Symbolic Mural Unveiled at Port of Aegina Island

Local authorities on Aegina recently unveiled an impressive mural at the port, designed to welcome travelers to the island of the Saronic gulf.

Titled “The treasure of Aegina” the large-scale mural was created by Greek artist Leonidas Giannakopoulos under the sponsorship of online travel guide We Love Aegina and with the support of the Municipality of Aegina and the Municipal Port Authority of Aegina.

“We hope for this exceptional project to be loved by all and operate as the ideal welcome of beauty, history and culture for children and adults,” an announcement by We Love Aegina said.

Temple of Aphaea, Aegina. Photo source: Culture Ministry

Full of symbolism, the work of Leonidas Giannakopoulos portrays the nymph “Aegina”, the most beautiful among the 20 daughters of river god Asopus. Beautiful Aegina wears the glorious Temple of Aphaia, the island’s landmark site, as a crown on her head. Her ear is adorned with a bouquet of ripe Aegina pistachios – considered the “gold fruit” of Aegina.

The colors of the surrounding landscape, blue and white, symbolize the sea but also that special time of the day, when no one can tell the difference between sunset and dawn.

The cannon on Aegina’s hair, the old warship and the Markellos Tower praise the island’s long history while the lighthouse symbolizes the island’s port that patiently awaits to give travelers a warm welcome.

Greek art historian Iris Kritikou was the project’s consultant.

Photo: Anestis Karnezos

The mural’s creator Leonidas Giannakopoulos said his aim was to design a work of art for Aegina with references to the island’s traditions and history combined with his artistic identity.

On her part, We Love Aegina Owner Elina Argyri expressed her wish for the new mural to be an addition to the beauty of Aegina.

“I hope this symbolic mural, this new work of art, will add to the beauty of our island,” she said.

Launched in 2017, the online travel guide We Love Aegina aims to highlight the true beauty of Aegina by making known the many options the island can offer as a travel destination.