This is the fourth of five short pieces about my recent visit to the Island of Samos in the Aegean Islands. Samos is only about two miles from the Turkish coast but is definitely part of Greece. The picture was taken by me and is of the UNESCO World Heritage Site called The Heraion on Samos.

The Efpalinio Orygma aqueduct is 1036 metres long and was built by Eupalinos of Megara on the orders of Polycrates, using slave labour. The tunnel was dug through solid rock by two sets of slaves starting at opposite sides of the hill and working towards each other. The whole venture was a success and the aqueduct provided the town with running water until Byzantine times.

 The most famous sight on Samos is the Heraion, on the far side of the airport coming from the Pythagorio direction. Visitors will walk along the narrow side road through groves of olive trees before reaching the entrance. After entering, a long processional way exposed to the elements can be used to gradually approach the main site. In ancient times, this processional or sacred way would have stretched right back to Pythagorio. As you walk along, there are circular sections of discarded columns and individual shaped stones, indicating there must have been small temples on both sides when the Heraion was a place of worship and pilgrimage. At one point, there are some beautifully carved figures called the Geneleos. Although headless, they have a sensuous grace and smoothness unique at this sight. All around are the foundations for a number of different buildings such as The Aphrodite Temple, The Large Altar of Hera, and The Exedra of Cicero.