Images in this gallery are from the remarkably unspoiled and historic Greek island of Aegina, which is 35 minutes from the port of Piraeus and part of the popular archipelago known as the Saronic Gulf Islands.
In the 7th and 6th centuries BC, Aegina was a mighty maritime state that rivalled Athens in power and prestige. Aegina minted the first ancient Greek coins (marked with a tortoise) and traded and established colonies throughout the Mediterranean, but was eventually...
more »Images in this gallery are from the remarkably unspoiled and historic Greek island of Aegina, which is 35 minutes from the port of Piraeus and part of the popular archipelago known as the Saronic Gulf Islands.
In the 7th and 6th centuries BC, Aegina was a mighty maritime state that rivalled Athens in power and prestige. Aegina minted the first ancient Greek coins (marked with a tortoise) and traded and established colonies throughout the Mediterranean, but was eventually eclipsed and conquered by the imperial ambitions of Athens in the 5th century BC.
Between 1826 and 1828, Aegina town became the first capital of the New Greek state after winning independence and the new government of Greece was set-up here.
In modern times, vessels dock on its western side at Aegina Town, a picturesque harbour town, overflowing with colourful fishing and coastal boats and a lively waterfront lined with neoclassical buildings, taverns, churches and numerous stands selling Aegina's famous pistachios, considered the tastiest in the world.
The Island's western side, where Aegina town lies, is rather fertile and blessed with fields of grapes, olives and the treasured pistachio trees. The eastern side of Aegina is rugged and sparsely inhabited, except for Ayia Marina, which boasts great beaches and wild nightlife.
Also on eastern side, in a Pine scented setting atop a crested hill, stands the impressive Greek Temple of Aphaia. Dating from 490 BC, the perfectly proportioned Temple is dedicated to Aphaia, a local goddess that little is known of. The perfectly proportioned Doric Temple has twenty-five of the original 32 monolithic limestone columns still standing , and is considered one of the best-preserved ancient temples in the whole of the ancient Greek world.
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