At a glance
The History
Millions of years ago, the Gulf of Corinth consisted of a salty Lake which, after several geological changes, merged with the sea at the narrow point of Rio-Antirio. About the same time, the northern coast of Peloponnese emerged from the depths of the Gulf of Corinth. Today’s beautiful plains have been created after geological changes and deteriorations of the ground and the mountains. The development of flora and fauna allowed the settlement of the first people.
There are many myths around the name of Egialia. Some people believe that the name was given after the earthquakes that happened around this area (aiso= quaking, moving intensively). Other people believe it took its name after Poseidon (the god of the sea and waves), who was worshipped on the coast. Poseidon used to quake the coasts and cause big waves.
Another theory supports that Zeus fell in love with Fthia from Aigio and seduced her by transforming himself into a pigeon. The most prevalent myth around the name of Egialia is that the son of the King of Argos, Inachus the Aigialeus, created the kingdom of Egialia.
According to the German Ernst Curtius (1852), the medieval name of Aigio was “Vostitsa”, meaning “garden city”. Nowadays, the citizen of Aigio is called “Aigiotis”. The citizens of the wider area of Egialia are called “Aigialeis”.
The “Secret Meeting of Vostitsa” has been a major point of interest during our National History. The Secret Meeting has been recorded by all the historical sources as a starting point for the Greek Revolution.
The Municipality of Egialia has remarkable sites that host cultural activities that contribute decisively to cultural and social life.
What flavor does Egialia have? It would be intense and refreshing, such as its famous lemon peppers and citrus fruits ripening in beautiful orchards.