Palaiochora, abandoned medieval village on the island of Aegina, Greece

Palaiochora is an abandoned medieval settlement on the slopes of a hill about seven kilometres inland from Aegina town, above the monastery of Agios Nektarios. Its houses and churches were built on the eastern, southern and western sides, while the northern side was left empty so the settlement could not be seen from the sea. On the 355-metre summit stand the remains of a castle, with wall remnants up to 1.8 metres high, parts of three staircases and the ruins of other buildings. Two main streets lead up to the castle, and 38 Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches survive, many with wall paintings.

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.

Local tradition claims Palaiochora once had a church for every day of the year, alongside some 800 houses; archaeology has not confirmed this, and 35 churches survive today (sources give 33 to 38). The hill is also identified with ancient Oie, mentioned by Herodotus and Pausanias, where wooden xoana of Auxesia and Damia were kept.