Poros is an island of the Saronic Gulf. Its ancient name was Kalaureia. It has 3,993 inhabitants, according to the census of 2011, carried out in the eponymous municipality. It is at a short distance from the coast of Peloponnese, opposite the village of Galatas. It is known, among others, for the beautiful lemon-tree grove situated on the above coast, which is a popular destination for short escapades from Athens.
In reality, these are two islands, Sfairia and Kalaureia, separated by a very small channel, right past the Navy Yard (Tutorial School). The historic clock, donated by merchant and MP, Ioannis Papadopoulos, stands high on the hill of Sfairia, at the centre of Poros, and is a landmark of the island. On the southeastern part of Kalaureia, lies the historic Monastery of Kalaureia or Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi of Poros, built in 1713.
Main Sites
The city of Poros, with its neoclassical buildings, is built amphitheatrically, on the slopes of a hill (Traditional Settlements of Greece). The archaeological museum, at Koryzis square, hosts findings from the temple of Poseidon, in ancient Troezen and the other, nearby, archaeological sites. On the northern part of the island, lie the remains of the temple of Poseidon, where the centre of the Amphictyony (league of neighbours) of Kalaureia used to be. Researchers estimate that it was built around 520 BC. The dimensions of this Doric temple are 27.4 x 14.4m. It is supported by 6 columns widthwise, and 12 columns lengthwise.
