On January 11, 1828, Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first Governor of independent Greece, made the historic decision to establish the provisional capital of the newly formed Greek state in Aegina. This strategic move highlighted his vision for organizing the Greek state and marked the beginning of a new era.

The Historical Context

Greece had just begun to emerge from the ruins of the 1821 Revolution. Major cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki were still under Ottoman rule, while the liberated regions were fragmented and faced numerous challenges.

The choice of Aegina was not accidental. As an island in the Saronic Gulf with a rich maritime tradition and proximity to both the Peloponnese and Attica, Aegina provided a safe haven away from the political and military turmoil of mainland Greece.

Kapodistrias’ Vision

Ioannis Kapodistrias, one of the most significant Greek statesmen of the 19th century, chose Aegina as the starting point for his ambitious state-building efforts. In Aegina, he established government offices, public services, and the first mint, where the phoenix, the first currency of independent Greece, was minted.

At the same time, Kapodistrias prioritized education by founding schools and organizing the first modern educational system. He also supported the development of commerce and agriculture, laying the groundwork for a sustainable and functional state.

The Importance of Aegina

The choice of Aegina also carried symbolic weight. The island was connected to ancient Greek history, as it was one of the first city-states to develop commercial and naval power. This link to the glorious past reinforced Kapodistrias’ message of renewal and national unity.

However, the choice of Aegina was not without challenges. The lack of infrastructure and limited resources posed obstacles to its function as the capital. Nevertheless, Kapodistrias’ foresight enabled the island to serve as a launching point for the country’s gradual development.

The Transfer of the Capital

The capital remained in Aegina for just two years, as the government headquarters were moved to Nafplio in 1830. Despite its brief tenure, this period was pivotal in establishing the foundations of Greek governance. Aegina became the cradle of the new Greece, where the foundations of a modern state were laid under the guidance of a leader with vision and determination.

Kapodistrias’ decision to choose Aegina as the first capital remains a significant chapter in the history of modern Greece. The event underscores his ability to make strategic decisions and utilize limited resources effectively.

Today, Aegina honors its short but significant period as the capital with museums and monuments that keep the memory of this era alive. Kapodistrias, with his commitment to progress and justice, remains a symbolic figure in Greek history, leaving behind a vision that continues to inspire.