Ancient Corinth

Ancient Corinth was one of the largest and most powerful city-states of ancient Greece, serving as a vital bridge between the Peloponnese and mainland Greece. Because of its unique position on the Isthmus of Corinth, it controlled two major harbors—Lechaion on the Corinthian Gulf and Kenchreai on the Saronic Gulf—making it a legendary hub for trade, wealth, and naval innovation.

Historical Summary

Occupied since the Neolithic period, Corinth rose to prominence in the 8th century BCE under the Bacchiadae clan and later the tyrant Periander, one of the Seven Sages of Greece. It was a pioneer in architecture (developing the Corinthian Order) and naval engineering (reportedly inventing the trireme).

The city had a tumultuous relationship with Rome; after leading the Achaean League against Roman expansion, it was utterly destroyed by Lucius Mummius in 146 BCE. However, it was rebuilt as a Roman colony by Julius Caesar in 44 BCE, eventually becoming the capital of the province of Achaea and a significant center for early Christianity.

Key Highlights & Landmarks

  • The Temple of Apollo: Built around 540 BCE, this is one of the oldest Doric temples in Greece. Its massive monolithic columns are a hallmark of the city’s skyline.
  • Acrocorinth: The “Upper Corinth” is a monolithic rock serving as the city’s acropolis. It is one of the most impressive natural fortifications in the world, housing ruins ranging from the Temple of Aphrodite to Frankish and Ottoman walls.
  • The Diolkos: A paved trackway that allowed ships to be hauled overland across the Isthmus of Corinth, bypassing the dangerous sail around the Peloponnese.
  • The Bema (Speaker’s Platform): A large public platform in the Roman Forum. It is famously known as the site where the Apostle Paul was brought to trial before the Roman proconsul Gallio.
  • The Fountain of Peirene: A complex natural spring system that served as the city’s primary water source. Mythology claims the winged horse Pegasus was captured here while drinking.
  • Lechaion Road: The grand, paved main thoroughfare that connected the city center directly to its western harbor, lined with shops, monuments, and public buildings.
  • The Odeum and Theater: Large-scale entertainment venues that reflect the city’s Roman-era prosperity and its commitment to the arts and public assembly.

Corinth Prefecture

The Corinthia (Corinth) prefecture serves as the gateway to the Peloponnese, offering a dramatic transition from the urban sprawl of Attica to a landscape defined by rugged mountains, fertile valleys, and two distinct coastlines. While many visitors focus solely on the archaeological site of Ancient Corinth, the rest of the region is a diverse playground of engineering marvels, premium wine routes, alpine-style lakes, and thermal springs.

The Engineering & Urban Highlights

  • The Corinth Canal: A dizzying 6.4 km-long feat of 19th-century engineering that slices through the Isthmus. You can walk the pedestrian bridge for a vertical view of the turquoise water or visit the Submersible Bridges at Isthmia and Poseidonia, which sink into the water to let ships pass.
  • Modern Corinth: The regional capital is a contemporary coastal city rebuilt after the 1928 earthquake. Highlights include the Pegasus Statue at the harbor, the wide waterfront promenade (Kalamia), and a vibrant café culture.
  • Acrocorinth: Towering 575 meters above the plains, this is the most impressive medieval fortress in the Peloponnese. It features massive walls, Byzantine churches, and a mosque, offering a 360° view that stretches from the Saronic to the Corinthian Gulf.

Natural Gems & Coastal Escapes

  • Lake Vouliagmeni (Heraion): A serene coastal lagoon connected to the sea by a narrow channel. It is surrounded by tavernas and is perfect for calm swimming. Nearby sits the Melangavi Lighthouse, one of the most photographed in Greece.
  • Heraion of Perachora: Located right at the edge of the cape near Lake Vouliagmeni, this sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Hera sits literally on the water’s edge, offering one of the most scenic sunset spots in the country.
  • Loutraki: Famous since antiquity for its natural thermal springs, this seaside town features a modern thermal spa, a famous casino, and a long pebbled beach.
  • Xylokastro: Home to the Pefkias Forest, a rare natural pine forest that runs right along the coastline, providing a unique shaded beach experience.

The Mountainous Interior & “Little Switzerland”

  • Nemea Wine Region: One of Greece’s premier wine-producing areas, famous for the Agiorgitiko grape. Beyond the Ancient Nemea stadium and Temple of Zeus, the region is dotted with high-end wineries offering tastings and tours.
  • Lake Doxa: Often called the “Swiss Alps of Greece,” this artificial lake in Feneos is surrounded by dense fir forests. The tiny chapel of Agios Fanourios sits on a thin strip of land in the center, and the 14th-century Monastery of Agios Georgios overlooks the water.
  • Trikala Korinthias: A cluster of three mountain villages (Kato, Mesaia, and Ano Trikala) on the slopes of Mt. Zireia. It is the go-to spot for stone-built guesthouses, traditional tavernas, and the Zireia Ski Center.
  • Lake Stymphalia: A wetland of high ecological value and the site of Hercules’ sixth labor (the Stymphalian birds). The Environment Museum of Stymphalia offers a modern look at how the local ecosystem and history intersect.