The Mineral Springs of Aegina

A discussion with architect and researcher Lydia Xynogala about the history of the Souvala baths and the 750 Mineral Springs of Greece.

Shut for over two decades the baths of Souvala, Aigina, used to heal thousands of patients each year. The last geological survey from 1983 indicates the spring of these baths was active. The spring has vanished we were told; the area has been largely built-up with tourism infrastructures.

Where is the spring? What is the future of these baths? The gathering in Souvala aimed to engage these questions in conversation with the community of Aigina. Roula Sarantou, Deputy Mayor of Aigina, and Elias Grypaios, President of the Citizens Association of Vathy, joined us. 

The bath building was opened for the first time in many years.

Lydia Xynogala gave a talk (in English and Greek) about the history of this spring and it's bathing infrastructures. Refreshments were provided.

In 1884 an analysis of the chemical properties of the waters of Souvala showed that there were two springs. Each could fill aprox 53 cubic meters of water per day. Since these springs have dissapeared, Lydia Xynogala (ALOS) with the help of James Bridle (Vessel) installed the historical volume of one of them. The outline shows the volume of a pool that could be filled in one day by the strongest spring. 

Aggeliki Stenaki, an Aigina native whose father ran the baths for forty years shared personal memories and pointed out where the spring comes out into the sea water. Friends dug the spot and indeed the spring still springs.

The conversation with the municipality will be continuted. Vessel is urging for a new study by IGME (The Greek Geological Institute), to be conducted.