The Sanctuary of Hera at the Crossroads of the Corinthian Gulf and History
A short distance from Loutraki lies the cape of the Heraion at Perachora. Here, the most significant remains of the early Corinthian civilization of historical times have been unearthed, centred around the temple of the goddess Hera. The archaeological site extends into the depths of the natural harbour, beneath the steep cliffs where the Melagavi Lighthouse now stands.Â
Monuments and ExcavationsÂ
Upon visiting the site, you can see the temple of Hera, a Γ shaped gallery, a large water cistern, dining halls, and the ruins of a second temple. Corinthian art of the Geometric and Archaic periods would be completely unknown to us without the finds of Perachora, which were discovered by the British School at Athens, led by Humfry Payne in the 1930s.
The Cult of Hera Akraia - Limenias
Although previously believed to be two distinct sanctuaries, those of Hera Akraia and Hera Limenia, modern research suggests that it was a single, unified sanctuary. At the first level, right next to the cove, lies the archaic temple, which replaced a small, arched temple from the Geometric period. Its altar was an elongated, rectangular structure adorned with metopes and triglyphs, and to the north, the remains of steps from an ancient staircase can still be seen.
During pre-Roman times, this area constituted a vital part of Corinthian land. Today, the combination of ancient ruins and the picturesque cove offers a unique experience, as visitors can combine historical exploration with a revitalising dip in the crystal-clear waters, under the watchful gaze of the Lighthouse.Â
Monuments and ExcavationsÂ
Upon visiting the site, you can see the temple of Hera, a Γ shaped gallery, a large water cistern, dining halls, and the ruins of a second temple. Corinthian art of the Geometric and Archaic periods would be completely unknown to us without the finds of Perachora, which were discovered by the British School at Athens, led by Humfry Payne in the 1930s.
The Cult of Hera Akraia - Limenias
Although previously believed to be two distinct sanctuaries, those of Hera Akraia and Hera Limenia, modern research suggests that it was a single, unified sanctuary. At the first level, right next to the cove, lies the archaic temple, which replaced a small, arched temple from the Geometric period. Its altar was an elongated, rectangular structure adorned with metopes and triglyphs, and to the north, the remains of steps from an ancient staircase can still be seen.
During pre-Roman times, this area constituted a vital part of Corinthian land. Today, the combination of ancient ruins and the picturesque cove offers a unique experience, as visitors can combine historical exploration with a revitalising dip in the crystal-clear waters, under the watchful gaze of the Lighthouse.Â
