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Top 10Pythagóreio and Heraion, Sámos

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Wild flowers in Pythagóreio, Sámos

Pythagóreio, named after the ancient philosopher Pythagóras, and the Sanctuary of Heraion are two treasures of Sámos. Pythagóreio, now a bustling holiday resort, was an important port in antiquity, its fortifications acting as a stronghold against invasion. Remains of the town’s citadel, along with Roman baths, the harbour and an extravagant aqueduct, Tunnel of Efpálinos, can be seen. Nearby, Heraion is a sanctuary where Hera, the Greek goddess of fertility, was cult worshipped. Its architecture is among the finest from the period.



Top 10 Features

1Tunnel of Efpálinos

Built in the 6th century by ruler Polykrates to provide his people with water, this aqueduct is an engineering marvel. It is notable as being one of the first to be excavated from both ends.

2Statue of Pythagóras

Standing on the harbourside at Pythagóreio, this 3-m- (9-ft-) tall statue celebrates the life of Pythagóras the Samian, who was born on the island in 570 BC. The town is named after him.

3Castle of Lykoúrgos Logothétis

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This castle and tower was built by a local hero, Lykoúrgos Logothétis, three years after his heroic part in the War of Independence of 1821. It is believed to stand on the site of the ancient acropolis.

4Ancient Port

Sámos was a major naval and mercantile power in the 6th century BC. Its port was once bustling with ships and merchants, through which produce, materials and grain were traded. It brought great wealth to the island.

5Ancient Harbour

Pythagóreio’s harbour is considered to be the oldest man-made maritime installation in the Mediterranean Sea. Dating from the 6th century BC, it is now silted up and can be crossed by a causeway.

6Ancient Fortification

The city walls of Pythagóreio, known as Polykrates Wall, date from the 6th century BC and surround the ancient town and its harbour. They run from the Lykoúrgos Logothétis tower to the Tunnel of Efpálinos.

7Sanctuary of Heraion

Within the grounds of this sanctuary, dedicated to Hera, are the archaeological remains of an early-Christian basilica and the Temple of Hera. There are statues on the Sacred Way path leading to the temple.

8Temple of Hera

A single column is all that remains of the temple, but evidence indicates that it was once among the largest in antiquity. The goddess Hera is said to have been born, raised and worshipped here.

9Greek and Roman Remains

A wealth of Roman remains lie around Pythagóreio, including an amphitheatre and an acropolis located in the castle grounds.

10Treasures from Pythagóreio and Heraion

Many Pythagóreio and Heraion treasures, including Koúros, a 5-m-(16-ft-) tall marble statue dedicated to Apollo and dating to 580 BC, are displayed in the museum in Vathý.


Tip: Only a few trees provide any shade at the Sanctuary of Heraion and some of the other remains around Pythagóreio, so be sure to wear a hat and carry water if visiting in the hot summer months.


Tip: When visiting the ancient site at Pythagóreio and the nearby Sanctuary of Heraion, visitors can stop for refreshments at Pythagóreio’s many tavernas and restaurants.

Pythagóras

Pythagóras was a 5th-century BC Greek philosopher, mathematician and scientist, known for his theorem of the geometry of triangles. He is also credited with Pythagórean tuning, a system whereby musical instruments are tuned to intervals on a 3:2 radio. According to legend, he was the son of Apollo. He was also the founder of an ancient religious movement, Pythagóreanism.

Visitor Information

  • Archaeological Museum of Sámos
  • Kapetán Gymnasiárchou Katevéni, Vathý
  • 22730 27469
  • open 9am–4pm Tue–Sun
  • adm €3; concessions €2