A story about an independent trip to Greece: a report on a trip to Corinth. Corinth (Κόρινθος). Ancient and modern Ancient Greek city of Corinth modern name

The island of Corinth - here myths, legends, ancient and modern history are woven together, everything is fused with a common meaning and crowned with a loud name.

According to legend, the founder of the city was the character of ancient Greek mythology, Corinth. According to the inhabitants of Corinth, the son of Zeus and Electra. According to Eumelus, son of Marathon. He gave his name to Etherea. Etherea Pyrene is the ancient name of Corinth, where the source of Pyrene was. According to legend, Medea lived in Corinth with Jason, who lost interest in her and was going to marry Princess Creusa, or Glaucus. Medea's murder of Glauca and two children from Jason is the theme of Euripides' tragedy "Medea". He did not leave his son, and the Corinthians transferred power to Medea and Jason.

Corinth, as Farrar puts it, was the vanity fair of the ancient world. People called it the Greek Bridge, it was also called the Hot Spot of Greece. Someone once said that if a person stood for long enough in Piccadilly Circus in London, he could eventually see every person in the country. Corinth was the Piccadilly of the Mediterranean. In addition to this, the Isthmian Games were also held there, which were second in popularity only to the Olympic Games. Corinth was a rich, populous city, one of the largest trading centers of the ancient world.

It stands on the Isthmus of Corinth, separating mainland Hellas from the Peloponnese Peninsula. The most ancient Corinthians, who settled here back in 5-3 thousand BC. e., they chose the place wisely: access to the sea, an elevated position, a fertile plain - live without fear and in pleasure. That's how we lived.

The first of the kings who glorified Corinth, a demigod himself, was on short terms with the Olympians. In the middle of the city, on Mount Acrocorinth, he decided to build a fortress; however, having noticed from the top how the thunderer Zeus was dragging the nymph Aegina to the nearest island, he forgot about modesty: he reported the incident to Aegina’s father, the river god Asol. An angry Zeus threw the telltale king into Hades, where he is doomed to forever roll a stone to the top of the mountain. His name is Sisyphus. And on Acrocorinth they built a temple dedicated to Biya (goddess of violence) and Ananka (goddess of inevitability)...

Sisyphus' grandson, Bellerophon, also made his mark on Acrocorinth. Here Pegasus descended to drink. Bellerophon, who needed a feathered horse for his next feat, caught him and tamed him.

At the foot of the mountain there is a well, whose origin is also shrouded in myths. Jason, who had lost interest in Medea over time, forgot what she sacrificed for him and how dangerous she could be. In a word, he fell in love with Princess Glavka, wooed him and even accepted a gift from his abandoned wife for the happy bride. The luxurious blanket on Glavka’s shoulders began to burn her with hellish flames - the poor girl threw herself into the well. And she gave him her name.

History powerfully invades myth, it is impossible to separate them - especially since fiction turns out to be a component of European culture. Thus, Corinth is mentioned in the Iliad, in the 8th century. BC e. the famous Corinthian triremes appear, Corinthian ceramics are bought throughout the Mediterranean.

In 582 BC. e. The Isthmian Games are established in honor of Poseidon. Every two years, all of Greece flocks to Corinth to watch sports competitions and listen to musicians. Among the spectators one day was... the Apostle Paul: evidence of this was preserved in his Epistles.

The history of Corinth is divided into two periods. Corinth is an ancient city. Thucydides, the ancient Greek historian, states that the first triremes, Greek warships, were built in Corinth. According to legend, the ship of the Argonauts was built in Corinth Argo. But in 235 BC, tragedy befell Corinth. Rome was busy conquering the world. When the Romans tried to conquer Greece, Corinth led the resistance. But the Greeks could not withstand the disciplined and well-organized Roman army, and in the same year, General Lucius Mummius captured Corinth and turned it into a pile of ruins.

But a place with such a geographical position could not remain empty forever. Almost exactly one hundred years after the destruction of Corinth, in 35 BC, Julius Caesar restored it from ruins, and Corinth became a Roman colony. Moreover, it became the capital, the center of the Roman province of Achaia, which included almost all of Greece.

It was populated by all sorts of rabble, the situation was aggravated by the fact that Corinth turned out to be a “twice” port city: its harbors were noisy on both the Aegean and Ionian seas. The Greeks no longer recognized it as theirs, multilingual speech was heard on the streets, and migrants brought their own beliefs. The cults of Isis, Cybele, and Seralis flourished here.

Corinth gained worldwide fame due to its commercial prosperity, but it also became the personification of immoral life. The very word “Corinthian,” that is, to live like a Corinthian, entered the Greek language and meant leading a drunken and depraved life. This word entered the English language, and during the regency Corinthians were the name given to young people who led a riotous and reckless lifestyle. The Greek writer Aelian says that if a Corinthian ever appeared on stage in a Greek drama, he was sure to be drunk. The very name Corinth was synonymous with revelry. The city was a source of evil known throughout the civilized world. The Acropolis hill rose above the isthmus, and on it stood a large temple of the goddess Aphrodite. At the temple lived a thousand priestesses of the goddess Aphrodite, priestesses of love, sacred prostitutes who came down from the Acropolis in the evenings and offered themselves to everyone for money on the streets of Corinth, until the Greeks had a new saying: “Not every man can afford to go to Corinth.” In addition to these gross sins, even more subtle vices flourished in Corinth, which were brought with them by merchants and sailors from all over the then known world. And therefore Corinth became not only synonymous with wealth and luxury, drunkenness and intemperance, but also synonymous with abomination and debauchery.

Corinth sided with the Spartans during the Peloponnesian War and for many years during the classical and Hellenistic eras the activities of its rulers were directly linked to the fate of other Greek cities.

When the Apostle Paul came to Corinth, he was shocked by the corruption of the Corinthians. “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor wicked people, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” .

And yet, it was here, in Corinth, that Paul founded one of the first Christian communities. Here he was tried for the first time for preaching a new doctrine and was acquitted. It was to the Corinthians that four of his Epistles were addressed, of which only two have reached us. In this diverse, international city, he decided to leave the synagogue and preach the Word of Christ to everyone - not just the Jews; Christianity has become truly popular. And finally, it was to these softened sensualists that he considered it necessary to explain what love is. In this hotbed of vice, in the most seemingly unsuitable city for this in all of Greece, Paul performed one of his greatest deeds, and in it one of the greatest victories of Christianity was won.

Apart from Ephesus, Paul remained in Corinth longer than in any other city. At the risk of his life, he left Macedonia and moved to Athens. Here he did not achieve much, and therefore went further to Corinth, where he remained for eighteen months. It will become clearer to us how little we know about his work when we learn that all the events about these eighteen months are summarized in 17 verses (Acts 18,1-17).

Upon his arrival in Corinth, Paul settled with Aquila and Priscilla. He preached with great success in the synagogue. After the arrival of Timothy and Silas from Macedonia, Paul redoubled his efforts, but the Jews were so hostile and implacable that he had to leave the synagogue. He moved to Just, who lived next door to the synagogue. The most famous of those converted by him to the faith of Christ was Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue; and among the people, Paul’s preaching also had great success.

In 52, a new governor, the Roman Gallio, known for his charm and nobility, arrived in Corinth. The Jews tried to take advantage of his ignorance and kindness and brought Paul to his trial, accusing him of “teaching people to honor God not according to the law.” But Gallio, in accordance with the impartiality of Roman justice, refused to examine their accusation and did not take any measures. Therefore, Paul was able to complete his work here and then went to Syria.

It is likely that the Corinthian correspondence of Paul that we have is incomplete and that its layout is broken. It must be remembered that it was not until the year 90 or so that Paul's letters and epistles were first collected. It seems that they were available in various church communities only on pieces of papyrus and were therefore difficult to collect. When the letters to the Corinthians were collected, they apparently were not all found, they were not collected completely, and they were not arranged in the original sequence.

Stalker said that Paul's letters lift the veil of obscurity from early Christian communities, telling us what was happening within them. This statement best characterizes the letters to the Corinthians. Here we see what the words “caring for all the churches” meant to Paul. We see here both a broken heart and joy. We see Paul, the shepherd of his flock, taking their concerns and sorrows to heart.

Periander (ruler) of Corinth. As a result of the reforms he carried out, a powerful power was created, the territory of which extended from the Ionian Sea to the Adriatic. The tyrant of Corinth, Periander, was the son of Cypselus and Kratea. As the heir to his father's wealth and power, Periander from the very beginning occupied an exceptional position among the rulers of the cities of Isthmus. He married the daughter of the tyrant Proclus of Epidaurus, the granddaughter of the Arcadian king Aristocrat Melissa, who in childhood was called Lysidice.

Warlike, according to Aristotle, Periander constantly sought to increase his possessions on the shores of the Western Sea, where in some places his half-brothers or their descendants already ruled. He was especially attracted to Kerkyra, with its fertile lands and convenient location on the route of ships to Italy and Sicily. He conquered the island and transferred dominion, presumably, to his son Nicholas. Later, at the end of Periander’s life, the Corcyraeans, trying to throw off the hated oppression, killed Nicholas. Then Periander again captured the island and carried out a terrible massacre of prominent families for this, after which he imprisoned his nephew Psammetichus on Kerkyra, and he himself returned to Corinth.

Crafts and trades, which already under Cypselus began to rapidly develop in the very conveniently located Corinth, reached full bloom under Periander. In ceramic production, this is manifested in the amazing vastness of the potters' region, and in the completeness of the artistic decoration of vessels of the so-called Corinthian style, and in their distribution to remote areas, primarily Italy and Sicily. While overseas exports increased trade turnover, the volume of port dues also increased, which first of all went to the benefit of the Bacchiads, and then the tyrants. Under Periander it reached such proportions that the son of Cypselus could refuse other taxes. The ambiguity of the reign of Periander, who showed himself, on the one hand, as selfish, shamelessly interfering in the life of the community...

Nero also visited Corinth, wanting to fulfill a long-standing dream of the Mediterranean - to dig a canal separating the Peloponnese from the mainland. He even picked at the ground with a golden hoe. At this point the matter slowed down until 1893.
For the last two millennia, Corinth lived a familiar life: it was shaken by earthquakes, captured and burned by the Heruls, the Goths of Allarih, the Normans, pirates, Florentines, Turks, and crusaders.

The latter, having internalized the ancient axiom (“whoever owns Acrocorinth is the master of the entire Peloponnese”), erects an impregnable fortress on the mountain, repairs and improves it throughout the Middle Ages, and leaves it to the Turks.

In 1822, when the Turks were no longer throughout Greece, a small garrison still held Acrocorinth - there was not a single surrender in the history of the fortress. Finally, the saddened Turks, realizing that in Acrocorinth they were only in danger of death from old age, left the fortress with the national flag and freely returned to their historical homeland.

Today's Corinth (84 km from Athens) is a modern city with 30,000 inhabitants, an active social and commercial life. It has wide streets and a good layout. The place where the agora of Corinth was located is currently a huge archaeological reserve. The most ancient and significant Doric temple of Apollo, one of the most famous temples of antiquity in the center, numerous galleries and countless shops, smaller temples such as the temples of Tyche, Asclepius and Hermes, the sanctuary of Athena with the bridle, theatre, odeon, baths, springs, such , like Lerna, Glaucus and Pirena, basilicas with stucco images of the imperial family, large streets such as Lecheo Street - all this makes up an endless ensemble of monuments, a vivid description of which is given by Pausanias in his treatise "On Corinth".

Approximately in the middle of the row of central shops there was a “tribune” from where the Roman governor addressed the citizens gathered in the square. In the Middle Ages, a small temple was built in its place, the foundation of which has been preserved. The port of Corinth in the Gulf of Corinth is Lecheo, which is very close to the city, where there were boathouses and a military naval station. In its heyday, long walls connected the port and maritime site with Corinth, and their remains were discovered in the early 20th century. In the Roman era, Lecheo had embankments built from huge rectangular slabs of tuff. Its location is of great strategic importance.

In the Saronic Gulf, near Isthmia, after the restoration of Corinth, its second port, Cenchrea, was created, with significant fortifications, which also played the role of a breakwater in cases of unrest at sea. Much of these fortifications can today be seen beneath the surface of the sea, with only a small portion visible on land. A small complex of rooms near the southern breakwater may have been storage facilities for the port.

Next to it there was a temple, possibly of Isis, and the remains of a three-aisle basilica from the 4th century, under the floor of which over seventy burials were discovered. Near the northern breakwater, remains of late Roman and early Christian buildings remain. In Cenchrea, where there has been a settlement since prehistoric times, in the 1st century. has more inhabitants than Leheo. This is emphasized in the explicit mention of the “Church of Cenchrea” (Romans 16:1) in the Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the Romans, and is also evident from the presentation to the Romans of the deaconess Thebes, who, apparently, herself brought this letter to Rome in the winter of 52-53. .

Where the road from Cenchrea ended, at the gates of the walls of Corinth, Alexander met the philosopher Diogenes, who, as we know, lived in a clay pot. In both of these ports, where it is known for certain that the apostle of nations set foot here, special work will be carried out in order to restore them and facilitate access for pilgrims.

The Acts of the Holy Apostles mentions that the Apostle Paul sent his assistants Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia, while he himself was in Ephesus. By the way, in the Epistle to the Romans Paul mentions Erastus as follows: “Erastus, the city treasurer, greets you.” It appears that Erastus, who is one of the seventy apostles, remained in Corinth at the time of the writing of Romans. An inscription was discovered near the Corinthian theater in which the name "Erast" is mentioned. The inscription reads as follows: ERASTVS PRO AEDILITATE S P STRAVIT and indicates that the street was tiled thanks to his care. The pavement dates from the mid-1st century, but the inscription on the slab was carved later. It is believed that Erastus, who appears in the inscription, is the same person as the city treasurer of the Pauline era, so they want to establish this archaeological find in such a way that it is accessible and visitors can read this inscription. The descent that leads from today's street to the Roman road discovered during excavations will also be cleared and formalized - it will be opened to its entire preserved length.

In the area of ​​the Isthmus of Corinth, sections of the Diolcus, a special tiled “road” along which ships were dragged from Cenchrea to Lecheo, were discovered. Its construction dates back to the beginning of the 6th century. BC, the era of Periander, and it was built with the purpose, if necessary, of a quick crossing, mainly of warships. Many, including Nero, tried to build a sea route, but without success. As a result, the canal was dug at the end of the 19th century, and its opening took place on October 28, 1893 under Prime Minister Charilaos Trikoupis.

One of the Christian monuments that testifies to the greatness of Christianity in Corinth is the huge early Christian basilica of Lecheo, the remains of which are located very close to the sea and which is dedicated to Saint Leonidas. Excavations here were carried out by Professor D. Pallas, as a result of which a three-aisle basilica with a five-slope transverse aisle and two atria was discovered. The total length of this monument from the altar niche to the end of the outer atrium is 179m!

The cathedral church is dedicated to the Apostle Paul, the patron saint of the city, and was built after the 1928 earthquake. The Church Museum was founded in 1973 and its collection includes significant church exhibits (manuscripts, bishop's vestments, portable icons, photographs, gospels, etc.). Every year during the summer months, events dedicated to the city's patron saint are held, including performances by dance ensembles and choral concerts.

Acrocorinth is the largest and oldest fortress in the Peloponnese. It is located on the top of a rocky mountain at an altitude of 575 meters above sea level and at a distance of 3.5 km from ancient Corinth. Its imposing walls were built during the Middle Ages on the remains of older pre-Christian fortifications, with some later additions during the period of Turkish rule. The fortress contains the ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite, other pre-Christian buildings, remains of Christian churches, as well as buildings from the period of Ottoman rule. Acrocorinth is inextricably linked with the name of Prince Nauplio Leon Sgouros, who committed suicide in 1210 by jumping from the city walls with his horse in order not to surrender to the Franks.

Corinth, the eternal battlefield between love and power, finally decisively rejected the latter. The Apostle Paul was not mistaken in his addressees.

The Gulf of Corinth separates mainland Greece and the Peloponnese peninsula. This is a deep, narrow bay of the Ionian Sea, bounded on the east by the Isthmian Isthmus, and on the west by capes Rion and Antirion, connected by the Rio-Antirio bridge. Here is one of the most seismically dangerous areas in Europe.

The bay is connected to the Aegean Sea by the famous Corinth Canal and can be seen in all its glory from the tiny seaside towns. For example, from Nafpaktos. By the way, it was nearby that the largest naval battle in the bay took place in the 16th century, which largely predetermined the end of Turkish power in the Mediterranean basin. In the immediate vicinity of the bay there are other famous cities of Greece - Delphi, Corinth, Loutraki, etc.

The Peloponnese suspension bridge is also extremely interesting, the longest in the world, connecting the mainland with the peninsula of the same name. It was opened for the Olympic Games in Greece, although the idea itself appeared earlier. The gigantic bridge, 2 kilometers 252 meters long and 65 meters high, is supported by four pillars, each 230 meters high, to which it is connected by suspended steel cables. The design is extremely complex and takes into account the seismicity and heavy shipping traffic in the bay.

Temple of Apollo in Corinth

The ancient Greek period of development of ancient Corinth is represented by the temple of Apollo, the patron god of this city. Built in the middle of the 6th century. BC. on the site of its predecessor, destroyed in the 7th century, the temple was built in the Doric style and initially had six columns at each end and fifteen along each side. The fact that this temple of Apollo became known from the description of Corinth by Pausanias and a small tablet with a dedication to Apollo, which was found on the territory of the temple.

The temple is one of the central and significant buildings of Corinth. Its ruins, which have survived to this day, can easily be considered one of the most photogenic buildings in the entire complex. Its seven monolithic limestone columns were not toppled even by the Roman commander Lucius Mummius, who in 146 BC. burned and destroyed the city, putting the men to death, and selling the women and children into slavery, no time.

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Ancient city of Nemea

The ancient city of Nemea is known as the center of the famous Nemean Games. It was in this city, according to Greek mythology, that the goddess Hera defeated the Nemean Lion. Later, the Nemean Games were held here in 235 BC. In Greek mythology, Nemea was ruled by King Lycurgus and Queen Eurydice. Previously, this city was the sanctuary of the god of thunder and lightning - Zeus.

On the territory of the city, during excavations, the grave of Ophelt, the son of Lycurgus and Eurydice, was found. An altar enclosed in a stone wall was also found. The Temple of Zeus, which dates back to 330 BC, is also considered an important discovery. It is surrounded on all sides by a grove of cypress trees. The roof of the temple fell long ago, but the walls retain the image of Zeus to this day. Some of the city's ruins were partially restored in 2007.

The Temple of Octavia is located on the territory of Ancient Corinth and dates back to the Roman period of the development of this city. It was built on a raised foundation and dedicated to the sister of Emperor Augustus, who ruled the Romans after Caesar, who in 44 BC. refounded Corinth as a Roman colony.

Currently, only three columns have survived from the Temple of Octavia, made in the Corinthian style, which arose and was most developed in this ancient city.

Archaeological Museum of Corinth

The archaeological museum, located on the site of excavations of the layers of ancient Corinth, is considered one of the most interesting in the Greek province. It was opened at the turn of 1931-1932. The impressive collection here is a kind of quintessence of local culture, formed over centuries.

There is a rich collection of very diverse exhibits here, the appearance of which paints in the imagination pictures of the former way of life of the ancient city. Also, the exhibition, located in four halls, makes it possible to trace the development of Greek art, which knew periods of both prosperity and decline.

The oldest pieces in the collection - some mosaics - date back to the fourth century BC. Historical time is presented fully and in detail - the statues are expressive, small everyday objects arouse curiosity. The exhibits, taking turns and changing shape and design, seem to clearly illustrate the movement of time.

Acrocorinth Fortress

Acrocorinth is the name of the acropolis of ancient Corinth. It is located on top of the monolithic rock of the same name, above the ancient city. The fortress served as a military fortification almost until the 19th century, since the topography of the area and access to drinking water optimally contributed to defense.

The top of the 575-meter hill, accessible only from the west, is surrounded by powerful fortress walls 2 kilometers long. The main entrance of the acropolis is protected by a three-tier wall and three gates standing at different levels. In the center of the hill there once stood a temple of Aphrodite built around the 5th-4th centuries BC, on the site of which a small Christian basilica then appeared, later a tower, and subsequently a mosque and then a Venetian terrace. Near the wall of the southern part of the fortress there is the legendary Pirene spring, described by the ancient Greek geographer Pausanias.

The ancient acropolis was completed and supplemented by various conquerors of the city over many centuries. Archaeological excavations began here in 1929. Currently, Acrocorinth is a unique architectural monument that has absorbed the culture of various nationalities and historical eras.

Lake Stymphalia

The largest lake in the Peloponnese (area - 3.5 kilometers) can be called a mountain lake. It is located at an altitude of more than 600 meters above sea level.

The surface of Stymphalia is covered with large patches of reeds, but this in no way detracts from the picturesqueness of the landscape. And the knowledge that it was here that Hercules shot the evil Stymphalian birds with his bow makes one experience complex emotions. And the lake got its name in honor of the character of ancient Greek mythology, the son of Elatus Stymphalus.

Many birds nest on the lake itself. And in its surroundings there is something to see. On the shore are the impressive ruins of the Gothic basilica of the Crusader monastery, in the village of Feneos nearby there is a small archaeological museum, and a little further - the monastery of St. George - a smaller copy of the famous Athonite monasteries.

The most popular attractions in Corinth with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Corinth on our website.

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.

Getting to the towns and mountain villages of 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's enterprises produce copper cables, medical equipment, tiles, gum, salt, mineral water and various drinks, and 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 largest lake in the 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 settlement 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 realized this idea. 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 a 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, part of the temple complex on the territory of which the games were held, the remains of ancient baths, a stadium that could accommodate 40 thousand spectators, which was shaped like 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, both 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 a beautiful and organized sandy beach with fine sand surrounded by pebbles. In recent years it has been regularly awarded the EU Blue Flag. 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 a wide choice of recreation. 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 the modern city, near the Sypha River. 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 engage in sea 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 fine sand beach. In recent years it has become an important resort destination, 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 the coastal night entertainment centers of the area.

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, organized camping, restaurants and fish taverns offering 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.

boasts a large number of remains of ancient cities, a visit to which, like nothing else, will help you fully experience the spirit of Greece and its past. Small children are unlikely to be interested in this kind of trip, but if schoolchildren are vacationing with you, be sure to visit one of these places with them, for example, on the territory of ancient Corinth.

In the VII-VI centuries. BC e. Corinth was one of the largest and most prosperous cities in ancient Greece. Thanks to its advantageous geographical position (location on a narrow isthmus connecting the Saronic and Corinthian gulfs), the city was very prosperous, had its own merchant and military fleet, and Corinthian gunsmiths had no equal in the world. It was here that the famous philosopher Diogenes lived, the founder of the Cynic school, who became famous not only for his works, but also for living in a barrel.

During your visit to the ancient city, you will see the Temple of Apollo, the ancient theater, the long walls of the city, the Corinthian agora (marketplace), the ruins of the Pyrene Fountain and the thermal baths of Eurycles. The tribune from which the Apostle Paul once preached Christianity has also been preserved here. Let's look at the most interesting places in this city that are definitely worth seeing. Not far from the main road you can see the ruins of the Temple of Apollo - one of the oldest in the Peloponnese. To date, 7 of its 38 columns have been discovered, surviving after numerous earthquakes. The Archaeological Museum of Corinth is located at the western entrance. In it you can see many exhibits from all periods of the history of the ancient ancient city: a large collection of Roman mosaics, ancient Corinthian ceramics, sculpture. 4 km above the main city rises the 600-meter high Acrocorinth hill (Akrokórinthos) with the fortress of the same name. The fortress served as a military fortification in ancient times and has been well preserved to this day. The length of the walls in the southwestern direction is about 5 km. Ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite were discovered in the northeast of Acrocorinth. In those days, a thousand servants of the goddess, priestesses of love, lived here.

On the territory of Acrocorinth, in addition to ancient buildings, you can see minarets, Muslim tombs, mosques and chapels built here during the reign of the Turks. Not far from the ruins of the ancient ancient city of Corinth there is a modern city, which is a large industrial center. For example, on its territory there is a huge oil refining complex, considered one of the largest in the Eastern Mediterranean. One of the attractions of modern Corinth is the 6-kilometer Corinth Canal, which is located northeast of the city. It runs through the Isthmus of Corinth and is named after the city. Its width is 24 meters, length - 6 km, depth - 8 meters, and the height of the walls reaches 75 meters.

It is worth considering that the trip and inspection of Corinth and Acrocorinth are quite long in time, most of the sites are located in places not protected from the sun. Not far from this attraction is located, a visit to which can be a pleasant addition to an excursion trip.

Separated from Greece by the narrow Isthmus of Corinth. And already on its territory there is a city of the same name with a population of about thirty thousand people. Modern Corinth rebuilt when the ancient polis was destroyed by the 1858 earthquake. But this was not the end of the city's residents' tests of strength: it was destroyed again in 1928 during another earthquake. And again the city was rebuilt from scratch.

The city of Corinth welcomes you

Today, the third largest city on the peninsula is divided into two parts, three kilometers apart. One is modern, the other is with remnants of bygone times, this is... The first policy is highly developed economically, with a modern industrial industry and diverse logistics. To the north on the coast there is a port for sending products for export and receiving raw materials for processing.

Tourists will reach Ancient Corinth within fifteen to twenty minutes from the corner of Kolokotroni and Koliatsu streets. There are flights to the interior of the peninsula.

Corinth on the map