Aegean Mansion

A few steps behind her Fish market of Aegina, in its port Aegina it is located hotel Aegina Mansion.

The building was built in 1700 and was much smaller than it is today. In the early 1900s It was renovated, expanded and acquired its current neoclassical style. Deep red walls, with cornerstones, doorways, and windows made of Aegean porphyry, a loggia with windows, an indoor trim and a tiled roof.

The rooms overlooking the inner courtyard give the feeling of simplicity of the island in contrast to the aristocratic rooms characterized by their beautifully painted ceilings, which largely decorate the living room and some of the rooms upstairs (1st floor).

The Aegean Mansion has one story rich in facts. When Aegina became the first capital of Greece in 1827, the Minister of Shipping, Admiral Koundouriotis, lived in the mansion.

In the next century the owner lady Barbara Bitrou (Deve) offers her hospitality in Agios Nektarios, when she was still an unknown monk in a monastery on the outskirts of Aegina.

When the Xenovia Bitrou (Deve) becomes the next owner, the Greek poet Costas Varnalis lives at home for two years. During the weekends, many of his spiritual friends visit the poet, including Nikos Kazantzakis. The inspiration from the unique island way of life leads Varnalis to write the poem "The ballad of Andrikos" starring Zenovia. Later Mikis Theodorakis writes music for the ballad:

"The boat of the hunchback Andreas had the tent unloaded,

turned to the handrail dreams were looking good.

Katerina, Zoe, Antigonaki, Zenovia

Oh what a happy life, you beat a poor heart with violence… »

In 1987 the new owner Fotis Voulgarakis, renovated the whole building and turned it into a first class traditional hotel and for ten years now it has been rented by the Mrs. Rena. Old-fashioned professional enslaves you with the first contact.

Her breakfast is something else. Homemade jams, traditional sweets from her hands, freshly baked bread while the place where breakfast is served takes you to other times. Mrs. Rena, winter-summer there, will be happy to serve you and guide you on your vacation on the island. A "noblewoman" who makes you feel like a king.