The ruins of the famous sanctuary of Hera are found near one of the oldest stone-built lighthouses still operating, the Cape of Heraion (also known as Melagavi), to the north-west of Loutraki and beyond the green village of Perachora.
The Heraion of Perachora consists of two sections, and for this reason, until quite recently, it was believed that they were two sanctuaries: one dedicated to Acraea Hera (i.e., on the edge of the land) and the other one dedicated to Limenia Hera (i.e., of the port). Recent excavations, however, have led the archaeologists to the conclusion that there was only one sanctuary dedicated to Acraea - Limenia Hera.
The cult seems to have began in the southern part of the sanctuary (that formerly was known as the sanctuary of Acraea Hera), during the Geometric period. 
Around 800 B.C., the first apsidal temple of Hera was built, but no trace of it has survived. In the 6^th century B.C., a new temple of Hera was constructed a little further west. The temple was in the Doric order and had a rectangular ground plan, measuring 10,30x31 metres. To the east, there was an altar, also oblong and ornamented with triglyphs. In the 4^th century B.C., eight Ionic columns were constructed around the altar; these supported a shelter which protected the priests and the sacred flame against the strong winds that often blow in the area.
To the east, in the 4^th century B.C., a two-storeyed portico was constructed in the shape of Γ, with Doric columns on the ground floor and Ionic columns on the first floor. A building which has come to light to the west of the Doric temple, has been interpreted as an agora, whose functions were both commercial and religious.
At a distance of 200 metres was excavated the second part of the sanctuary, originally identified as the sanctuary of Limenia Hera. This reading of the site, expressed by Professor H. Payne, was based on the discovery of a rectangular Archaic building which was believed to be a temple of Hera. Professor R. Tomlinson (who succeeded Payne), interpreted this building as a dining-room for pilgrims to the sanctuary. It would thus seem that the cult proper was practiced in the south part of the port, while the area around the dining-room contained the service facilities for visitors. 
Between the two parts of the sanctuary there was a sacred pool, used as a rain-water tank. This was silted up as early as the 4^th century B.C., and during excavations some 200 copper bottles (connected with the sacred rites) were found in the landfill. Not far away, came to light a water tank with apsidal short sides and a row of piers in the centre, on which the roof was supported. The building is tightly waterproofed and is an interesting example of the way in which water was collected and stored in the 4^th century B.C.