The ruins of the Temple of Poseidon and the Ancient City of Kalavria are found in the northern part of Poros. The Temple it is believed that it was built in 520 BC. Its main part was of Doric style, though some of its columns were of Ionian style. It has 6 columns on its short side and 12 columns on its long side.
The Temple was a prestigeous center of Panhellenic worship. Near the Temple there was the important city of ancient Kalavria, which was the center of the important Amphictyonic League of Kalavria. This was a "cooperative" of ancient Greek cities-states in civic and religeous matters. It included Ermioni, Epidavros, Aegina, Prassies, Athens and Orhomenos.
Around the 5th century BC, the Amphictyony of Kalavria was dissolved. The Temple remained a place of worship, however its statues have been pillaged. The foot of Poseidon is the only thing that remained from his statue (which must have had a height of about 5m) and is now housed in the Archaeological Museum of Poros.
Demosthenis, the great ancient Greek orator, came to Poseidon's Temple when Philip, the King of Macedonia, chased him.
Today only a few remainings are left from the Temple and the ancient city of Kalavria. The archaeological site can be visited daily from 8:30 to 15:00hrs. Some historic information and photos are provided on the site.
For more information, please see History of Poros.
OPENING HOURS: 8:30 -15:00 - FREE ENTRANCE