Samos – Archaeological Sites and more
By Helen Grubner. Filed in Uncategorized |
Heraion of Samos
Samos is rather a large island and without wheels, I have not tried to see it all this time but rather I have been quite happy seeing what I can around Pythagorio by walking everywhere. Yesterday morning after breakfast I left Hotel Pegasus to walk the seven kilometres to the Heraion of Samos, going the longer way there via the road. On the way I discovered two sites worth visiting -firstly, the Archaeological Site of Roman Baths – Thermai and a short distance further on, on the other side of the road, an Early Christian Cemetery.
The Heraion of Samos was one of the most important sanctuaries of ancient Greece and today it is protected as another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The first Temple of Hera, built at the beginning of the 6th Century under the supervision of the architect Roikos and the artist Theodoros, was destroyed in an earthquake. During the reign of the tyrant Polykrates, a new even greater Temple, the largest Greek Temple ever built, was started but never completed – of which, only one column still stands today.
The site of the town of Pythagorio was the site of the ancient city of Samos and because of the distance between the Temple and the City, they built a road – the Hiera Odos or Holy Road, which was decorated with many statues along the way.
My return walk to Pythagorio was a little less arduous as I took the alternate route along the beach front road, stopping at Mare Deus Beach Bar for a welcome cold drink, a swim and a rest on one of their sunbeds which are free. On my return to Pythagorio, I enjoyed a Gyros (pieces of moist and crispy roasted meat with tomato, onion, tzatziki sauce and chips, served in pita bread). Always delicious and a cheap, budget option meal, yesterday’s Gyros, together with a beer, cost only 4 Euro.
Tomorrow I leave Samos for the island of Ikaria. It will be an early start for me as I need to be in Vathi to catch the ferry “Nissos Mykonos” departing at 0900 hours which will mean a bus from Pythagorio preferably at 0720 hours or if I want to cut it fine – 0755 hours. I shall probably aim for the earlier time, even if that means I have to forgo my breakfast – pity, as it is included in my room rate and has been substantial enough to keep me going until later in the day.