Concise history of Heraion

Heraion or the temple dedicated to Hera, the wife of the supreme god Zeus, or more precisely the remains of the sanctuary, lie only a few kilometres south-west of the capital near the port of Pythagorion on the bank of the river Imvrasos. Both the port and the place of sacrifice were used since the era between the 3rd and the 2nd millenium BC. The temple of Heraion itself was built in the 8th century BC, being connected with the town of Samos through a long paved road fringed by statues.

The couples of gods is said to have spent there their honeymoon and the temple was greatly respected. In the 7th century BC, it was destroyed by an earthquake but resored under the rule of the cruel Olycrates (6th century BC); yet it was not finished due to the ruler’s decease and the general decline of the country. Then it was rebuilt and damaged again and again several times.

Today’s appearance

Today you can see the remains of this monumental building, with some of the perimeter walls, an ancient column, several statues (unfortunately without their heads) and stone architectural elements being preserved.

All the excavations include explanatory notes.

The area is open for the public daily except Mondays and can be accessed for a small fee.