Ancient Corinth and the Corinth Canal: Complete Visitor Guide
By ANL | UPDATED:
Ancient Corinth is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, combining thousands of years of history with impressive ancient ruins. Located around 80 kilometres west of Athens, the site was once a powerful city state known for trade, culture, and political influence throughout the Mediterranean.
Today, visitors can explore the remains of temples, marketplaces, baths, and museums while learning about the city’s connections to both Classical Greece and the Roman Empire. Nearby, the Corinth Canal cuts dramatically through the landscape, creating one of Greece’s most remarkable engineering landmarks. Together, Ancient Corinth, Acrocorinth, and the Corinth Canal make an ideal cultural day trip from Athens or a rewarding stop on a Peloponnese road trip.
Where is Corinth today
The Peloponnese peninsula, where Ancient Corinth is, is connected to mainland Greece by several bridges over the Corinth Canal, which allow ships to pass from the Gulf of Corinth to the Saronic Gulf. The spectacular canal draws thousands of visitors to the Corinth region each year when they are visiting Greece and the Peloponnese.
What was Ancient Corinth
Near the famous canal is an important archaeological site in Greece: Ancient Corinth. Corinth is, with its history stretching several millennia back in time, one of the oldest cities in Greece. Ancient Corinth began as a city with an extraordinarily rich culture and a strong political influence. The acropolis Acrocorinth, or Acrocorinthus, atop the mountain, overlooked the city.
Approximately 80 kilometres west of Athens, you will find the remarkable ancient city state of Corinth, traceable from as early as the 8th century BC to its end in the late Roman Empire. The city and its upper city, the Acropolis and citadel Acrocorinth, played a considerable role in Greece’s history. As Corinth existed for many centuries, different building styles were involved in the construction. Acrocorinth atop the mountain was built in an architectural blend of classical Mycenaean, Byzantine, and Medieval styles. The view from Acrocorinth is stunning – on a clear day, it is possible to spot even the Acropolis in Athens! However, the hike up here is strenuous!
Planning to continue towards the Greek capital? Read our guide to the best things to do in Athens, including the Acropolis and other essential historical sites.
Ancient Corinth & Acrocorinth | Photo: Peter Kellfur / Pixabay
Ancient Corinth was at its peak in the classical period when its citizens experienced a flourishing trade with nearby ports such as Piraeus. That had a significant economic impact on the society and creativity among the people. Corinthian works of art were considered some of the finest in Greece, and ancient Corinth reached a population of 90,000 at its peak in 400 BC.
In its distant past, Corinth was involved in many political conflicts in Greece. In 338 BC, Acrocorinth was conquered by Macedonia and got a central role in the League of Corinth. That came to an end in 146 BC when Ancient Corinth was ravaged by the Roman general Lucius Mummius. A hundred years later, in 44 BC, Julius Caesar rebuilt Corinth as a Roman colony.
Photo: Neufal54 / Pixabay
The ruins of Ancient Corinth are a few kilometres from Acrocorinth. Today, there are remains from the Roman period in the ancient agora (marketplace). The ruins include a propylaeum, a stoa, several Doric columns, originating from the Temple of Apollo, a theatre, public baths, pottery factories, an impressive triumphal arch, villas, and much more. It is also possible to trace the connection to the ancient ports Lechaeum and Cenchreae, used by the citizens of Corinth.
Today, the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth provides insight into Corinth’s fascinating past and the excavations carried out since 1896. Finds such as pottery and ceramics, mosaic floors, and marble statues are exhibited in the museum.
To gain a deeper understanding of how to experience historic destinations, consider applying our cultural travel method when exploring Ancient Corinth and other archaeological sites in Greece.
The Corinth Canal, cutting right through the landscape and separating the Peloponnese and mainland Greece, is a veritable architectural masterpiece. At the northwest end, a submersible bridge crosses it, allowing smaller boats to pass. From all its bridges, you can enjoy panoramic views of the artificial canal.
Photo: Manfred von Kannen / Pixabay
In ancient times, in the 1st century AD, there were attempts to dig the Corinth Canal to create a waterway between two important seas. This first attempt failed.
However, already in the 7th century BC, the tyrant Periander had proposed to undertake a canal project, and the Diadoch Demetrius Poliorcetes (336–283 BC) proposed it some hundred years later. In addition, the Roman dictator Julius Caesar, the Roman emperor Caligula, and the emperor Nero all projected the canal to varying degrees, each at their own time. Finally, the Greek philosopher and Roman senator Herodes Atticus also had brilliant ideas about such a project, but in the end, he didn’t throw himself into it.
Photo: Herbert Aust / Pixabay
Nevertheless, many centuries later, in 1881, construction was resumed. In 1870, Prime Minister Thrasyvoulos Zaimis finally allowed the construction of a 6.3 km-long Corinth Canal. In 1881, the Société Internationale du Canal Maritime de Corinthe was commissioned to dig the canal and operate it. Due to various problems, the canal was not completed until 1893, when it was finally passable for ships, although to a lesser extent than predicted. The canal required digging 80 metres vertically down, with a width of 23 metres, to achieve the desired result! Probably due to its narrowness, it gained less popularity and found less use than expected.
After catastrophic landslides starting in November 2020, the Corinth Canal needed restoration. That has been a severe blow to tourism in the region.
In 1858, a devastating earthquake occurred at Corinth. That resulted in the foundation of modern Corinth, or New Corinth, located a few kilometres northeast of Ancient Corinth. It is now Greece’s gateway to the Peloponnese.
Photo: Neufal54 / Pixabay
The Corinth region is today both an industrial hub with one of the largest oil refineries in Europe, production of ceramic tiles, marble, copper cables, salt and more, as well as a fertile area with fruit plantations, grapes, raisins, olive oil, and tobacco cultivation. Moreover, it is one of the two points of contact between mainland Greece and the Peloponnese, just like the bridge at Patras further west.
Corinth is also a vibrant city with numerous shops, cafés, restaurants, hotels, and attractive, clean beaches. There are various cultural sights, such as the Historical and Folklore Museum of Corinth, numerous churches, the Statue of Alexander the Great & Diogenes, the Statue of Aphrodite, as well as the Pegasus Statue, and it is also the city of the Apostle Paul who wrote the Letters of Paul to the Corinthians (Epistles of St Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians). Corinth is an ideal place to stay if you want to explore Ancient Corinth and the history of the Corinth Canal.
Many travellers combine Corinth with a longer journey through southern Greece. If that appeals to you, see our guide to a cultural road trip through the Peloponnese.
Photo: Neufal54 / Pixabay
If you want to combine cultural sightseeing at Ancient Corinth with a beach holiday in Greece, Loutraki is an excellent option. It is a beach town located on the other side of the Corinth Canal within easy reach of the archaeological sites. Moreover, Loutraki is only 82 km from Athens!
Photo: Stefanos Kassimatis / Pixabay
In addition to the beach, the seaside resort Loutraki features a thermal spa, waterfalls, mineral water, and a casino! There is a thriving nightlife and a wide range of restaurants and bars. For hiking enthusiasts, there are also good hiking opportunities in the area, and you can visit the Saint Patapios Monastery, a still active monastery for nuns. It dates back to the 12th century, although the current monastery is from 1952.
The old town of Loutraki was devasted in a powerful earthquake in 1928, and, therefore, the modern Loutraki town primarily consists of new hotel blocks and apartments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Ancient Corinth from Athens?
Ancient Corinth is approximately 80 kilometres west of Athens and can be reached in about one hour by car.
Can you visit Ancient Corinth and the Corinth Canal on the same day?
Yes. The archaeological site, Acrocorinth, and the Corinth Canal are located close to one another and are commonly visited together.
What are the highlights of Ancient Corinth?
The main attractions include the Temple of Apollo, the ancient agora, Acrocorinth, and the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth.
Is Acrocorinth worth visiting?
Yes. The fortress offers impressive historical remains and panoramic views across the Corinth region and surrounding coastlines.
Why is the Corinth Canal famous?
The canal is known for its steep vertical walls and for creating a shortcut between the Gulf of Corinth and the Saronic Gulf.
How much time should I spend at Ancient Corinth?
Most visitors spend two to four hours exploring the archaeological site and museum, while additional time is needed for Acrocorinth.
Is Ancient Corinth suitable for families?
Yes. Families can enjoy the open-air ruins, museum exhibits, and scenic viewpoints around the site.
Where is the best place to stay when visiting Ancient Corinth?
Ancient Corinth is ideal for proximity to the archaeological site, while Loutraki offers beaches, hotels, restaurants, and nightlife.
What is the best time of year to visit Ancient Corinth?
Spring and autumn usually offer the most comfortable temperatures for sightseeing and outdoor exploration.
Can Ancient Corinth be visited as a day trip from Athens?
Yes. Its short distance from Athens makes it one of the most popular historical day trips in mainland Greece.
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Images courtesy of Travel In Culture. Selected images from Pixabay.