Historic Monuments on Samos Island

In antiquity Samos was quite a large naval power and one of the most important centres of commerce in the Aegean – known for its wine and ceramics – trading both within Greece as well as with the peoples of the Mediterranean. 

It is the birthplace of many major figures of antiquity, namely, the philosopher, mathematician and music theorist Pythagoras, the philosopher Epicurus, the astronomer and mathematician Aristarchus, the tyrant Polycrates, during whose tyranny Samos reached the pinnacle of its cultural growth and fame. The greatest works on the island are dated to his reign.

The Temple of Hera

According to Greek mythology, the goddess Hera was born on Samos. Ruins of her temple have been preserved to this day near the southern coast of the island. The Heraion was established as a holy place in the geometric period and remained in use until Roman times.

The temple was an Ionic dipterous edifice with 115 gigantic columns, of which a single column stands at about half its original height. At the time of Polycrates the temple took on its final and most majestic form, with rich wall décor and a frieze featuring sphinxes and various animals. Herodotus considered the Temple of Hera ‘the greatest and most imposing temple in Greece’. UNESCO included the temple and the broader archaeological site of Pythagoreion among the world’s cultural heritage monuments.

The Sanctum was connected politically and administratively with the ancient city of Samos (present-day Pythagoreion). The city was connected to the Sanctum via Iera Odos (the Holy Road), segments of which survive to this day. Great votive items have been found along the Iera Odos and are now housed at Samos Archaeological Museum, the most important being the Geneleos’ Statue Complex, and the colossal Kouros. 

This unique work of archaic plastic art was found during the excavation search of the Iera Odos Area to the east of the Heraion. It was one of 5 - 6 colossal kouros statues that adorned the northern side of the Road.

The Tunnel of Eupalinos

The Tunnel of Eupalinos is one of the greatest technical achievements of the 6th century BC and it is considered by many to be the 8th wonder of antiquity. The precision of the construct is tangible proof of the high architectural achievement of Greek engineers of the time. 

The “double-edged trench”, as it was called by ancient historian Herodotus, was constructed during the tyranny of Polycrates in order to supply the ancient capital of Samos with water. The work was constructed by the architect Eupalinos around 550 BC and was used until the Late Roman period.

Polycrates Walls

Polycrates walls, 6430 metres long, protected the ancient city of Samos and enclosed an area of 1.2 km^2. Very few segments have been preserved, which are still impressive to visitors.

The Ancient Quarries of Agiades

To the south of the village of Mytilinioi, on Koutsodontis Hill, at a distance of 1000-1500m, a system of 45 tunnels was developed, which were entrances to the Ancient Quarries -Mines. They lie at an altitude of 141m and are supported by pillars, carved by hand, testimony to the accurate study, array and careful construction of each one, so as to soundly support the mountainous mass above them. One of these tunnels leads to the interior of the hill, where speleologists have recorded 8 mining levels, with the total depth of the quarry reaching 70m. This is where materials were mined from to be used for the erection of the great temple of Hera and other buildings of the ancient city of Samos.

The Archaeological Site of Thermes

To the west of Pythagoreion and within the area of ancient Samos’ sport facilities, lie the ruins of Thermes, also known as the Roman Baths, which were built in the second half of the 2nd century AD. In this area, there were the changing rooms for bathers, the areas for cold baths, the octagonal pool and the chambers for warm baths, as well as a domed room used as a sauna.

In the 5th century, this room was used as a baptistery and incorporated into the three-aisled Palaeo-Christian basilica, in the northern part of Thermes.

Thermes were a single, well-organised location, which included the athletic facilities of the ancient city, namely, a gymnasium, a stadium and a palaestra (wrestling ring). The stadium was 190-200m long and 40-50m wide and was one of the largest stadiums in ancient Greece.

Monasteries - Churches

In Byzantine times, Samos’ social and economic life was tied down and the only spiritual expression was Christian religious worship. A large number of monasteries were built and towers appeared to protect the island’s population from raids by pirates and enemies. We should mention, characteristically, Sarakini Tower, which was built in 1577 and the Tower of Lykourgos of modern times (1824).

On Mount Rabaidoni stands the Convent of Zoodochos Pigi, built in 1756. Inside it there is an intricate wood carved iconostasis, pillars from the ancient sanctum of Miletus, an elaborately carved wooden throne and beautiful murals. In the lush valley of Vlamari there is the Monastery of Agia Zoni, built in 1695. Inside it frescoes from the 17th century are preserved as well as a noteworthy library with patriarchal documents and valuable utensils. Near the Mavratzaioi community stands the Monastery of Timios Stavros, built in 1592-1604.

A gilt carved wooden pulpit and an impressive throne, created in the 19th century, are preserved inside the church. The Monastery has a noteworthy library with old books, letters and important manuscripts. Southeast of the Koumaradaioi community stands the Monastery of Megali Panagia. The frescoes of the church date back to the 16th century, while the pulpit, the impressive throne and the iconostasis are all made of gilt carved wood, created in the 18th century. The Monastery of Panagia Vrontiani was built in 1566. In its church, a majestic domed single-aisle basilica, a gilt carved wooden temple depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, an imposing carved wooden throne from the 18th century and a small sample of noteworthy frescos are preserved. The Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi of Kakoperatos lies in a lush ravine near Saitania.

The natural scenery that surrounds it is enchanting and it is well worth one’s time to follow the path leading to the well-known cave of Kakoperatos, where the monks have built a chapel. To the south of the monastery, near the Gulf of Panaretos stands the chapel of Ai Giannis (St. John). The chapel of the Monastery of Panagia Speliani is built inside a cave in a lush green area, very close to Pythagoreion. The cave was part of a place of worship since antiquity and specialists support that Pythagoras had a school of philosophy at the site where the monastery was built.

The Monastery of Agia Trias was built in 1824 and it is the most recently built monastery on the island. It is located near Mytilinaioi community. The Monastery of Profitis Elias is built in the northwest of Samos. The church is a domed, single-aisled basilica and inside it there are noteworthy 18th century icons. In the Katholikon (main church of the Monastery), the marble floor is impressive and intricately decorated with an omphalion at its centre and depictions of Adam and Eve.

At the foot of Mt. Kerki stands Panagia Sarandaskaliotissa (40 steps Virgin), built at the mouth of a cave. There is a small 11th century church, where important frescos are preserved. Panagia Sarandaskaliotissa is built in a cave, known as Pythagoras’ Cave. It is said that this is where the ancient Greek mathematician had found refuge when chased by the tyrant Polycrates.

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