The Heraion was a sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Hera, situated 8 kilometers from Argos. Built on the southern foothills of the Euboian mountain range, it included ritual sites like the Eleutherian Water for purification and the river Glykeia. Excavations revealed its connection to Mycenaean times and its importance grew from the 8th century BC, becoming a key religious and political center for Argos.
The sanctuary featured a monumental stairway leading to terraces with structures like a Doric stoa and a new temple designed by architect Eupolemos in 420 BC, housing renowned sculptures. Additional structures included an altar and a hypostyle hall, reflecting its significance in Hellenistic and Roman eras. The site remained revered by the Argives until late antiquity, reflecting its enduring importance in Greek religious life.
Kuressaare Castle from the 14th century is a symbol of Kuressaare and all of Saaremaa island. The convent building at the castle is the only surviving medieval fortified building in the Baltic States without noteworthy architectural alterations.
The construction of the stronghold was closely connected with the Estonians' fight against the German feudals. In 1227 the last Estonian county - Saaremaa surrendered to the German crusaders. A small feudal state was formed of Läänemaa and the West- Estonian islands in the years 1228-1234: it was Saare-Lääne (Oesel-Wiek) Bishopric with the territory of about 7600 sq. km. The centre of the bishopric was Haapsalu since 1265. The impact of the foreign rule on the island was not so strong and the islanders maintained some privileges. Despite the fact there were constant uprisings and rebellions, one most widely-spread in 1260.