Temple of Apollo

Perched atop a modest hill overlooking the bustling port of Aegina town lies the revered Temple of Apollo, a historic relic that offers a glimpse into the island’s ancient past. Aptly known as Kolona, meaning “column,” this sacred site is adorned with just one solitary column, a solemn reminder of its former grandeur. Dating back to the 6th century BC, this Doric-style temple predates even the illustrious Parthenon of Athens, standing as a testament to the island’s rich architectural heritage.

While time has weathered its once majestic facade, visitors are invited to wander amidst its hallowed grounds, where echoes of antiquity still linger. Imagining the temple’s former splendor, one can envision the rows of columns that once adorned its sides and ends, their towering presence commanding reverence and awe.

Adjacent to the temple’s southern expanse, remnants of a gateway and modest rectangular structures evoke whispers of bygone rituals and ceremonies. To the north, the discovery of an ancient cemetery further enriches the site’s historical tapestry, its sacred grounds yielding treasures that now reside in distant museums.

Despite the passage of millennia, the temple’s environs remain imbued with natural beauty, with wildflowers adorning the ruins and a tranquil grove of trees offering respite from the sun’s rays. From its vantage point, the temple affords sweeping vistas of the harbor town below, a poignant reminder of the enduring connection between past and present.

As visitors traverse this hallowed ground, they are invited to contemplate the passage of time and the enduring legacy of ancient civilizations. In the quietude of the temple’s surroundings, one finds solace and reflection, paying homage to the timeless spirit of Aegina’s storied past.