Location: 7 km (4 mi) South- west of modern Corinth Map
Tel. 27410 31207
Site/ Museum
Open: Apr- Oct: 8am- 7pm daily
Nov- Mar 8:30am- 3pm daily
Closed: Jan 1, 25 March, Good Friday, Easter, 1 May, 25, 26 Dec
Ancient City of Corinth is one of the most
important settlements in Antiquity. Although it was destroyed
several times its citizens managed to find strength to rebuild
Corinth to its former glory. Corinth is adjacent to the
Athens-Patras road, with easy access to the capital either via the
modern motorway or the Suburban Railway, which started operating in
2005.
The modern city, as it was rebuilt in the middle of the
19th century, has an excellent road plan with vertical roads that
lead to the sea. The southern part of the city, the so-called
Synoikismos or officially Ionia, has a relatively anarchic
structure, as it was formed gradually and without an organized plan
during the mass arrival of refugees that followed the Asia Minor
Catastrophe.
The patron saint is the Apostle Paul. The
homonymous metropolitan church dominates in a beautiful verdant
courtyard, in the center of the city. The central church in the
Settlement is considered to be the church of the Assumption of the
Virgin Mary.
The center, largely pedestrianized, houses most
of the shops. Noteworthy are the Courthouse and the building of the
National Bank. The main avenue - Ethnikis Antistaseos - leads to
Eleftherios Venizelos Square (known to the locals as Floisvos),
where the statue of the winged Pegasus, the symbol of the city, is
found.
Reference point is the beach "Kalamia", which had many
dining and entertainment areas and a very well organized beach.
The Corinth Archaeological Site, located in the northeastern
Peloponnese region of Greece, encompasses the ruins of Ancient
Corinth, a city that played a pivotal role in Greek, Roman, and
later histories due to its strategic position controlling the
Isthmus of Corinth. This narrow land bridge connected the
Peloponnese to mainland Greece, facilitating trade between the
Corinthian Gulf to the west and the Saronic Gulf to the east via
ports at Lechaion and Kenchreai. The site's history spans from
Neolithic times around 6500 BC to the modern era, marked by periods
of prosperity, destruction, and rebuilding. Key features include the
Temple of Apollo, the Acrocorinth acropolis, forums, theaters, and
fortifications, excavated primarily by the American School of
Classical Studies at Athens since 1896. The site reveals layers of
occupation, from prehistoric settlements to Byzantine and Ottoman
structures, highlighting Corinth's evolution as a commercial,
religious, and military hub.
Prehistoric and Mythical Origins
Evidence of human activity at Corinth dates back to the Neolithic
period around 6000–6500 BC, with pottery and settlements indicating
early habitation. During the Early Bronze Age (circa 3000–2000 BC),
the area served as a trade center, though population density
fluctuated, with sparse remains in the Middle Helladic phase. By the
Mycenaean period (circa 1600–1100 BC), coastal sites near Lechaion
facilitated trade across the Corinthian Gulf, but the main urban
center at Corinth proper emerged around 1000–900 BC with Dorian
settlers. Mythologically, the city was known as Ephyra, founded by
Corinthos (a descendant of Zeus) or the goddess Ephyra (daughter of
Oceanus). Legends attribute its kingship to Sisyphus, son of Aeolus,
who tricked gods like Zeus and was punished eternally in the
underworld. Other myths link Corinth to Jason and Medea, the Trojan
War under Agamemnon, and Bellerophon's capture of Pegasus at the
Peirene spring. The Acrocorinth, a monolithic rock rising 579
meters, served as the ancient acropolis and was mythically awarded
to Helios by Briareus in a dispute with Poseidon.
Archaic and
Classical Periods (8th–4th Centuries BC)
By the 8th century BC,
Corinth was ruled by the aristocratic Bacchiadae clan, unifying
scattered communities into a cohesive state with a population of at
least 5,000 by 730 BC. They established colonies like Corcyra
(Corfu) and Syracuse, fostering trade. In 657 BC, Cypselus overthrew
the Bacchiadae as tyrant (658–628 BC), building temples to Apollo
and Poseidon and expanding colonies to Italy, Sicily, and Egypt. His
son Periander (627–587 BC), one of the Seven Wise Men of Greece,
minted the first Corinthian coins ("colts"), attempted an Isthmus
canal (abandoning it for the Diolkos ship-hauling ramp), and peaked
Corinth's wealth through Mediterranean trade, black-figure pottery
exports, and the Isthmian Games honoring Poseidon (founded by
Sisyphus, with celery or pine wreaths as prizes). Tyranny ended in
581 BC with Periander's nephew's assassination, leading to
oligarchic rule and the Temple of Apollo's construction around
550–540 BC (Doric style, with seven standing columns today).
In
the classical era, Corinth allied with Sparta against Argos and
Athens, mediating disputes and developing the trireme warship. It
participated in the Persian Wars (480–479 BC), sending forces to
Thermopylae, Salamis, and Plataea. Rivalry with Athens escalated in
the Peloponnesian War (431–404 BC), sparked by conflicts over
Epidamnus and Corcyra; Corinth aided Syracuse against Athens in 415
BC. The Corinthian War (395–387 BC) saw Corinth ally against Sparta,
weakening the city. By the 4th century BC, it rejoined the
Peloponnesian League but fell under Macedonian influence after
Philip II's victory at Chaeronea in 338 BC, hosting the League of
Corinth.
Hellenistic Period (338–146 BC)
Under Macedonian
control (338–243 BC), Corinth was garrisoned by figures like Ptolemy
I and Demetrius Poliorcetes. In 243 BC, Aratus captured Acrocorinth
for the Achaean League, making Corinth its capital by 224 BC. The
city opposed Roman expansion, leading to the Battle of Corinth in
146 BC, where Roman consul Lucius Mummius sacked the city after its
defeat, burning structures, killing males, and enslaving women and
children. This marked the end of independent Greek Corinth, with the
site largely abandoned for a century as Roman ager publicus (public
land), though some rural habitation persisted.
Roman Period
(146 BC–AD 395)
Julius Caesar refounded Corinth in 44 BC as
Colonia Laus Iulia Corinthiensis, imposing a Roman grid plan over
Greek ruins, with a forum, basilicas, temples, and an amphitheater.
It became Achaia's capital, with a diverse population of 50,000 by
the 1st century AD. Apostle Paul visited in AD 49–50, staying 18
months, founding the church, and writing epistles (First and Second
Corinthians) amid trials under proconsul Gallio. Nero initiated a
canal in AD 67 (unfinished), and Vespasian refounded it as Colonia
Iulia Flavia Augusta Corinthiensis post-earthquake in the 70s AD.
Patrons like Herodes Atticus funded buildings in the 2nd century AD.
Earthquakes in AD 365 and 375 caused damage, followed by Alaric's
Visigothic sack in AD 395.
Byzantine, Frankish, Venetian, and
Ottoman Periods (AD 395–1832)
Rebuilt smaller under Justinian I
(AD 527–565), Corinth included the Hexamilion wall across the
Isthmus and churches. An earthquake in AD 521 and plague in AD 542
devastated it; it became the theme of Hellas' capital around AD 800,
recovering with a silk industry in the 9th–12th centuries. Sacked by
Normans in 1147, it fell to Franks after the Fourth Crusade in 1210,
becoming part of the Principality of Achaea. Byzantines recaptured
it in 1403, restoring the Hexamilion in 1415, but Ottomans conquered
in 1458, renaming it Gördüs. Venetians held it 1687–1715 during the
Morean War. Earthquakes in 1858, 1928, and 1930 damaged the area,
leading to modern Corinth's relocation 3 km northeast.
Modern
Period and Archaeological Excavations
Liberated in 1832 during
the Greek War of Independence, Corinth was briefly considered for
Greece's capital. The Corinth Canal was completed in 1893.
Excavations began in 1892 by the Greek Archaeological Society, but
systematic work started in 1896 by the American School of Classical
Studies, uncovering Neolithic to Ottoman layers. Key digs include
the Sanctuary of Demeter and Kore, Asklepieion, forums, and the
Archaeological Museum (built 1932, expanded 1951) housing artifacts
like sculptures and inscriptions. The site today includes the Temple
of Apollo, theater (capacity 15,000–18,000), agora, Roman forum,
baths, Peirene Fountain, city walls (5th century BC with long walls
added in 4th century), and Acrocorinth's fortifications
(Byzantine-era walls 3 km long).
Historical - Folklore Museum of Corinth
The Historical -
Folklore Museum of Corinth, Vassos Petropoulos - Univ. Gartagani,
was founded with the aim of finding, preserving and promoting
folklore material as well as disseminating in any way the relevant
knowledge and information to the general public. His rich
collections are placed from the beginning of the 19th century. until
the middle of the 20th c. and include women's and men's costumes
from many parts of Greece, embroidery, textiles, silversmithing,
metalwork and wood carving as well as agricultural tools and
household utensils.
Ecclesiastical Museum
The
Ecclesiastical Museum of Corinth was founded in 1971 by the
Metropolitan of Corinth Panteleimon to house icons and
ecclesiastical relics that are part of the local ecclesiastical
history. Since 2010 his collection is exhibited in the Krokideio
hall.
Municipal Art Gallery
The Municipal Gallery of
Corinth includes paintings by Sotiris Pylarinos, who donated his
collection in order to establish a gallery in his hometown. The
gallery was inaugurated on September 21, 1998 and houses both works
from the painter's studio and a number of important works by famous
artists from his personal collection. Among his works stand out the
award-winning The Prayer of the Hungry, The Rich and the Poor and
The Unknown Soldier. The gallery also hosts periodic exhibitions by
other artists.
The Corinth Archaeological Site, also known as Ancient Corinth,
is located in the village of Archaia Korinthos in the Peloponnese
region of Greece, about 90 km (56 miles) west of Athens. It's one of
the most significant ancient sites in the country, featuring ruins
like the Temple of Apollo and remnants of a Roman forum. Below, I'll
outline the main ways to reach it, assuming a starting point from
Athens (the most common origin for visitors). If you're coming from
elsewhere, such as Patras (120 km east), adjust accordingly by
highway or public transport.
By Car
This is the most
flexible option. From Athens, take the E94/A8 highway (Olympia Odos)
west toward Corinth/Patras. The drive takes about 1 hour in light
traffic.
Exit at the sign for Archaia Korinthos (Ancient
Corinth). There's free parking near the site entrance.
Toll roads
apply (around €3-5 one way from Athens). Use a GPS app like Google
Maps or Waze for real-time directions.
If renting a car, major
companies like Hertz or Avis are available at Athens International
Airport (ATH) or downtown.
By Train
Take the suburban
train (Proastiakos) from Athens (Larissa Station or Athens Airport)
to Corinth Station (Kiato line). The journey is about 1 hour and
costs €8-12.
Trains run frequently (every 1-2 hours). Book via
the Hellenic Train website or app.
From Corinth Station (also
called New Corinth Station), you'll need a short transfer to the
site:
Taxi: 10-15 minutes, about €10.
Local bus: Line 1 or
similar from the station to Archaia Korinthos village (18 minutes,
€1-3). Buses are less frequent, so confirm via KTEL Corinthia.
By Bus
Intercity buses (KTEL) depart from Athens' Kifissos
Bus Station to Corinth Bus Station (Isthmus Station). The trip takes
1-1.5 hours and costs €8-10.
Buses run every 30-60 minutes. Check
schedules on the KTEL Corinthia website.
From Corinth Bus
Station, take a taxi (10-15 minutes, €10) or a local bus to the
site.
By Guided Tour or Private Transfer
For convenience,
join a day tour from Athens, which often includes transport, a
guide, and stops at nearby sites like the Corinth Canal or
Acrocorinth. Options via platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator start
at €50-100 per person, with pickup from central Athens hotels.
Private taxi or transfer services (e.g., via Uber or Welcome
Pickups) from Athens cost €100-150 one way for up to 4 people.
Additional Tips
From Athens Airport (ATH): Direct trains or
buses to Corinth are available, adding 20-30 minutes to the journey.
Site Details: Open daily 8 AM-8 PM in summer (shorter in winter);
entry €8 (free for EU students). Wear comfortable shoes for uneven
terrain.
Public Transport Apps: Use OASA (for Athens) or Rome2Rio
for multi-modal planning.
If driving from the north (e.g.,
Patras), take the E65 highway east and exit at Archaia Korinthos.