Temple of Hera
- Distance Samos Town: 20 km
- Location: Ireon, South Samos
- Parking: yes
- Accessibility: road
- Entrance fee: yes
- Opening hours
- Telephone: +30 22730 62 811
- E-mail: efasam@culture.gr
Tickets
Itinerary 1: Regular €6 | Reduced €3
Opening hours
- Wednesday – Monday: 08:30 – 15:30
- Last entrance 15:10
- Tuesday: Closed
Samos Island is a testament to the rich tapestry of ancient Greek history, woven with myths, legends, and an intricate pantheon of gods and goddesses. Hera, the sister and wife of the king of gods Zeus, stood as the queen. She was honoured on her birth ground on Samos with a majestic Sanctuary, located just outside Ireon Village. The Heraion of Samos emerges as a symbol of architectural brilliance and religious significance. In 1992 UNESCO declared the Temple of Hera a World Cultural Heritage site.
Historical Background of the Temple of Hera
A sacred road led visitors from the Ancient City of Samos to the sanctuary. The Heraion was constructed in the plain formed by the illuviation of the river Imvrasos. According to mythological tradition, Hera was born by the riverbank, under a wicker. The cult of Hera, as a goddess of nature and fertility, was developed in the region during the Mycenaean period and continued up to the Roman Imperial Period. However, the Heraion of Samos thrived in the Archaic period, when it surpassed in magnificence and wealth all its contemporary Greek sanctuaries. Impressive buildings, temples, treasures and stoas, as well as the wealth of offerings, contributed in the monumentality of the sanctuary. Religious festivals, namely the Tonaia or Heraia, including athletic games and musical contests, took place every year to honour the Goddess.
Architectural marvel
Re-constructed during a period of flourishing cultural and artistic achievements, the final Temple of Hera on Samos Island was a product of the 6th century BCE. As Samos thrived under the rule of the tyrant Polycrates, the island became a hub of cultural and economic prosperity, providing a fertile ground for the construction of grand edifices like the Temple of Hera. This architectural gem reflected the religious fervour, artistic prowess and the mastery of ancient Greek craftsmanship. The monumental building had colossal dimensions (52,5 x 105 m.) and was the work of the architects Rhoikos and Theodoros. A total of 155 columns, belonging to four different sizes and types and adorned with intricate details, supported the grand structure. The temple served as a sacred space for rituals and ceremonies, which intertwined the mortal realm with the divine.
Decline and Restoration
As centuries passed the tides of time eroded the glory of ancient civilisations, the Temple of Hera faced the inevitable ravages of nature and human neglect. Dedicated efforts have been made to restore and preserve the Temple. Modern archaeological initiatives aim to unveil the secrets hidden within its weathered stones, breathing life back into the ancient sanctuary and allowing modern visitors a glimpse into its storied past.
Today, the site of the Temple of Hera offers visitors a glimpse into the whisper tales of devotion, myths, and the enduring spirit of Greek civilisation.
Each year, the Iraia Pythagoreia festival breathes life into the ancient ruins, reviving the spirit of celebration that once resonated within its sacred walls. This festival, dedicated to Hera, attracts locals and foreign visitors alike. It combines traditional music, dance, and theatrical performances, linking the contemporary island life with its ancient roots, bridging the gap between the past and the present.
So, come, wander through the ruins, feel the resonance of Hera’s presence, and witness the enduring legacy of a temple which foundations have stood the test of time!