Flourishing between the Neolithic Period to the Byzantine Era, ancient Corinth boasts thousands of years of history and was even one of the most important political and commercial centers of the Ancient World, rivalling that of Athens, Sparta, and Olympia.
In fact, Corinth is featured numerous times throughout Greek mythology, history, and Christianity and is home to several celebrated landmarks and monuments that have become an iconic part of ancient Greece’s contribution to the world.
Whether you are a history buff looking to explore some of the best ancient Greek ruins or are looking for a fun day trip from Athens, this is everything you need to know for an exciting and informative visit to the Archaeological Site of Ancient Corinth.
Visit Ancient Corinth, Greece: A Brief Guide
Ancient Corinth Opening Hours:
- Winter (December 10 to April 10): 08:00 – 15:30
- Peak Season (April 11 to August 31): 08:00 – 20:00
- End of Summer (September 1 to September 30): 08:00 – 19:00
- Fall Shoulder Season (October 1 – October 31): 08:00 – 18:00
- Late Fall (November 1 – December 9): 08:00 – 17:00
Ticket Prices: €8 combined ticket (archaeological site + museum)/ €4 in off-season. Additional discounts may apply.
Address: Argous 105, Archea Korinthos 200 07, Greece
Nearby Hotels: Maria’s Boutique Rooms | ACRO Upscale Residence | Pegasus Rooms
Tours: Ancient Corinth Guided Tour from Athens | Ancient Corinth Private Tour from Corinth
Top Sights: The Acrocorinth | Temple of Apollo | Lower Peirene Fountain | Archaeological Museum of Corinth
Ancient Corinth Map
Ancient Corinth: A Brief History
Founded during Neolithic times(between 5000 and 3000 BCE), Corinth was one of the most important and influential of the Greek city-states, with it rising as a major player within the ancient world during the 8th century BCE.
Occupying a strategic position near the Isthmus of Corinth, separating the Corinthian Gulf and the Saronic Gulf , Corinth became a cultural and commercial hub during the Archaic Period ( 800 to 490 BCE) and became known for its architectural inroads (the origins of the Corinthian style), along with its now famous black-figure pottery.
As a leading community of the time period, Corinth played a major role in nearly all of the conflicts of Ancient Greece, including the Greco-Persian Wars, the Peloponnesian War, and the Corinthian War.
Throughout nearly four centuries of conflicts, Corinth always maintained its independence until the city finally fell to Phillip II and the Macedonians in 338 BCE.
Control of Corinth then passed to the Achaean League, who maintained power until the city was destroyed by the Roman general Lucius Mummius in 146 BCE.
A century later, in 44 BCE, Julius Caesar reestablished Corinth, and the reconstructed city quickly regrew into the pivotal center it once was, even becoming the administrative Capital of Rome in Greece.
Corinth continued to prosper throughout the Roman Period, with it most famously hosting the Apostle Paul, from which Christianity receives the Letters to the Corinthians found within the New Testament.
The city remained prominent within the geographical and political climate of Greece throughout the Byzantine Period but ultimately declined during the Dark Ages until it was finally reduced to a small country town following Turkish conquests in the 15th century CE.
Things to See and Do in Ancient Corinth
1. The Acrocorinth
Located atop a monolithic rock just to the south of the main archaeological site, the Acrocorinth is one of the largest and most impressive castles in Europe.
While the site has undergone several renovations and constructions over the years, the famous acropolis was originally established between the 7th and 6th century BCE as the site houses the Temple of Aphrodite.
Known as a sacred location for religious prostitution in the worship of the goddess of love, the Acrocorinth was later converted into a fortress, becoming one of the “Fetters of Greece” under Macedonian rule.
The hilltop received further fortifying under the Byzantine Empire, with the temple being converted into a church and later a mosque. The ruins of these sites can still be explored just a short drive from the ancient city of Corinth and should not be skipped when visiting the archaeological site.
2. Temple of Apollo
Constructed in 560 BCE, the Temple of Apollo is one of the first Doric temples built on mainland Greece and is one of the best preserved and most prominent monuments in ancient Corinth.
At the height of Corinth’s prosperity, the Temple of Apollo was an impressive structure of 42 monolithic limestone columns with a two-columned antechamber, a large oblong central room, and another two-columned rear room.
The temple received renovations during the Roman Period to convert it into a center for the cult of the Emperor, while further renovations during the Byzantine era saw the addition of a basilica along the northeastern part of Temple Hill.
Today, only seven standing columns remain along with ruins of the temple’s foundations, but the impressive structure is still a sight to behold and is one of the only few remaining Archaic Greek temples in the world.
3. Ancient Agora
Making up the brunt of the archaeological site, Corinth’s ancient agora was the social and commercial center of the historical city, with remnants of its main commerce buildings and homes scattered throughout the site.
Among the top attractions within the ancient agora are Lechaion Street, the high-end shopping district of the ancient city, and the Basilica Ioulioa, the courthouse constructed by Emperor Claudius in 44 CE.
Other historical ruins of ancient Corinth found within the agora include the Temple of Octavia, the Roman Odeon, the Gymnasium, and several public buildings decorated with breathtaking reliefs and preserved sculptures.
4. Lower Peirene Fountain
One of the most mythologically storied monuments in Corinth, Peirene Fountain was said to be the watering hole of Pegasus and a sacred site dedicated to the Muses.
During ancient times, poets from all over Greece would flock to the city to drink from the springs and be inspired. While the spring itself is located atop the Acrocorinth, the Lower Peirene Fountain is found right within the ancient city and consists of a historic bathhouse with Doric, Roman, and Byzantine influences.
5. The Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth
Built-in 1932, the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth is an essential stop along any tour of the historical city.
Set adjacent to the archaeological site, the museum contains several artifacts taken from the archaeological excavations, including numerous sculptures, Corinthian black-figure pottery and amphoras, coinage, and martial artifacts.
How to Get to Ancient Corinth?
As a popular tourist destination, Corinth is relatively easy to access. For a full exploration of Greece’s most historical places, I suggest following this 2-week Peloponnese road trip.
However, those travelling via public transport can also reach the site by taking the KTEL 51 bus from Omonia Station in Athens to New Corinth and catching a 15-minute city bus to the archaeological site.
Meanwhile, those looking to drive themselves along a day trip can find directions from popular tourist hubs below.
Driving to Ancient Corinth from Athens
Driving to Ancient Corinth from Modern Corinth
Driving to Ancient Corinth from Delphi
Driving to Ancient Corinth from Nafplio
Where to Stay Near Ancient Corinth?
Ancient Corinth makes for a fantastic day trip from Athens or one of the Peloponnese’s own tourist destinations. However, staying within the town adjacent to the archaeological site is the best way to explore the area, with the evening being the best time to admire the Temple of Apollo, which is lit up after nightfall.
There are several hotels and short-term rentals in the area, but I suggest Maria’s Boutique Rooms, ACRO Upscale Residence, or Pegasus Rooms for the most comfortable accommodations.
FAQS About Ancient Corinth, Greece
Where is Ancient Corinth, Greece?
Ancient Corinth is located on the south side of the isthmus, separating the Gulf of Corinth from the Saronic Gulf and connecting Mainland Greece to the Peloponnese. It is about 80 kilometres from Athens and about 5 kilometres from the modern city of Corinth.
How Much is Admission at Ancient Corinth, Greece?
Standard admission to the Archaeological Site of Ancient Corinth is €8 per person during the peak summer months and covers admission to both the archaeological site and associated museum. The price is halved during the winter months and is even free on designated holidays.
How Long Do I Need to Explore Ancient Corinth, Greece?
If you are just looking to explore the ruins of the city, ancient Corinth should take an hour to explore. However, if you enjoy reading all the signage and absorbing as much history as you can, you should expect to spend at least 2 hours here, longer if you plan on venturing to the top of the Acrocorinth.
What Are Some Other Archaeological Sites Near Ancient Corinth, Greece?
Looking to explore some other ancient ruins near Corinth? Check out these awesome historic sites just a short drive from the city.
Archaeological Site of Cenchreae (17.7 km)
Archaeological Site of Mycenae (36.4 km)
Archeological Site of Heraion at Perachora (37.6 km)
Archaeological Site of Epidaurus (68.6 km)
