 |
Samos
|
Sites
As well as being one of the greenest islands, Samos was once the wealthiest island of the Aegean, and a number of archaeological sites hint at the island’s former glory. The remains of the Ancient Capital, near the village of Pythagorion, 14 km from the capital is an important archaeological place, with the remains of the ancient city, built in the 6th Century BC, by Polycrates. Other sites equally important are:
 Hereon - Temple of Hera The ruins of the ancient Hereon Sanctuary, is located 8 km from the village of Pythagorion. A sacred way connected the temple with Pythagorion, where remains of this earlier capital are constantly being uncovered. Today there is only a column of the ancient construction, but the foundations show that it was the biggest temple of ancient Greece (55 m wide and 108 m long). It was considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It provides most of the findings now displayed in the Archaeological Museum in the capital Samos.
 The Efpalinion Tunnel constructed by the architect Efpalinos, near the village of Pythagorion. It is a water reservoir with an underground tunnel of 1036 m in length. It was part of an extensive water distribution system for the ancient city of Samos, which had a population of 150.000 people. (According to other historical sources, they were 300.000 inhabitants). It brought water to the ancient city from a source that today continues to give water to the capital. These days the Tunnel has almost been cleaned and connected with electricity supply, so as to be accessible to visitors. It can be visited.,
The Polycrateian Walls were constructed for the protection of the ancient capital, near the village of Pythagorion. It was 6.7 km long, 4.5 m wide and 5 m high, with 35 towers. Today only some parts of this wall are preserved. Also in the area remains of an ancient theatre and Roman baths can be seen.
 The Cave of Pythagoras is located in Mount Kerketeas, near the village of
Marathocambos, where the myth says that, before going exile in Italy, the mathematician hid to escape the persecution of the tyrant Polycrates. In the same place, there is also another cave, which houses a small church, the church of Sarantascaliotissa. Near the village of Pyrgos, there is the cave of Tripio Vrahos, with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.
|
|
 |

|
|
|
INFO: Use the
logo of HIBISCUS TRAVEL to go back to the
Homepage

|