The ruins of this once splendid city lie high up on a hill above the modern town, overlooking both the Corinth and the Saronicos Gulfs. In fact, ancient Corinth owed its power and wealth to this advantageous position between two large harbors, Lechaion in the Gulf of Corinth and Kechreae on the Saronic Gulf. Corinth existed in prehistoric times, and it reached the peak of its economic and cultural progress under the rule of Kypselus ( 7th century B.C. ) and his son Periandrus.
The principal sights include the Temple of Apollo ( 6th century B.C. ), the columns of which are monolithic, a rare architectural feature in ancient times. The fountain of Pirene, the marketplace, theater and odeum, several Roman buildings, and the tribune from where St Paul delivered his sermons to the Corinthians in 51 A.D. are only some of this famous city’s archaeological remains bearing witness to its“ ancient prosperity and power. An earthquake in 521 A.D. destroyed what remained half-damaged by the Roman and Gothic invasions. The small museum on the site is of immense interest.
NEW CORINTH
Modern Corinth is a busy provincial town of some 20,000 inhabitants. Built-in 1928 after the old town was destroyed by an earthquake, Corinth is a pleasant, quiet town and an important crossroads linking the Greek mainland with the Peloponnese. Good hotels and restaurants, a lively esplanade, and recreational facilities make it an excellent base for trips to the nearby resorts and historical sites.
LOUTRAKI
Just beyond the Isthmus bridges and facing modern Corinth across the gulf rise the steep slopes of the Gerania range, sheltering in its foothills the well-known Spa of Loutraki. Its mineral waters have made Loutraki a popular tourist and health resort. Bordered by sea and mountain, this green strip of coast boasts several excellent hotels and restaurants, beaches, and bungalow complexes.
A few kilometers away to the west lies Perachora and the vast lagoon of Vouliagmeni, which is ideal for all kinds of sea sports. Beyond the lagoon are the ruins of the Temple of Hera, by the side of an almost intact ancient harbor.
