Picturesque landscapes, beautiful beaches, rich centuries-old history and a lot of interesting sights beautiful Greek island of Aegina annually attract many tourists from all over the world.

One of the most popular tourist destinations of the island are the ruins of the abandoned city of Palaiochora (which means "old town"). It is located about 7 km east of the capital of the island of the same name on a beautiful hillside.

In the Middle Ages the constant raids of pirates and other invaders forced the inhabitants to abandon the island coastal settlements and go inland. So far from the shore at the end of the 9th century and was founded Paleochora, which until the early 19th century, is the administrative center of the island. However, the remoteness of settlements from the coast could not fully ensure the protection of local residents. Throughout its thousand-year history of Paleochora it is constantly exposed to attacks and looting, as well as repeatedly changed their masters. Here alternately dominated by the Byzantines, Franks, Venetians and Turks. By the 19th centenary of the people began to massively move closer to the sea (in particular, and in the modern capital of the island - Aegina). Eventually Paleochora completely empty and gradually turned into ruins.

According to local legend, there were 365 temples Paleochora (although this information is not reliable evidence). However, they did have a lot, and even today among the destroyed residential buildings can be seen about 40 churches and chapels. Some of them, unfortunately, are in very poor condition and require urgent restoration. In certain churches, and today you can admire the magnificent frescoes, which date back to 13-18 centuries.

Among the most well-preserved temples of particular interest are the church of the Holy Cross at the entrance to Paleochora, the church of Panagia Fortissy (formerly known as the Basilica of St. George) on the central square of the city, the Cathedral of Agia Dionysius - domed basilica, built in the rocks, and the monastery of Agia Kyriaki. It should also explore the church of St. John the Evangelist with a blue bell tower, the church of Agia Dimitri chapel of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Church of the Transfiguration, etc. Among the important historical monuments Paleochora worth noting and the ruins of the fortress built by the Venetians on top of a hill in the middle of the 17th century.