The Temple of Thassa Pelagea

Thassa is an important patron goddess for Meletis and her temple in the harbor proves it. Facing the harbor and preceded by a majestic statue of the goddess of the Sea, the temple opens with two buildings in the shape of an embrace over the harbor square. Its entire exterior frieze represents the Calafeia in all its stages and as a procession of images united by waves. From this entrance you enter the main hall where an image of Thassa opens between an artificial waterfall. The waterfall creates a huge rumor throughout the room. Wave and ripple motifs dominate here, with no humanoid figures, only fish, dolphins and corals. The feeling inside is that of a sea cave, a throne for the goddess. Its other entrance, to the northeast, opens onto the large square of Korinna, decorated with an image of the mythical queen, with sculptures of tritons and dolphins and a floor covered with mosaic with marine motifs. The square is a romantic place for couples in love at any time and also a frequent area for love dramas. It is a tradition for anyone wishing to venture to the Dakra Islands to approach the fountain to ask forgiveness from the queen for the affront that ended her life. The buildings on either side of the temple serve on the upper floor as the residence of the priests and the lower floor as the market and customs buildings, where officials and priests mix their roles in permitting and price hearing.