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.
The Beckov castle stands on a steep 50 m tall rock in the village Beckov. The dominance of the rock and impression of invincibility it gaves, challenged our ancestors to make use of these assets. The result is a remarkable harmony between the natural setting and architecture.
The castle first mentioned in 1200 was originally owned by the King and later, at the end of the 13th century it fell in hands of Matúš Èák. Its owners alternated - at the end of the 14th century the family of Stibor of Stiborice bought it.
The next owners, the Bánffys who adapted the Gothic castle to the Renaissance residence, improved its fortifications preventing the Turks from conquering it at the end of the 16th century. When Bánffys died out, the castle was owned by several noble families. It fell in decay after fire in 1729.
The history of the castle is the subject of different legends.