CHURCHES & MONASTERIES OF AEGINA

RELIGIOUS TOURISM

Aegina island is home to a fine collection of monasteries and churches that reflect the ancient history of the island with many myths about the saints. Religious festivals are organized throughout the year, but the most important takes place on the feast day of Agios Nektarios, on November 9th.

The Holy Trinity Monastery of Agios Nektarios stands on a hill, in the medieval village of Paleochora 6 km from the main town. It was named after its founder, the monk Nektarios who lived in the monastery until his death in 1920. As for today, the active female monastery is visited by thousands of faithful every year and includes many chapels and buildings. http://www.saint-nectarios-of-aegina-monastery.gr/

Panagia Crysoleontissa Orthodox Monastery at Aeginais a beautiful convent sitting on the hills of Aegina. Away from the crowds, surrounding by strong walls, the whole complex looks like a fortress. It was actually built on the 17th century by two monks and consists of cells, many rooms, a beautiful courtyard in the middle of which stands a Byzantine church. Today it is accessible by a footpath that begins from Agios Nektarios. It is worth visiting for its breathtaking mountain setting and the incredible handmade old wooden screen. http://www.imhydra.gr/INaoiMone/MonXrisoleontissa.htm

At a 15 minutes walk from the Aphaea Temple in Agia Marina you can reach the quiet women Monastery of St. Minas.

A significant religious monument in Aegina is the known Omorfi Ekklisia (beautiful church) a small 13th century chapel dedicated to Agioi Theodoroi. It is located close to the town and houses superb frescoes. It coexists harmonically with the enchanting environment and is kept locked most of the days. In the area of Ancient Aphaia, on a salient location, amidst the pine tree forest visitors will see the female monastery of Agios Minas. It is a shelter for many faithful who seek for personal spirituality and peace. The beautifully built church of Agios Nikolaos, the Mitropolis of Aegina can be seen from the port along with some other whitewashed chapels that stand on the seafront promenade.