The Ancient Sites of Vatera
In Ancient times, the Vatera area was an ideal base for armies in both defense and attack, in fact Vatera was a base during the Trojan period and farmers can still plough their fields and unearth helmets and remnants from that period today. There are also some wonderful local archaeological remains in the surrounding area which can still be seen today, including a well which the locals call "Achilopigado", meaning the well of Achilles.
The remains of the Achilopigado (The well of Achilles)
A short walk around Vatera and you will happen upon many interesting and ancient features of the area such as the remains of the Achilopigado aqueduct. According to Trojan legend king Achilles supplied his army with water from the well. Just outside the village lies Paliopyrgo, a square fortress built in 1355 BC. Local Legend says that there is an underground passage which leads from the fort to the village of Vatera and St. Focas. A few archaeological remains from the Temple of Dionysos are still visible at the side of the church. It is alleged that some of the marbles of the Temple were used to build the church of Agios Focas.
The remains of the Paliopyrgo
