Temple of Hera

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Temple of Hera was originally a joint temple of Hera and Zeus. It was at this temple's altar that the Olympic flame was lit and carried throughout the globe. Built in 590 BC, this temple was destroyed in an earthquake around the 4th century and now lives in its ruins. Today, the Olympic flame is still lit here and carried to all parts of the world where the Olympic Games are being held.

This Doric peripteral hexastyle temple had 16 columns at the side. The squat appearance of this temple is because of its length compared to its wide height. The stone columns can be dated back to every era, from Archaic to Roman times, showcasing the advancement of the Doric style as the former wooden columns were replaced. The temple had mud bricks in the upper part and shell-limestone in the lower part. Additionally, terracotta tiles have been used. There were only three rooms in the entire building. Zeus and Hera's statues were probably erected there, and it's also said that the Disk of Iphitos, which signalled the start of the first Olympic Games, was preserved inside the temple.