The town of Korinthos , which stands at the head of the Gulf of Korinthos , was built in its present situation after disastrous earthquakes in 1 858 and 1928. The town today has an impressive cathedral dedicated St. Paul , who taught Christianity and founded in Korinthos the first church in Greece in 50 BC. In Korinthos you can see neoclassical and newer buildings and enjoy a pleasant and stimulating stroll. You can visit the Historical and Folklore Museum and the Corinth Municipal Art Gallery . The gulf of Korinthos has many beautiful and not crowed beaches to enjoy your swimming.
Ancient Korinthos
Ancient Korinthos was one of the richest and most splendid cities of the ancient Greek world. Among the ruins to be seen are those of the Temple of Apollo , the Agora, the Fountain of Peirene, which has arches and underground channels, the “sacred spring”, with triglyphs, the Bema, or dais, from which the Apostle Paul preached to the Korinthians, the Fountain of Glauke, the Roman Odeion, and the ancient theatre.
Acrokorinth
The Acrokorinth, the Acropolis of Ancient Korinthos , has been fortified since prehistoric times . Α t its top ( 575 m .), traces of the famous temple of Aphrodite have been found. The view over the surrounding countryside is unforgettable. Entering the fort, the visitor will notice traces of masonry from all periods, from ancient times to the previous century.
Isthmus
Nearly everyone travelling to the Peloponnese will stop for a while at its gates, the Isthmus. Visitors will enjoy a wonderful and unique view to the Canal itself and its bridges, a road and a rail one. The Canal was built between 1882 and 1893. Around 12,000 boats pass each year, from one gulf to the other. Periander, tyrant of Korinthos , first had the idea of building a canal, in the 6th century BC. The technical difficulties of such an undertaking, however, forced him to find another solution, the Diolkos, a paved road across the Isthmus which runs from Kalamaki, the ancient Schoinous, to Poseidonia on the Gulf of Korinthos . Ships were dragged across from the bay of Cenchreae to the Gulf of Korinthos along this road on earts pulled by people or animals, and then re-launched to continue their journey.
Loutraki
Loutraki is a pleasant town which combines mountain and seaside scenery. Its thermal springs have been known since antiquity, and are recommended for a wide variety of different ailments. There are also clean beaches, and much to be seen in the surrounding countryside. Loutraki is one of the oldest coastal centres in Greece , with many water and other sports facilities. The archaeological excavations on the natural heights in the region of Katounistra in Loutraki have brought to light a Roman villa dating to 50 BC (the excavation is still ongoing), with wonderful mosaic representations.
Perachora - Heraion
To the north west of Loutraki is Perachora, the ancient Peraia Chora, a village with a museum, with a large number of finds from the Heraion of Vouliagmeni. To the west of Perachora, after a pleasant drive, is Vouliagmeni Lake or Heraion Lake ). The lake has been joined up to the Gulf of Korinthos by a short canal, and the tide changes every six hours. Cape Heraion stands to the west, and a marvellous temple to Hera used to crown it. The British Archaeological School has discovered the ancient settlement of Heraion with the two sanctuaries to Hera, Akraia Hera and Limenias Hera.
Ancient Nemea
Ancient Nemea was famous for its Panhellenic Games, the “ Nemea ”, which featured contests in gymnastics, horse riding, music and drama. The games were conducted inside the precincts of the Temple of Zeus , ruins of which have been discovered near the entrance into Irakleio. Traces of a gymnasium of the classical period have also been found, with a palaestra and Roman baths to the South, as well as the Stadium where the games were held every two years, from 573 BC. Modern village of Nemea is the greatest vineyards in the Balkans and its wine is famous. The most important red wine of Greece is made from the indigenous Greek Agiorgitiko grape, famous for its deep red colour and complex aroma.
Ancient Epidaurus
In ancient times, Epidaurus was famous mainly for its Asklipeion, a sanctuary devoted to the healer-god Asclepius. However the best preserved and restored building of the cite of Ancient Epidaurus is the Theatre, a work by the Argive sculptor and architect Polykleitos the younger. The theatre has been famous since antiquity for its harmonious lines and perfect acoustics. There have been performances of ancient Greek drama in the theatre of Epidaurus since 1954, the Epidaurus Festival of ancient Greek drama today known as “Epidaureia”.
Ancient Mycenae
The ruins of ancient city stand on a rocky knoll in a location of great strategic importance. Archeologists have discovered the acropolis of Mycenae , various tombs on and around it, and the ruins of houses and other buildings within the city. The “Lion Gate” which stands at the entrance to the acropolis is world famous. The large tholos tombs outside the walls are also impressive.
Nafplio
Nafplio impresses the visitor with its nobility. It has old houses, courtyards filled with trees and pots of herbs, elegant balconies and charming narrow streets. In Nafplio we can see monuments such as the Venetian castle on the Palamidi, the Acronafplia cape, the Venetian fort of Bourtzi and the Byzantine-style Church of St George, the first Greek School which opened in 1832, the Church of St Spyridon , the Catholic Church of the Transfiguration and the Constitution Square (Platia Syndagmatos).
Athens
Athens , the Capital of Greece, is about 78 km southeast of Korinthos . A short travel to Athens , by train or bus, is worthwhile and will give the opportunity to take part in Greek everyday life, and also the history and the civilization of the city. Must to see is the Acropolis and the new Acropolis museum which sells beautiful items at more than reasonable prices, ideal presents for people of all ages. You can enjoy walking to the Ancient Agora, Thission, Monastiraki square, and Plaka.
