Temple of Apollo in Kolona, Aegina: An island dwelling of the gods

Aegina was inhabited from as early as the Neolithic period, with the location of the island’s prehistoric settlement being identified with that of this column, which now stands alone. The hill witnessed successive phases of habitation until the 7th century BC, when it was turned into a sacred place – a home of gods, not people – and became the acropolis of Aegina.

The temple of Apollo was built at the end of the 6th century BC, long before the Parthenon, mainly made of local limestone, whereas the pediments, depicting the legendary Amazonomachies, were made of Parian marble.

During the late Archaic and early Classical period, Aegina amassed wealth and fame as a result of its maritime trading activity. The hill was named “Kolona” by Venetian sailors, who used the columns of the temple as a landmark.