Spirou Rodhi Street, one block above (and parallel with) Irioti. Regular exhibits (free) are held there, and concerts are held in the beautiful courtyard behind the museum, mostly in summer, though now and then in winter as well. Some Sites on the coast to the north (Plakakia)
Kapralos Museum
If you drive up the coast from Aegina city, passing Kolona on the way, and take the coast road to the left at the first fork, you will eventually see a copper statue up above the sea, a female figure named "Mother", which was one of the many works of sculptor, Christos Kapralos (1909-1993). The museum housing many of his works is across from it. Kapralos worked in many media: painting, ceramics, poros stone, marble, wood, terracotta, plaster and copper. His works have been exhibited internationally, and he is considered one of Greece's most important contemporary sculptors.
Kazantzakis House
The simple house where internationally acclaimed Greek/Cretan author Nikos Kazantzakis spent part of his life is in the same vicinity as the Kapralos museum, just past the lighthouse, and is signposted.
Mansions (Arhondika)
In this same area (Plakakia) in the northwesternmost corner of the island, you will also pass some magnificent mansions, including the Zaimis Tower, and the Venizelos house.
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