What to do · Aegina
Saint Nektarios Monastery and the churches of Palaiochora
Information
- Duration
- 2 h
- Season
- All year; better in the morning
- Who it's for
- All ages; clothing that covers shoulders and knees
- With a dog
- On a lead at Palaiochora; not allowed in the monastery
What it is
About 6 km from the harbour, inland, is the monastery founded by Saint Nektarios, a bishop who died in 1920 and one of the most venerated saints of Orthodox Greece. Beside the convent a huge domed church was built, which receives pilgrims from all over the country, above all on 9 November, his feast day.
On the hill opposite is Palaiochora, the island's capital during the Middle Ages, when people lived inland for fear of pirates. The town disappeared, but dozens of whitewashed or stone chapels remain scattered over the slope, some with frescoes. A path climbs among them to the remains of the castle.
How to visit
Stop first at the monastery and then cross to Palaiochora, a few minutes by car, to climb among the chapels: an hour's walk over dry, stony ground. Bring water and closed shoes. At the monastery, shoulders and knees covered.
Tips
- Avoid 9 November unless you go for the feast It is the saint's feast day and thousands of pilgrims arrive.
- Palaiochora, first thing or at the end There is no shade on the slope.
As a familyWith teenagersWith a dog
