Palaeochora was established in the 9th century to provide defensive cover against Saracen pirate incursions.
The settlement was finally abandoned in 1827 following the Greek War of Independence.
Only about 30 churches remain out of an original total of 365 traditionally cited by local folklore.
Many of the churches were built using spolia—reused architectural elements—from ancient temples on the island.
The interior of the church of Agios Georgios Katholikos features remnants of 14th-century frescoes.
The site is built on a series of man-made stone terraces that once supported residential houses.
The location was chosen specifically for its low visibility from the sea to prevent detection by raiding vessels.
Palaeochora, known as the 'Mystras of Aegina,' served as the island's capital from the 9th to the 19th century to escape pirate raids. Located on a steep hill inland, the site contains the remnants of approximately 30 small Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches, many featuring original wall frescoes. Residents abandoned the settlement in the early 1800s as the threat of piracy subsided and the population moved back to the current port town. The site is a protected archaeological zone characterized by stone ruins overgrown with vegetation, including wild almond and pine trees. While most secular buildings have collapsed, the churches remain the primary focal points of the site, scattered across the terraced landscape. The site is managed by the Ministry of Culture and provides panoramic views over the Saronic Gulf.
The highest point of the hill, where you can capture the contrast between the stone church ruins and the blue expanse of the Saronic Gulf.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction, as the paths are uneven, steep, and covered in loose gravel.
Bring your own water, as there are no facilities or vendors within the archaeological site.
Download an offline map, as cell reception can be spotty among the hills and ruins.
Do not attempt to climb or sit on the remaining walls of the ruins, as they are fragile and structurally unstable.
Open daily, but can be inaccessible during extreme weather warnings or high fire-risk days.
Maintain respectful behavior within the churches; do not touch or attempt to clean the remaining frescoes; pack out all trash.
