Tower of Markellos, Saronic Gulf Islands Travel Guide

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Explore the Tower of Markellos in Aegina, a historic Venetian watchtower turned Greek government seat, now a cultural center hosting art and events.

The Tower of Markellos, a striking pink edifice in Aegina town, began as a Venetian watchtower in the 17th century. It gained historical significance during the Greek War of Independence when it was renovated by Spiridon Markellos and hosted prominent figures. It later served as the seat of the first Greek government.

A brief summary to Tower of Markellos

Aegina, 180 10, GR
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tower of Markellos.

Check for scheduled events or exhibitions at the Kapodistrian Cultural Center to visit the tower's interior.
Take a stroll around the tower to admire its Venetian architecture and capture photos of the pink facade.
Combine your visit with a walk along Aegina Town's waterfront and explore nearby shops and cafes.

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Getting There

Walking

From Aegina Port, walk along the main street, Vasileos Georgiou, towards Plateia Korai. Continue onto 28is Oktovriou street; the Tower of Markellos will be on your left, a few streets away from the promenade. The walk is approximately 1.1km and should take about 15 minutes.
Public Transport

From Aegina Port (Ethnegersias Square), take one of the KTEL buses. The bus routes connect Aegina Town with other key locations on the island. Check the bus schedule at the station for the most up-to-date times, as they can be infrequent. A ticket costs between €1.80 and €2.
Taxi

Taxis are available at the port. A taxi ride to the Tower of Markellos from the port is a short trip within Aegina Town. Expect to pay between €7 and €17 for routes within the city. Ensure the driver accepts cards if you prefer to pay that way.

Discover more about Tower of Markellos

The Tower of Markellos is a landmark in Aegina, showcasing Venetian architecture and a rich history. Built in the late 17th century by the Venetians as a watchtower to protect the harbor, it was part of broader fortifications against potential Turkish sieges. The tower's strategic location behind the harbor made it a crucial observation point.In 1802, the tower was renovated by Spiridon Markellos, a revolutionary leader, who gave it its name. Markellos, a proponent of Greek independence, allowed the tower to be used by politicians and military leaders during the Greek War of Independence. The tower played a pivotal role in the political developments of the time.After Greece gained independence and Aegina became the first capital, the Tower of Markellos served as the headquarters of the temporary government from 1826 to 1828 and housed the State Treasury. Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first governor of Greece, also resided there from 1828 to 1829. Today, the tower houses the Kapodistrian Cultural Center and the Spyros Alexiou Social Awareness Centre. It is open to the public during cultural events and art exhibitions.

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