The 6th-century BCE Temple of Apollo was carved from a single piece of limestone for its columns, which is a rare construction technique for the era.
Ancient Corinth was once one of the largest and wealthiest cities in Greece, largely due to its control over the Diolkos, a paved trackway that moved ships across the Isthmus.
The city produced a distinctive style of pottery known as 'Corinthian ware,' characterized by animal motifs and Orientalizing patterns.
The Bema at Ancient Corinth is one of the few archaeological sites with a direct, historically corroborated connection to the travels of the Apostle Paul.
Acrocorinth, the hill fortress overlooking the ruins, contains remains of a Temple of Aphrodite that once housed over a thousand sacred prostitutes.
The city possessed a sophisticated hydraulic system, including the Peirene Fountain, which provided water to the city through a complex series of underground conduits.
During the Roman period, Corinth was the capital of the Roman province of Achaea.
The site was severely damaged by a series of earthquakes in the 6th century CE, which contributed to its eventual decline.
Ancient Corinth served as a major power in the Greek world, positioned strategically on the Isthmus between the Peloponnese and the Greek mainland. The site is dominated by the monolithic 6th-century BCE Temple of Apollo, one of the oldest standing examples of the Doric order in Greece. Excavations have revealed a complex Roman urban layout, including the Lechaion Road, a monumental marketplace, and public latrines. The associated Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth houses artifacts recovered from the site, ranging from prehistoric pottery to Roman-era statuary. The site offers visible evidence of the city's transition through Greek, Roman, and Byzantine occupations. Visitors can observe the Bema, the elevated platform where the Apostle Paul was brought before the Roman proconsul Gallio in 51 CE. The ruins are overlooked by the Acrocorinth, a fortified peak that provided a natural defensive stronghold for the city. Much of the currently visible infrastructure reflects the 44 BCE reconstruction by Julius Caesar after the Roman destruction of 146 BCE.
From the elevated path looking down onto the Temple of Apollo with the Acrocorinth peak framing the background.
Visit the nearby Acrocorinth fortress on the same day for a complete view of the defensive landscape.
Wear footwear with significant tread, as the ancient stone surfaces are heavily polished, uneven, and become slippery.
Bring a hat and sunscreen, as the site has minimal shade and the white limestone reflects intense heat.
Avoid visiting during the peak heat of summer afternoons, as the site offers little shelter from the sun.
The site is typically closed on major Greek national holidays.
Modest dress is required if visiting the adjacent small chapel; keep to marked paths to protect the delicate excavations.
