"Ancient Corinth and Canal" Ancient Corinth by janetanne

Ancient Corinth Travel Guide: 34 reviews and 169 photos

Kimolos Coming through the Canal - Ancient Corinth

The Canal that Saved Ships from Hardship

The ancient city of Corinth, known at least by name from the Apostle Paul's talks to the Corintheans in the Bible, is now famous for its canal, one of the more impressive feats of 19th century engineering. Periandor originally conceived the idea of a canal through the narrow isthmus though at the time it was too much of an endeavor to carry out. Instead they devised a paved roadway that they used to haul the boats across on rollers. This method was used until the 13th century. The emperor Nero attempted to dig a canal but this chore was too much for him as well. A French engineering company finally built it in 1893. It is still a wonder to behold and if drive down to Loutraki and take the road infront of the Casino towards Corinth, you will come to a small bridge at the Western end of the canal. I suggest parking your car on the Corinthean side near a small taverna, crossing over the narrow road and walking down a footpath which runs along the canal itself! You will be able to see the complete magnificence of the canal, as well as the large boats being pulled through by small tugs if you wait patiently. You will also see the small bridge lower down into the water to allow the boats to pass out into the open gulf.

That's a Sheep, Not a Ship!

Acrocorinth is the Acropolis of Corinth, which rises up at the highest point from the ancient cityand can be seen for miles around. It is the largest and oldest fortress in the Peloponessos. There are a number of shrines and temples including the Temple of Aphrodite. Probably the most interesting part of the citadel is the entrance As from most of these old fortresses that were always built at a strategically high vantage point, the view from Acrocorinth is simply incredible and if for no other reason this site should not be missed.
Though most of ancient Corinth has been pilaged or destroyed by Earthquakes there is still a temple to Apollo built in the fifth century BC. The Peirene Spring found neear the fortress, is said to have been a woman transformed by the tears she shed for her son who was killed by the Goddess Artemis. It still supplies old Corinth with water.
There is a museum on the site as well. Next to the Lechion road that led to the ancient port is the garden of Apollo a courtyard with some restored Ionic columns. .

Ancient Corinth and Canal - Ancient Corinth

Modern day Corinth is an important city and transportation hub with a long attractive waterfront and a variety of shops, restaurants, clubs and theatres. Whenever I had to visit Greek foreign language schools in Corinth, I always stayed the the hotels in Loutraki, as Corinth is really not a town that I would consider appealing from a tourist's viewpoint. The shopping is relatively cheaper than in Athens, but this is not something that would draw interest for this alone. So, If you like to stay in the area, taking a day trip to the ancient fortress, I recommend finding a nice hotel in Loutraki. There are many.

The buildings are mostly concrete apartment buildings since the city was either destroyed or damaged by earthquakes in 1858, 1928 and again in 1981. Most of the action takes place around the large Platia Venizelos on the waterfront

Pros and Cons

Pros:Only one hour from Athens
Cons:Town not worth visiting, few attractions other than fortress and canal.
In a nutshell:Worth visiting for the view.

Last visit to Ancient Corinth: Jan 2006
Intro Updated Jan 29, 2006
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Comments (5)

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travelgourmet Dec 7, 2009 at 3:06 PM

Jane, I thought this town was worth visiting. I find the Corinth Canal to be a real marvel. Friendly people around the marina.
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angiebabe Apr 8, 2008 at 3:34 PM

excellent info thanks. Just the sort of thing Id like to go see.
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Confucius Mar 25, 2006 at 3:06 AM

I'm going to Athens next month for Easter vacation and will visit Corinth as well as Crete. I think the Acrocorinth may be a good excursion, as your tip advises.
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deecat Feb 27, 2006 at 12:30 PM

Because I've been to Ancient Corinth, I was quite interested in this page...glad that I took a look and a read. Very informative and educational. Learned much that I did not know. Thanks ever so much.
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robertgaz Jan 29, 2006 at 10:13 PM

If I park near the taverna I may not get to follow that path ;~)