Poros consists of two islands: Sphairia, the southern part, which is of volcanic origin, where today's city is located, and Kalaureia (meaning 'gentle breeze'), the northern and largest part. A bridge connects the two islands over a narrow isthmus.
Poros is an island with rich vegetation. It has a good road network and adequate touristic infrastructure, what makes it a popular resort for short holidays, as it is easily accessible from Athens.
The ancient town of Kalaureia was the seat of the maritime Amphictyony, which was set up in the 7th century BC and was a league of city-states (Poros, Athens, Prassiai, Aegina, Epidaurus, Hermione, Troizene, Nauplion and Orchomenos) resolving political and religious issues of its members (analogous to modern international organizations). After the dissolution of the Amphictyony, Poseidon's Temple continued to be a place of worship.
In Byzantine times, Poros and other islands were often raided by pirates.
During the Ottoman occupation Poros remained independent, helping however, neighbouring islands after the breakout of the Greek War of Independence.
The picturesque town of Poros with its beautiful neoclassical buildings is built amphitheatrically on the slopes of a hill. Its most famous landmark is a clock tower, built in 1927.
The Archaeological Museum at Korizis Square houses findings from the Sanctuary of Poseidon, from ancient Troizene, as well as from other archaeological sites nearby.
In the northern part of the island there are the remains of the Sanctuary of Poseidon, the centre of the Kalaureian amphictyony. The exact date it was built is not known, however, researchers estimate it must have been around 520 BC. The dimensions of the temple, which is of the Doric order, are 27.4 X 14.4 m. It has six columns on its short side and twelve on its long side. It was here that Demosthenes, the famous orator, poisoned himself with hemlock in 322 BC fleeing from the Macedonian Governor Antipatros.History
Interesting places