Palaiochora, abandoned medieval village on the island of Aegina, Greece
Palaiochora is an abandoned settlement perched on a hilltop near the northern coast of Aegina, with ruins showing old stone walls, narrow streets, and over thirty small churches spread across the site. The buildings stand close together on the roughly 280 foot (85 meter) high slope, offering views of the surrounding sea from the summit.
The settlement was founded around 896 CE as a fortified defensive location against pirate raids. Over the centuries, control passed between Venetian, Ottoman, and other rulers, and eventually residents abandoned the hilltop to settle closer to the harbor in what became modern Aegina town.
Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water before exploring, as the paths involve uneven terrain and stone steps. Allow time for the climb and visit during cooler hours of the day, as there is little shade at the site.
Despite being abandoned, dozens of small churches and chapels still stand upright, many bearing stone crosses and religious carvings from centuries past. This concentration of church buildings in a single deserted settlement is striking and reveals how central religious life was to former residents.
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