Corinth

Corinth (Κορινθός)

Corinth lies at the top of the Peloponnese joining the Peloponnesian peninsula with the Greek mainland. Historically it’s one of the most important places in Greece as well as being home to the country’s most important engineering site, the Corinthian Canal.

Modern Corinth is the administrative capital of the Corinthian prefecture. As a place to visit, it’s often overlooked, as it is a modern city, routinely rebuilt after a number of large earthquakes. Practically destroyed in earthquakes in 1858 and 1928, and again in1981 earthquakes caused more damage. Due to the regular rebuilding, the town lacks the historical elegance of other towns in the region.

The historical and cultural importance of the region is irrefutable, with recorded civilisation going back over 6000 years. Myths state that Corinthos settled the city, a son of the Sun god Helios. Later, the Mycenaeans settled in the area building a city on the prehistoric site. In Greek mythology, Jason and his Argonauts abandoned Medea in Corinth. The Corinthians participated in the Trojan Wars under Agamemnon.

Today Corinthia holds many archaeological sites of great importance. Ancient Corinth is seven kilometres south-west of the modern town. Ancient Corinth and Acrocorinth are a medley of Roman, Byzantine, Frankish, Venetian and Turkish ruins, Acrocorinth in particular, has an impressive medieval acropolis. At the site’s summit are the remains of the Temple of Apollo, which St Paul mentions in the bible. Although little remains of the site, it is worth the trip to witness the views.

Corinth is also home to Greece’s most famous engineering marvel, the Corinth Canal. The isthmus of Corinthia, the narrow band of land that separated the Ionian and Aegean seas posed a problem for fleets over the centuries. Leaders from Periander, Alexander the Great and Nero pondered digging a canal across the land. Until the thirteenth century, a paved slipway allowed boats to be hauled over the land separating the two seas. It wasn’t until the late nineteenth century that the canal was completed. Today the canal, which is over 100 metres deep, cuts an impressive sight, especially when ships are passing through.