Heraion of Samos

The sanctuary of Hera, the goddess's claimed birthplace, sits on a coastal plain about a kilometre from the village of Ireo, on the south coast of the island. In its prime in the sixth century BC the main temple was the largest in the Greek world, 108 by 55 metres in plan with 155 columns. Today exactly one stands upright — and only to half its height — but the field of fallen drums, walls, altars, and a small Roman basilica is laid out plainly enough that you can trace what was there.

The site is UNESCO-listed together with Pythagoreio. It is at its best in late afternoon when the light comes in low and the bus tours have gone. Bring water; there is no cafe within walking distance, just the sea and the airport on the far side of the runway.

things to do sight archaeology
A story
The temple was the largest in the Greek world when it was begun in the sixth century BC — Herodotus called it the greatest building made by Greek hands. It was destroyed and rebuilt many times, never finished, and over the centuries quarried for marble to build the cathedral of Samos, mosques in Anatolia, and several local houses. The last column standing today is half its original height.