Ancient sites · Ireo (Heraion)

Heraion of Samos

The great seaside sanctuary of Hera, where one lone column still stands over a vast field of ruins.

Duration: 1 hourPrice: €All year round

About

At the mouth of the Imvrasos river, Hera was worshipped here from roughly 1700 BC, long before the colossal Ionic temple of the 6th century BC — the first of the giant Ionic temples. Of all its columns exactly one still stands, at about half its original height, above a wide field of altars, statue bases and the Sacred Way that ran to the ancient city. It is flat, open and quiet; come early or late, because there is no shade at all.

HistoryCouplesSoloSeniorsSunsetUnescoTempleAncient greeceHeraRuinsSeaside

Practical

Duration: 1 hour
Price: € · 6€ full, 3€ reduced. Open 08:30-15:30, closed Tuesdays. Free admission on certain national heritage days.
Season: All year round
Accessibility: Mostly flat gravel and earth paths; partly manageable with assistance, but surfaces are uneven and there is no shade.