Ancient ruins and archaeological sites dot this historic Greek city, known for its strategic location on the Isthmus of Corinth and its role in early Christianity.
Corinth, situated on the narrow isthmus connecting mainland Greece to the Peloponnese, is steeped in ancient history and home to impressive modern engineering. In Corinth, you'll walk among the ruins of a 6th-century BCE temple, climb a fortress with over 2,000 years of history, and see a canal that took two millennia to become reality. The modern city serves as a convenient base for visiting these sites and venturing into the wider Peloponnese region.
Ancient Corinth Archaeological Site
The ruins of Ancient Corinth lie about 7 km southwest of the modern city. This site contains remains from the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods. You'll see the Temple of Apollo, with its striking Doric columns dating to the 6th century BCE. The site also includes the Roman agora, fountains, and the bema where the Apostle Paul is said to have preached. The on-site museum houses artifacts uncovered during excavations. You'll need 2-3 hours to fully explore the ruins and museum.
Acrocorinth Fortress
The Acrocorinth fortress sits atop a steep 575-meter hill overlooking Ancient Corinth and the surrounding region. This citadel was continuously occupied from ancient times through the early 19th century. As you climb to the top, you'll pass through multiple gates and see remains of structures from different historical periods - ancient Greek temples, Byzantine churches, and Ottoman mosques. From the summit, you can see across the Corinthian Gulf and much of the Peloponnese. The hike up and exploration of the fortress typically takes at least 2 hours.
Corinth Canal
The Corinth Canal cuts through the narrow isthmus, connecting the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. The canal is 6.4 km long, 24 meters wide, and has steep limestone walls rising 90 meters above the water. Workers completed it in 1893, fulfilling an idea first proposed by ancient rulers over 2000 years earlier. You can view the canal from bridges at either end or take a boat tour through it. For a unique perspective, visit the old bridge near Isthmia where you can walk out over the canal.
Modern Corinth
An earthquake in 1858 led to the construction of the modern city of Corinth. It now functions mainly as a transportation hub and base for visiting nearby archaeological sites. Walk along the waterfront promenade lined with cafes and tavernas. In the main square, you'll find a statue of winged Pegasus. The Archaeological Museum of Corinth displays artifacts from excavations in the region, including ancient pottery.
Getting There
Corinth is located about 80 km west of Athens. By car, you can reach it in about 1 hour via the A8 highway. Regular buses and trains also connect Athens to Corinth, with the trip taking 1-1.5 hours. To visit the archaeological sites, take local buses or a taxi from the modern city center. A rental car gives you the most flexibility for exploring the area.
Nearby Sites
The Peloponnese region surrounding Corinth contains many other significant archaeological sites. Visit the ancient theater at Epidaurus, known for its acoustics. See the ruins of Mycenae, legendary home of Agamemnon. Or spend time in the coastal town of Nafplio, with its Venetian fortress and historic old town. You can reach all of these within 1-2 hours' drive from Corinth.
