Sámos - Héraion

Eight km/5mi west of Pythagórion (19km/12mi from Sámos town) is the Heraion, the sanctuary of the goddess Hera. Here, according to an ancient legend, at the mouth of the river Imbrasos the Ionian settlers led by Prokles found a wooden image caught in the branches of a willow tree. Recognizing it as a cult image of Hera, they set up an altar beside the tree.

Along the processional way between the town of Sámos and the Heraion stood a variety of votive statues, including the group by Geneleos to be seen in the museum in Sámos town. Its place is now taken by a replica.