Heraion of Samos
Ηραίο Σάμου
Said to be the birthplace of Hera, this was one of the largest temples in ancient Greece. Only a single column stub remains, and it is a World Heritage Site alongside Pythagoreio.
The Heraion of Samos lies by the sea about 6 km west of Pythagoreio. It was the great sanctuary of Hera, queen of the gods, and legend says she was born nearby on the banks of the Imvrasos River. The large temple, begun in the 6th century BC under the tyrant Polycrates, was more than 100 m long. Herodotus described it as the largest Greek temple he had ever seen. Today, only a half-broken column remains, along with rows of column bases, an altar and the remains of the Sacred Way. In 1992, it was inscribed as a World Heritage Site together with Pythagoreio. The site has no shade, so visit early in the morning during summer. It is often closed on Mondays, and opening hours change with the seasons.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–20:00 in summer; shorter in winter
Nearby sights
- Tunnel of Eupalinos
- Logothetis Castle
- Panagia Spiliani Monastery
- Archaeological Museum of Pythagoreio
- Pythagoreio
- Kokkari
- Samos Wine Museum
- Lemonakia Beach