Ancient Corinth (Greece): photos and reviews.  A story about an independent trip to Greece: a report on a trip to Corinth What is the name of the ancient city of Corinth now?

Ancient Corinth (Αρχαία Κόρινθος)

Ancient Corinth was an important city-state of the ancient Peloponnese and one of the richest cities of the ancient world. It controlled the Isthmian isthmus connecting the Hellas mainland with the Peloponnese peninsula and was a major trading hub of the ancient world.

Ancient Corinth has been inhabited since the Neolithic era (5000-3000 BC).

Periander (Περίανδρος)
In the middle of the 7th century. BC, tyranny was established in Ancient Corinth, which lasted 70 years. The first tyrant of Corinth was Cypselus (Κύψελο), after thirty years of rule, power passed to his son Periander, he was recognized as one of the seven sages of the archaic period.

During the reign of Periander, ancient Corinth rose economically and culturally. The tyrant not only had a sharp mind, he was a great connoisseur of art. At this time, famous artists and poets came to Corinth, a new architectural order was created, called Corinthian with the most complex and magnificent design of the capital, the cult of Deonysus acquired state status.

Periander carried out land reforms, founded several colonies, and Corinthian coins appeared for the first time. At this time, the breakthrough of the Corinth Canal begins, but unsuccessfully, due to an engineering decision made to flood large areas with water. Soon a portage was invented across the Isthmus of Corinth - ships were transported on carts on rails across the canal. This helped ancient Corinth to become even richer and Periander abolished taxes in Corinth itself.

At the same time, Periander had the reputation of a very cruel person. In anger, he killed his wife and expelled his son from the house, who did not forgive him for killing his mother. He brutally suppressed the uprising in Kerkyra and installed his second son as ruler. Only after the death of Periander did the island of Corfu regain its independence. The tyrant died at the age of 80, during his reign, he was guarded by 200 bodyguards.

Ancient Corinth was famous in ancient world temple of prostitutes, it was located in the temple of Aphrodite. 1000 hetaeras served wealthy merchants, influential government officials and travelers for big money. Corinth was sometimes called the city of commercial love.

During the Persian Wars, Ancient Corinth was one of the leading forces of the Greek coalition against the Persians: Corinthian warriors actively participated in the Battle of Plataea and the Battle of Salamis with 40 ships.

In subsequent years, Corinth begins to compete with Athens, and relations between the two major policies begin to worsen. Corinth forms an alliance with Sparta and other cities ancient Greece, at war with Athens.
After the end of the Peloponnesian War (ended with the victory of Sparta), a fire broke out in Corinth. Civil War among financial oligarchs and democrats. In addition, the cruel, straightforward and unceremonious policy of Sparta was largely disliked not only by defeated Athens, but also increasingly by Sparta’s allies - Thebes and Corinth.

Corinth enters into an alliance with Athens, the new alliance starts a war with Sparta known as the Corinthian War, which ends in 386 BC. The world of Antalcides.
In 365 BC The commander Timoleon (Τιμολέων) came to power in Coninth, who organized several successive campaigns to Sicily, Syracuse (a colony of Corinth), at the request of the residents, to help them free themselves from the tyrant Dionysius II. In Corinth itself, Timoleon helped the Corinthians overthrow their tyrant brother.
In 336 BC, Alexander the Great created an alliance of Greek cities against the Persians in Corinth. For many years, Corinth led the Achaean League.

In 146 BC The Achaean League made the last effort in the battle of the Hellenes with the Roman commander Mummius (Μόμμιο), whose troops were marching to capture the Peloponnese. The Greeks were defeated at the Isthmian Isthmus, followed by a major destruction of Corinth, a large number of valuables were plundered, the inhabitants of Corinth were sold into slavery.

100 years later, the Roman dictator Julius Caesar, realizing the importance of the geographical and strategic importance of Corinth in the eastern part Mediterranean Sea, establishes a Roman colony here. Caesar's careless death in the same year did not cancel this long-term plan; his decisions were implemented first by Octavian, then by Augustus.

From the year 27, Corinth became the capital of the Roman province of Achaia and had another name - Colonia Laus Iulia Corinthiensis.

Over time, the population of Corinth increased greatly as trade was resumed, Agriculture, cattle breeding. Many goods were exported: olive oil, wool, honey, dyed woolen fabrics, metal objects and wooden beams. Imports of goods appeared from other areas of the Roman Empire: building materials such as granite, marble, they were used for new luxurious buildings and structures, as well as wine.
By the middle of the 1st century, Corinth became one of the important cities of the Roman Empire, at which time the Apostle Paul visited it, preaching a new religion for the Hellenes.
Despite the disasters that Corinth suffered in 267, first by the Heruls and in 375 by the Goths, the city remained strong. But two strong earthquakes (375 and 551) destroyed Corinth.

In 1204 the city was captured by the Franks, after the fall of Constantinople (captured by the Turks), the city went through a period of Venetian rule, which was replaced again by Turkish occupation. Liberation and reunification with the Greek state took place in 1830.

Modern Corinth

Modern Corinth is a continuation of ancient Corinth. The population of the city is 31 thousand people (2011 census).

It has been in its present location since 1858, after an earthquake that destroyed the old city, located 8 km to the southwest, at the foot of Mount Acrocorinth (Ακροκόρινθος). Corinth is located on the Athens-Patras road and has an excellent layout and good roads, many of which lead to the sea.
The patron saint of the city is St. Paul the Apostle. Cathedral in his honor, rises in the city center.

Sights of Corinth: ruins of the temple of Apollo, Acrocorinth (acropolis with ruins ancient temple Aphrodite), Corinth Canal, Archaeological Museum of Corinth.

The city's climate is Mediterranean, with mild winters and warm and dry summers. Winters are mild and summers are dry and warm. The average annual temperature is 18°C ​​and precipitation is limited.

Like its ancient predecessor, the city of Corinth (Korinthos), located on the Isthmian Isthmus, was destroyed several times by earthquakes (most recently in 1981) and was literally rebuilt from ruins more than once. Therefore, the modern city is quite faceless and has few attractions. This is a large industrial and agricultural center, the Greek “capital of currants” (the word “currant” itself in all Western European languages ​​comes from the name of this city), an important transport hub and the “gateway of the Peloponnese”, through which the only highway crossing the Corinth Canal passes. In summer it is also the hottest and driest part of the peninsula. The only noteworthy objects here are the good Folklore Museum (open from Thursday to Sunday from 8.30 to 13.30; 2 euros), the cozy village of Archaia Corinthos, 7 km southwest of the city, and, of course, the Corinth Canal itself.

To explore ancient Corinth, it is better to set aside a whole day. The modern village of Archea Korinthos (the name itself translates as “Ancient Corinth”) lies right along the edge of the main excavation site. Buses go here from the modern city literally every hour (from 8.00 to 21.00, travel time about 20 minutes; 1 euro). According to legends, the city was founded by Corinth - one of the descendants of either Helios or Zeus himself. According to modern data, people lived here already in the 6th millennium BC. e., but in the III-II millennium BC. e. the city was completely destroyed by unknown invaders and then rebuilt. By the classical period it was already a major trading and political center, competing on equal terms with Athens and Thebes, and its women were considered the most beautiful in Hellas. However, subsequently several earthquakes practically razed it to the ground, and at the end of the 18th century, residents moved north, to the site of the modern city.

Now the ruins of the ancient city occupy a fairly large area between the mountains of Agios Dimitrios (574 m) and Kalderimi (93 m), and its acropolis Acrocorinth rises 565 meters above the plain. It should be borne in mind that the ruins of several cities, both Greek, Roman, and Byzantine, are mixed here, so traveling between the ruins, many of which are still being excavated, can be a tedious task. Only the central part of the ancient city, centered around the Roman forum and the classical temple of Apollo, has been preserved in better condition and has been almost completely excavated (open to the public every day: in summer - from 8.00 to 19.30; in winter - from 8.00 to 17.00; 6 euros), the rest of the buildings can sometimes be found in the most unexpected places, even among the residential areas of a modern village. Worth visiting is the Roman agora, a huge market between two porticoes (it was once a multi-story shopping mall!), a bema (a marble platform used for announcements and meetings), the ruins of a basilica and numerous Roman administrative buildings, a grated sacred spring, a Roman fountain and fragments of the marble-lined Via Lecheon (once the main road of the city). From the Temple of Apollo (5th century BC), only seven strict Doric columns towering above the forum have survived. Somewhat further west is the Corinth Museum (open the same hours as the rest of the site, admission fee included in general admission) with a good collection of Greek and Roman mosaics. Even further to the west, the foundations of two theaters were discovered - a Roman odeon and a large Greek one, used by the Romans for gladiator fights (including simulating sea battles). And just to the north lie the ruins of the Temple of Asclepius (access is closed).

Towering over the city, Acrocorinth (open daily in summer from 8.00 to 19.00, in winter from Thursday to Sunday from 8.30 to 15.00; admission free) is crowned by a massive rock and is still surrounded by the old fortress walls (total length about 2 km). Despite the difficult four-kilometer climb to the fortress gates, visiting it is definitely worth the effort. From here you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of the gulfs of Saronicos and Korinthos (Corinthian), and you can wander for hours in the chaos of temples, chapels, mosques, fountains, ancient buildings and battlements of all styles and eras.

I get up at 7 o'clock and slept through dawn. The sun is already above the horizon. I'm going to the sea. The weather today is even warmer, the sea is calm. I decided to feed the fish with cookies. So many of them swam that the water began to boil, as if boiling. There are even large ones, about 20 cm. To the right, two women are swimming on the pier, I hear them talking in Russian. I’m not surprised by this, because only our compatriots swim at this autumn time; Europeans are already cool. I asked what the water was like, they answered that the water was warm, and invited me to swim. I quickly return to the hotel, where I change clothes, and go to the sea. The women were still swimming. The water is really warm, and I enjoyed swimming in their campaign. The fish here are biting. Two bit me, I even squealed in surprise. After that, I tried to swim or move more, but not stop, so as not to be bitten again. After swimming I go to my room to take a shower. I walked around the territory of the hotel park, I see neat paths and decorative bushes.

We decided to go to. Let's go to the train. While Igor was buying tickets, I climbed the stairs to the platform, sat down on the seat, and waited. I hear Igor’s voice, I look around, but he’s not there. I see that he is standing on the opposite platform; it turns out that I climbed onto the wrong platform. I had to rush down the stairs and through the passage in a hurry to get to the other side. And Igor wisely took the elevator up here and chuckled at my inattention. Then the train arrived, we rode it for 20 minutes.

Then we catch a taxi and go to the village Ancient Corinth, which is 6 km from the Gulf of Corinth. Here we decided to have a snack in a cafe. While we were having lunch, I watched the stray cats. I threw a piece of breadstick at one, but she didn’t eat our “rubbish.” But the cat happily caught and licked ants with her tongue and ate natural “meat.” I marveled at this. Now let's go to the ruins ancient town. The name Corinth bears not one city, but two, the distance between them is just over three kilometers.
First Corinth - this is the oldest city, and the second, built relatively recently, “only” at the end of the 19th century. The most attractive to us, with its sights and ruins of temples that were erected before our era, is undoubtedly old Corinth. The ruins of the ancient city of Corinth represent one of the significant complexes of the ancient Greek city. Its territory is huge.

The ancient city could control the route between the Saronic and Corinthian gulfs, and benefit from trade and economic benefits from both seas. The city was heavily destroyed to its foundation by the Romans in 146 BC. For 100 years the city lay in ruins. Julius Caesar began to rebuild it. The city began to be haunted by misfortunes. One might say that the gods themselves were angry with Corinth: the terrible earthquakes that occurred in 375 and 551 erased all the buildings of the Corinthians from the face of the earth. In 395, the conqueror Alaric again sacked the city and killed most its inhabitants, who miraculously survived, were sold into slavery. In the 13th century, Corinth, like many other Greek cities, became part of the Ottoman Empire. Only in 1830, Corinth, almost completely destroyed, during the war for independence, which lasted almost nine years, again gets a chance for independence.
The sun is shining brightly, and it’s even hot in the open. There was no need to take jackets today. Now ancient Corinth resembles more of an archaeological site. Here you can see the ruins of the huge Agora structure. In addition, we see two main streets of the ancient city. In the Agora Square there were so-called central benches, below them there was a platform for speakers. The Apostle Paul was brought to this site.

On the Agora of Corinth there were Roman basilicas, buildings for administrative administration. The most important is the Basilica Julia. It was decorated with statues of the imperial family. On the eastern side, on a raised platform, seven surviving columns of the Temple of Apollo are visible. Once upon a time there was culture here. Nothing now. Time, wars, and earthquakes destroyed everything. Everything ends sooner or later.
A dog with two collars is wandering around the ruins. Once again I avoid him, taught by bitter experience. But the dog turned out to be good-natured. On the ruins I liked an ancient jug, or the remains of it. Its dimensions are about 80-100 cm. The neck is no longer there, and now it looks like a stone ball. To the right of the ruins you can hear the hubbub of schoolchildren shouting loudly in their school. We walked around the area and returned to the small museum.

Relief slabs from the theater and many busts and statues are displayed in the courtyard. There is a small tomb containing bones ancient man. The halls are mainly dominated by ceramic products, mainly vessels and figurines.

We rested a little outside, but our time is running out, the museum is open until 15:00. Now we go back by taxi for 9 euros. We change trains to our village. We are in a hurry to catch the afternoon snack.
Having rested a little, we go to the sea. There are more people on the beach today because it is warm. A few people swim in the sea, including one black man. I swam with pleasure. The beach gradually became empty. We are almost the last to leave. Igor met Russian tourists who live in a bungalow. Their room is smaller than ours, cooler. Small bathroom. Our room is better. We talked a little. Before dinner I went to the beach again. There are also tables with armchairs, where vacationers sit and are entertained by animators. They sang, danced, and acted out skits. I’m sitting by the sea, in the evening it’s quiet, the waves are steadily rolling in. The bright lights from the hotel are reflected in the water, which is transparent, you can see every pebble at the bottom. The stars are not visible today, and neither is the moon. At about 21 o'clock Igor went to dinner, I made a plan for him to eat fruit. The animators moved from the street to the dining room. They are wearing different costumes, some were a robber, some a general, some a superman with bulging muscles in wigs and hats. They talked loudly, ran from table to table, entertaining people, or rather distracting them from eating. Tourists are mostly French and greet them with joy, entering into theatrical contact. One robber with a huge pistol approached Igor and put it to his head. Igor did not react at all, and simply did not know how to answer in French. The pirate, painted on her face, went to another table. We go to our room.

Address: Greece, 5 km from Corinth
Main attractions: Temple of Apollo, Roman Baths, Amphitheater
Coordinates: 37°54"21.7"N 22°52"44.9"E

Content:

Short description

Most travelers visiting Greece in order to get acquainted with a huge number of attractions, historical monuments and architecture of the ancient people, first of all go to Athens.

Ancient street

However, according to most guides, this route is wrong for people interested in Greek history. It cannot be said that in Athens and the area surrounding the city there are few ruins, ancient temples and sanctuaries. Not at all, but it would be more correct to start getting acquainted with Ancient Greece from the city of Corinth, which, according to historians, is the first settlement to appear on the territory belonging to a modern European state.

Surprisingly, the name Corinth bears not one city, but two, the distance between them is just over three kilometers. The first Corinth is the oldest city, and the second, rebuilt relatively recently, “only” at the end of the 19th century. The most attractive for a person interested in the sights and ruins of temples that were built before our era is undoubtedly old Corinth. It is considered a “natural” museum, with numerous exhibits located directly in the open air.

Ruins of an ancient city

If a tourist is taken to ancient Corinth, then he should know that this “dead” city is separated from the capital of modern Greece by a distance of almost eighty kilometers. A car ride to Old Corinth will take no more than an hour and a half. However, it takes almost the same amount of time to get to the museum city and sightseeing bus. The once powerful and rich Corinth is located on the Isthmian Isthmus. If you look at the ruins of Corinth, which were left behind by the powerful earthquake that occurred in 1858, from a bird's eye view, you can immediately draw a certain conclusion. In ancient times, the city was of great strategic importance - from its ports it was possible to exit into two bays at once Aegean Sea: Corinthian and Saronic.

Ancient Corinth - the foundation and origin of the city's name

Speaking about the foundation and origin of the name of the ancient city, it should immediately be noted that the versions put forward by modern historians are mostly based on archaeological excavations, which, by the way, began in Greece only at the dawn of the 20th century. Alas, too few documents, chronicles and descriptions of the city by ancient travelers were found to speak with confidence about the origin and purpose of the ruins of a particular building located on the territory of old Corinth. However, modern technologies, the tireless and painstaking work of archaeologists, have made it possible to assume that the first settlers appeared here 6 thousand years (!) BC.

There are even myths that tell about the origin of the city's name. According to the first legend, the settlement was founded by the ancient king of Corinth, who was born from the love affair of the daughter of a titan named Ocean and the god Helios, often called Ether. The second myth says that the city of Corinth was created by Sisyphus. The same legend tells that it was in Corinth that the well-known Argonaut Jason abandoned the beautiful Medea, who went mad with grief and burned the city. By the way, even if we have the courage to assume that this myth is not fiction, then Corinth burned in those days not for the last time. This one was too tasty a morsel ancient city for numerous conquerors.

More reliable sources that could tell us about the origin of the city’s name have not been found these days. It could not have been otherwise: numerous captures of Corinth, destructive earthquakes destroyed most of the ancient chronicles and buildings that could shed light on the history of the city during the Neolithic.

Temple of Apollo

Corinth - the story of the rise and fall of the ancient city

As mentioned above, Corinth had two important ports that allowed its merchants to access the bays of the sea. This could only mean one thing: the townspeople could trade successfully, which means they were provided with everything they needed. It is worth noting that before the capture of Corinth by the Romans, it was more influential and powerful than the great Athens. If in Athens the sages talked about the purpose of man in this world, and in Sparta warriors improved their martial arts and often died en masse in bloody battles, then the Corinthians were much more pragmatic: they carried on uninterrupted trade with neighboring cities and even other countries.

In addition, there is confirmed evidence that in the 7th century BC, during the reign of Periander, the city even founded its own colonies, in particular, a colony in Albania. Corinth was also one of the nine powerful cities that created the colony of Naucradite, which allowed trade with Ancient Egypt. It is also interesting that some historians classify Periander as one of the legendary “seven wise men.” It was he who tried to be the first to dig a canal that would connect the Saronic and Corinthian Gulfs.

To be fair, it is worth clarifying that the ancient ruler failed to do this. Looking far ahead, I would like to say that Periander’s idea was brought to life only in 1893. After the reign of Periander, the city experienced prosperity. Even an ancient proverb has survived to this day, which roughly reads: “Not everyone can sail to Corinth.” It can only be interpreted this way: in a luxurious city, the most powerful in all of Ancient Greece, life was very expensive. Only a native of Corinth or a wealthy guest could afford to enjoy all the benefits.

In Corinth, a beautiful temple of prostitutes rose and delighted everyone... Yes, yes, you heard right, it is the temple of prostitutes! This is not surprising, because this profession is much older than Corinth itself. This temple was dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite, who, as is known from ancient Greek myths, was the patroness of love, including carnal love.

Amphitheater

The people of Corinth managed to think everything through so much that they practically didn’t have to work. According to some reports, indigenous people ancient Corinth was neither more nor less - 300 thousand people, which at that time was something out of the realm of fantasy for Greece. They were provided with a comfortable life by more than half a million (!) slaves.

If you pay attention to the history of any city, or even an entire empire, you will notice that the period of greatest prosperity always precedes decline. Was no exception the city of Corinth, which was destroyed by the Roman strategist and great warrior Lucius Mummius of Achaea. In addition to his talent, which allowed him to conquer cities and states, the military leader had a penchant for cruelty: he massacred all the men in Corinth, and sold young girls, women and their children into slavery. The tyrant simply destroyed the city with its temples, two ports and a mass of residential buildings and burned it to the ground.

After Lucius Mummius of Achaea, the city, which was beginning to be rebuilt and “come to life,” began to be plagued by failures. One might say that the gods themselves were angry with Corinth: the terrible earthquakes that occurred in 375 and 551 erased all the buildings of the Corinthians from the face of the earth. In 395, the conqueror Alaric again sacked the city, killed most of its inhabitants, and, miraculously, those who survived were sold into slavery. In the 13th century, Corinth, like many other Greek cities, became part of the Ottoman Empire. Only in 1830, Corinth, almost completely destroyed, during the war for independence, which lasted almost nine years, again gets a chance for independence.

It is worth noting that in 1833, it was Corinth that they wanted to proclaim as the capital of free Greece, which was patronized by Germany. This fact suggests that Corinth, despite the destruction and looting, still had the most important strategic importance for all of Greece. But, as everyone knows from history, the capital of the Greek Kingdom became a small and sparsely populated settlement at that time called Athens.

Roman baths

All of the above is just a small part of a long and complicated story. oldest city Greece Corinth. It is unlikely that it will be possible to describe it all in one material, and many of the opinions of historians at the moment are not yet supported by facts, but are based, as already mentioned, only on the finds of archaeologists. Exhibits recovered from the ground during excavations can speak about the culture, way of life, beliefs of the ancient people who inhabited the city, and even about the times of barbarian plunder. However, they cannot confirm with utmost accuracy this or that important date related to ancient history Corinth.

The ancient city of Corinth today

If you look at ancient Corinth now, it resembles not a once majestic and powerful city, but an archaeological site on which specialists conduct their work. Thanks to their efforts, today you can see the ruins of the huge Agora structure, which included 71 Doric columns on the outside. Without exaggeration, this building can be called truly huge even today. In its rear part alone there were 66 shops, 31 of them had wells, the depth of which often exceeded 10 meters. All of them connected to a channel that was of natural origin. It is not known for certain what these wells were used for. Most likely, they stored food that quickly deteriorated due to high temperatures.

A tourist walking among the ancient ruins discovers the ruins of a temple, which many call the Sanctuary of Apollo. There are too few facts indicating that this structure was erected in honor of the god of predictions and arts: at the site of the ruins, a small tablet was found on which the name of the god was engraved, and a description of the traveler Pausanias, dating back to the 2nd century BC . The Temple of Apollo (and maybe another deity) was left untouched even by the Romans when they completely rebuilt Corinth. According to archaeologists, only a devastating earthquake did not spare him.

Corinth is the “gateway” to the Peloponnese, as it is also called. This is the second most populous nome of the peninsula. Located in its northeast. The area of ​​the room is 2300 sq. km. In the west the region borders on Achaia, in the south on Argolis and Arcadia, and on the east on Attica. One part of it is washed by the Saronic Gulf, a small part in the north of the region by the Gulf of Corinth, on the coast of which there are amazing cities, tourist and economic centers: Corinth, Loutraki, Vrachati, Kiato, Xylokastro, Derveni. The islands of Alcyonides also belong to the region of Corinthia.

On the blessed land of Corinth, according to archaeological data, they arose and developed as early as 5 millennia BC. e. amazing cultures. Corinth is also mentioned in ancient Greek myths: in these places the great Hercules performed two of his exploits - he dealt with the Nemean lion and man-eating birds.

The population of Corinth during its heyday reached a very large figure - 600 thousand people, mainly engaged in trade. An important source of income for the Corinthians was the fairly high transit tax imposed on everything that was transported through its territory. This important economic and geographical significance of the region has survived to this day.

Get to cities and mountain villages Corinth is very easy. From Corinth and Loutraki it is only about 80 km to Athens, and about 150 km to the famous mountain villages of Stymphalia. The developed road network of the Athens-Corinth National Highway and railway passes through Corinth.

The region is mountainous, semi-mountainous and flat. On its territory there are 2 lakes of indescribable beauty: Stymphalia, in the magical mountainous Corinthia, and Vouliagmeni, near the village of Perachora in Loutraki. Corinthia is a place where past and present harmoniously combine.

The capital of the region is Corinth. The population of the region is about 400 thousand inhabitants.

The Corinth Canal - the shortest road from the Aegean to the Ionian Sea - is the calling card of Corinthia. The construction of this miracle, almost 6.5 km long and more than 20 meters wide, was started by the Roman Emperor Nero. But the canal began to operate only at the end of the 19th century. Dug almost by hand, it is still the pride of the Greeks.

Modern Corinth is the second largest city in the region, next to which is the famous Isthmus of Corinth with its canal connecting the two seas - the Aegean and Ionian. Corinth is a vibrant economic center that lies between Attica and the Peloponnese, making it important as a transit point between the two regions. Its population is about 60 thousand people. Athens is 78 km from here. This is an important transport center, providing not only road, rail, but also sea communications, thanks to its port. Most goods produced in Greece are exported from here. This is also the modern industrial center of Greece. The output of its oil refining complex, one of the largest in the Eastern Mediterranean, is destined for the whole of Greece. Corinth enterprises produce copper cables, medical equipment, tiles, gum, salt, mineral water and various drinks, meat products. Marble and gypsum are mined here.

More details

The patron saint of the city is St. Paul, whose temple is located in the city center. This is where most of the shops are located. In Corinth, it is worth seeing the House of Justice, the National Bank building and El Square. Venezelos with a monument to the winged Pegasus, which is considered the symbol of the city.

The city's museums are interesting - church and historical-ethnographic.

Modern Corinth is a continuation of ancient Corinth, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1858. After this, a new city was built southeast of the ancient port of Leheu, on the shores of the Gulf of Corinth.

The founder of the dynasty of kings of ancient Corinth is considered to be the mythical Sisyphus. In Corinth, the last meeting of Jason, the leader of the Argonauts, with the Colchian queen Medea took place. Already during the classical period, the city was a rival of Thebes and Athens, who fought for dominance in trade and transportation across the Isthmian Isthmus. Here, near the Temple of Poseidon, the Isthmian Games took place. The “Corinthian order” was also created in Corinth, one of the architectural orders of ancient Greece, differing in complexity and splendor from the other two. It is characterized by “Corinthian” columns with acanthus leaves and ornaments on the pediments of temples. The city also had a temple of Heterae, dedicated to Aphrodite. In Corinth, the Apostle Paul, who preached here, wrote his famous “Epistle to the Corinthians” and created the first Christian community in Greece. Here he was tried for promoting Christianity.

Sights and excursions

Today in Corinth you can see the archaeological reserve located at the foot of Agrocorinth. On its territory there are preserved the remains of the Temple of Apollo (VI century BC) with 7 monolithic columns that once made up the outer colonnade of the temple, the ruins of other temples, porticoes, a fountain, and basilicas.

Acrocorinth

The largest and oldest castle in the Peloponnese. Located near the city. It was built on the ruins of an ancient acropolis, for which Apollo and Poseidon fought. The castle walls with towers, Muslim tombs and minarets built during the period when the castle was owned by the Turks, and the remains of the temple of the goddess Aphrodite have been preserved. From the height of 565 m, at which the fortress was built, a beautiful view opens up.

The museum exhibits artifacts discovered on and around the acropolis: objects from ancient and Byzantine eras.

Monastery of Our Lady of Faneromeni

The Monastery of Our Lady of the Rocks, as this monastery is otherwise called, was built in a crevice of a huge rock. It is always open to visitors who want to enjoy the view from here. This is the “Meteora” of Corinthia.

Stymphalia

Lake Stymphalia, praised for its beauty, is the northernmost and most big lake Peloponnese. This is the link between myths and historical reality. This is the place where the famous Hercules performed his feats: he fought the Stymphalian man-eating birds. Today, the shores of the lake resemble a light brown carpet, on the banks of which you will find partridges, ibis and egrets. In a large area between the modern village of Stymphalia and the lake, the ruins of the Abbey of Zaraka are preserved, one of the few Gothic monuments in Greece.

Agia Theodora

This is the first locality on the way to Corinthia, when you enter the region from the north, in the area of ​​​​Ancient Kromiona. The majestic Gerania Mountains rise above the village, which takes its name from the church of the same name. It is an important seaside tourist resort of Corinthia, a pole of attraction for tourists and an ideal place for walks.

Blue sea, small picturesque taverns, traditional cuisine and a relaxing holiday on the shores of the Saronic Gulf.

Isthmus Isthmus

From the very beginning, this isthmus represented an important strategic point for both Greece and the entire Eastern Mediterranean. Its discovery was already one of the most important issues in ancient times, since the creation of a canal would solve many problems of shipping and trade. Periander, the tyrant of Corinth, was the first to plan to dig it, around 602 BC. e., which, in the end, limited itself only to the creation of Diolk - a portage across the isthmus. Dimitrios Poliorkitis, Julius Caesar, Caligula and Nero studied this issue and tried to build a canal, but all without success. Herod of Attius, the Byzantines and the Venetians were all fans of this idea of ​​Periander. But they also later abandoned this idea for various reasons. Finally, after getting rid of the Turkish yoke, the newly created Greek state brought this idea to life. In 1852, Greek engineers, and ten years later French engineers, presented their proposals for the construction of a canal to the Greek parliament. Both of them were unreal. It was only after the opening of the Suez Canal that the Greek government decided to build a canal across the isthmus. Over the 100 years of its existence, it was closed many times for various reasons. Until 1940, the canal did not operate for a total of 4 years. In 1940, the Germans, leaving Greece, dumped about 60,000 cubic meters of earth into it. It took 5 years to clear the canal.

Every year, up to 15,000 ships under a variety of flags pass through this most famous canal in Greece. This is the “umbilical cord” connecting the Western and Eastern Mediterranean.

Monastery of Potapia the Blessed

This is a majestic monastery located near Loutraki, at an altitude of 700 m, to which 144 steps lead. At each of them, it is believed that the believer sheds some of his sins. The monastery houses the relics of Blessed Potapius, and believers from all over the world come to venerate them. This is a nunnery, but you can always visit it.

Lake Vouliagmeni

This lake is natural phenomenon. The tide occurs here at 6 o'clock, thanks to the fact that a 5-meter canal connects it to the sea. The water in the lake is much saltier than sea water.

Nemea

The history of this ancient city is associated with myths about the exploits of Hercules. Here he killed a terrible lion that brought fear to its inhabitants. In ancient Nemea, competitions similar to the Olympics were held every 2 years. In the sanctuary of Zeus entering temple complex, on the territory of which the games took place, the remains of ancient baths, a stadium with a capacity of 40 thousand spectators, which had the shape of a petal, with an entrance tunnel, seats for spectators and the names of athletes written on the walls, and the remains of other buildings were discovered.

In the not very large but interesting city museum you will see architectural details of the Temple of Zeus, a collection of silver and copper coins, and projectiles used by ancient athletes.

Nowadays Nemea is famous for its wines. Here they make simple table wines and first-class wines that have won international recognition.

In the town of Corinthos there is the only water park in Southern Greece.

The climate in the region is mainly temperate, Mediterranean, with mild winters and not too hot summers.

Seaside holidays and beaches

Kalamya

The main and easily accessible coast of Corinth takes its name from the reed thickets that grew here before the region began to develop as a tourist destination. It is located very close to the city. You can get to it along An Street. Papandreou, which abuts the coast. In this cosmopolitan and modern coastal area, you can choose between endless strolls along the promenade or enjoying the pleasant atmosphere in its many café bars. You can eat at one of its restaurants. The embankment is a meeting and relaxing place for all ages, as local residents, and tourists. From here, walkers can watch a magical sunset as the evening sun plunges into the waters of the Gulf of Corinth.

Kalamya is beautiful and organized sand beach with fine sand surrounded by pebbles. IN last years regularly awarded " Blue flag» EU. Very well organized. This is a great place for young people to relax, for whom discos and concerts are held at night.

Xylokastro

This is a wonderful medical town with its own special atmosphere and wide choice for relax. Located in the south of the Gulf of Corinth. It probably got its name from the wooden barracks that once existed on the western side of the hill overlooking modern city, near the river Sipha. This is the center for the production of Stafida raisins. Thanks to the rise in trade in this product, the town attracted the attention of Europeans, who began to come here to see the beautiful Pevkja and enjoy the clear sea. The coast has been awarded the EU Blue Flag. There is an opportunity to study marine species sports That is why we advise you to visit it.

Around Xylokastro are the most popular beaches in Corinthia, many of which have been awarded the EU Blue Flag.

Aristonauton

The length of this pebble beach is 800 m, width – 30 m. “Salt” trees grow along its shore, which are not afraid of sea water. Landscaped. Located within the city limits.

Sykia

The beach is covered with pebbles. Its length is more than 700 m, and its width is from 10 to 25 m. It is located 3 km from Xylokastro. Salt trees grow on the beach. Awarded the EU Blue Flag.

Melissa

Located 5 km from Xylokastro, near the village of the same name. The length of the coast is more than 1 km, the narrowest sections are up to 10 m. In the widest part, the beach reaches 25 m. It is covered with pebbles. Surrounded by salt trees. Awarded the Blue Flag. There are many hotels and cafes near the beach.

Loutra Oreas Elenis

This large pebble and well-organized beach is located southeast of Corinth. There are umbrellas, sun loungers and taverns on the beach. There is an opportunity to engage in sea sports. The most “daring” ones can make a stop in front of the beach, at the healing springs in which, as myths tell, the Beautiful Helen swam. The area is named after her. The water of the springs flowing down the rocks is unusually cold. Only well-seasoned people can withstand swimming in it.

About 2.5 km to the east is Kathakali, a beautiful bay with very small pebbles.

Leheu

This is a large coastline with clear sea and a beach with fine sand. In recent years it has become important resort place, with large and small hotel complexes.

Pevkakja

Beautiful coastline with white pebbles and pine trees surrounding it. Gathers a large number of vacationers in the summer. There are 2 tennis courts and a cafe-restaurant. In the western part there are all coastal night entertainment centers district.

Vrahati

It is located west of Corinth, at a distance of 12 km. Located in a region covered with dense green vegetation. It is considered an excellent resort center.

Vouliagmeni

One of the most beautiful lagoons in Greece, Lake Vouliagmeni, is surrounded by pine forest. There are many hotel complexes, there is organized camping, restaurants and fish taverns offer fresh fish caught in these places and wonderful snacks.

Along the road to Epidaurus, between Almiri and Korfos, lie the pristine beaches of Likhnari, Fragkolimano, Mikro Amoni, Megalo Amoni and Kalogerolimano.