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Peloponnese Guide: Modern Corinth

Greece Peloponnese Guide: Modern Corinth: Tel.Code: 2741

peloponnese corinth prefecturepeloponnese corinth prefectureModern Corinth

Since ancient times Corinth has been famous for its raisins (sultanas) and currants (the word 'currant' deriving from 'Korinth'), as well as being the source of the 'Corinthian columns' used in Greek and Roman temples. It was also famous for its religious prostitutes and considered so holy  (I mean naughty) that St.Paul paid a rather lengthy visit there of close to two years and caused rioting in the streets with his eulogizing. Needless to say his sermons did little good and it took an earthquake or two for things to settle down.

The modern city has a population of around 30,000, and is often used as a base for exploring the site of Ancient Korinthos and the Akrokorinth citadel, as well as the Argolid to the south.

CORINTH PREFECTURE PELOPONNESEThe ancient town was ravaged by earthquakes in 521AD and 550AD. Modern Corinth was built in 1858 at the head of the gulf after still later earthquakes in the older town further inland, suffering the same fate in 1928 and, despite its being rebuilt on anti-seismic principles, was leveled again in 1981, leaving thousands to spend the following year in tents. The newer buildings, predictably, are all concrete and without character. The modern city is mostly an industrial and agricultural center, and the hottest and driest place in the Peloponnese in summer. It is a very noisy city with a lot of traffic and a poor transport system.

One of the very few attractions in the city is the Folklore Museum (Tues-Sun, 8:30am-1pm;2euros), which houses costumes, engravings and traditional craft items. There is a park in the center of town. Though there are many hotels in the city, none of them is out of range of traffic noise. To the west of town along the gulf are two campsites.

Modern Corinth, on the shores of the Gulf of Corinth, has a population of about 28,000 and several hotels of the C, D, and T class. It lies 2.5 km west of its namesake canal and 83 km from Athens.

Ancient Corinth lies 7 km to the SW. and Acro-Corinth just beyond. Swimming is best at Kalami Beach 1.5 km west of the modern town.

Leveled by earthquake in 1858, and again in 1928 architects rebuilt using current anti-earth-quake principles. Consequently, Corinth sacrifices charm for stability with sturdy, low and squat structures. A few more modern, but equally unprepossessing buildings do little to alter its character.

Most tourists pass through modern Corinth with out stopping, on their way to other Peloponnesian attractions. So if you are seeking a taste of a modern Greek towns life, without the traditional charms, modern Corinth will do admirably. Food will be good and prices less! Naufplion, further south has a lot more charm and is recommended.

To view the available Archeological Bus Tours departing your Athens Hotel: of Mycenae, Epidavros, Olympia and more click here.

The waterfront area is the most attractive section of town and with ones back to the sea, the streets are laid out in a logical grid like manner so different from most Greek villages.

Damaskinou Street borders the harbor and intersects Corinth's' 3 main thoroughfares of which Ethinki Antistasis is the major along with Kolokotroni St. to the west and Ermou to the east. The Bus Station and major town park lie 2 blocks inland between Ermou and Ethniki Antistasis streets. Corinth is served by OSE Greek Rail. The train station is 6 blocks east of the towns center.

Somewhat business-like and staid of appearance during the day, the town of Corinth seems to come alive after 9:30 PM. when many residents take to the streets and frequent the waterfront tavernas, bars and sweet shops. The Kalami beach area in particular, is happening at night, with many bars and discos.

Below left: the Folklore Museum in Corinth, center: Fisherman's Limani, right: Corinth's Central Sq.

corinth greece folklore museum corinth fishermans wharf corinths central square

APPROACHES & DEPARTURES

Train: The Corinth Train station is on Demokratias St., a few blocks from the center of town. Trains from Athens arrive 15 times per day. The journey takes 2 hr and costs than 3 dollars.

Two small gauge lines serve to connect Corinth with the rest of the Peloponnese. The first hugs the northern coast from Corinth to Patras and then heads south west along the coast to Pirgos and Kiparissia.

The second heads inland from Corinth to the heart of the Peloponnese: Arcadia's capital Tripoli and then south to Kalamata (airport) and the Messainaiko Gulf.

Trains run from 8 am to 12 pm. 25% discounts are given for round trips. Express trains can cost more. Luggage storage available for 1€/day per piece. Hefty surcharge for purchasing ticket on train.

Bus: The Bus to Athens departs from the corner of Koliatsou and Ermou Streets and runs 32 times per day. It costs 4 euro and takes @75 minutes. It operates from 5:30 am until 9:30 PM.

Buses to Mycenae, Argos and Nafplion depart from the corner of Aratou and Ethniki Antistasi Streets and use the sweet shop 'Zacharoplastio' as a depot. Hours of operation: 7 am to 9:30 PM. The Mycenae bus drops travelers 1.5 km from the ruins at Fichta, about a 20 min. walk.

Buses to points south in the Peloponnese entail a bus journey to Loutraki and the Corinth Canal where one waits for the Athens buses to. Sparta, Tripoli, Koroni, Kalamta and other points.

Practical Information

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