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Ancient Corinth
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ruins
Corinth was one of the most powerful and wealthy city-states of ancient Greece, owing its prosperity to its strategic position on the Isthmus. The city controlled land trade between the Peloponnese and central Greece, as well as maritime traffic between the Ionian and Aegean seas via the Diolkos road. A major highlight of the archaeological site is the Temple of Apollo, built around 540 BC, featuring rare monolithic columns that still stand today. In 146 BC, the city was utterly destroyed by Roman forces but was later refounded as a Roman colony by Julius Caesar in 44 BC. Corinth also became a significant center for early Christianity, as the Apostle Paul lived and preached here, leading to his famous epistles to the Corinthians. Today, visitors can see the Roman Forum, the Bema where Paul was judged, and the massive Acrocorinth fortress overlooking the ancient ruins.
- Location: Greece
- Top sights: Temple of Apollo · Ancient Korinthos · Ancient Korinthos museum
- Nearby: Corinth (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 9 | 9 | 11 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 28 | 28 | 24 | 19 | 14 | 10 |
| Rain mm | 69 | 62 | 57 | 32 | 25 | 23 | 16 | 11 | 32 | 51 | 71 | 86 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Ancient Corinth is an archaeological site with ruins spread over a large area. Visitors can see the Temple of Apollo, the Roman forum, and the Lechaion Road with its shops.
Typical hours
The site typically opens from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm in summer, closing earlier in winter. The adjacent museum has its own schedule; check current times.
Photography
Photography is allowed for personal use. Climbing on ruins is prohibited; use of tripods may require a permit from the site office.
Time needed
Allow at least 1.5 hours to explore the main area. A combined visit with the museum and the Acrocorinth fortress takes about 3-4 hours.
Combine with
Combine with the nearby Acrocorinth fortress, the Corinth Canal, and the archaeological museum. The coastal town of Loutraki is also close by.
Getting there
Accessible by car or bus from Athens; take the motorway towards Corinth. The site is about 5 km from modern Corinth; there is a large parking lot.
Insider tip
The Temple of Apollo is the standout monument; visit it first. Wear a hat and sunscreen as there is little shade among the ruins.
Geography
Facts
- The Temple of Apollo was built around 540 BC with monolithic columns.
- The city was completely destroyed by the Romans in 146 BC.
- Julius Caesar refounded Corinth as a Roman colony in 44 BC.
- The Apostle Paul lived and worked in the city during the 1st century AD.
- The Bema is the public platform where Paul faced the Roman governor.
- Acrocorinth, the city's acropolis, sits at an elevation of 575 meters.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Ancient Corinth (5)
Ancient Korinthos
City-state in ancient Greece, a major commercial and cultural hub.
Ancient Korinthos museum🏛 museum
Museum with finds from ancient Corinth, including sculptures and pottery.
Ottoman Tomb
Ottoman tomb from the period of Turkish rule in Corinth.
Roman Amphitheater
Roman amphitheater in Corinth, used for gladiator fights and animal hunts.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the most prominent building in ancient Corinth?
The Temple of Apollo from the 6th century BC, with its massive Doric columns.
What is the biblical significance of the city?
Apostle Paul lived and preached here; you can see the Bema where he stood for judgment.
What is Acrocorinth?
It is the acropolis of Corinth, a high-altitude fortress with a fantastic panoramic view of the region.
Can the site be visited as a day trip from Athens?
Yes, Corinth is only about an hour's drive from Athens and can be easily combined with the Corinth Canal.
Is there drinking water on site?
There are water machines at the entrance and in the museum, but there is no shade at the ruins themselves.
Ancient Corinth: where is it located?
Ancient Corinth is located in Greece.
Ancient Corinth: what is there to see?
Highlights include Temple of Apollo, Ancient Korinthos, Ancient Korinthos museum.
Ancient Corinth: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
Ancient Corinth: why is it worth visiting?
Corinth was one of the most powerful and wealthy city-states of ancient Greece, owing its prosperity to its strategic position on the Isthmus.
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