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Aegina
Greece
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 Aegina
island is located in the Saronic Island group in Greece next to the
Saronic Gulf. Sitting just 31 miles from Athens, Aegina is a very popular
summer resort, and many locals from Athens have second houses on Aegina
island. Aegina is included in the Piraeus Prefecture, and, on a larger
scale, Attica. Most of Aegina is an extinct volcano, and the fertile plains
produce wonderful qualities of grain, cotton, vines, almonds, olives, and
figs. The most abundant crop of Aegina is pistachios. The volcanic area
is located on the southern part of the island, and is mostly mountainous
and barren. The highest point is Mount Oros, which is 531 meters high.
Aeginas capital is the city of
Aegina, and sitting just opposite of the Agios Nektarios monastery is located
a hill with the ruins of the ancient abandoned city of Palaiohora, which
was Aeginas capital from the 9th to the 19th century. The remnants of
the medieval castle are atop the summit. This is where the population of
Aegina sought refuge during ancient pirate raids.
A very interesting and important
landmark on Aegina is the Virgin Chryssoleontissa monastery, located on
the road to Marathon. The monastery was built in 1600 in the style of the
fortified monasteries of Mount Athos. Inside the church there is a beautiful
carved iconostasis. You may choose to visit the quaint seaside village
of Marathon, or the small fishing port of Perdika. In Perdika you can take
a small ferry to the beautiful islets of Angistri and Moni, which offer
exquisite natural landscaping, perfect for a serene and relaxing visit. |
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