Corinthia, where ancient history meets modern charm, and breathtaking landscapes await your exploration. Nestled in the heart of Greece, the Corinthia region bewitches travelers with its rich history, stunning coastline, and vibrant culture. From ancient ruins to picturesque villages, there's something for everyone in Corinthia.
Corinth was an important city-state of ancient Greece. Ancient Corinth controlled the pivotal position of the Canal of Corinth and was the most important commercial hub of the ancient world, until it was threatened by Athens. Corinth was considered the richest city in the ancient world. The village of Ancient Corinth is now quite touristic and next to it stand the ruins of the ancient city and of the temples and the archaeological museum, which attract many visitors every year.
Acrocorinth
Acrocorinth, the castle of Corinth, where there used to be temples dedicated to Aphrodite, Dimitra and Kori. The castle was in continuous use from ancient times until recently. Thus, the buildings have been reconstructed several times, while the building material has been used several times to meet each time’s requirements.
Ancient Nemea
The archaeological site of Nemea is emblematic due to the organization of the Nemean Games in antiquity. The site includes the sport roots of Europe and the ideals of classical sports as an element for the comprehensive education of young people. The first Panhellenic Nemean games took place in 573 BC on a two years basis. In mythology, Hercules’s victory against the lion of Nemea, often found in ancient Greek art and literature, inextricably connects the hero with the site. The Archaeological Site of Nemea is a complex of well-preserved and exhibited archaeological remains, emblematic due to Nemean Sports Games.
Melagavi Lighthouse
Melagavi lighthouse, also known as Heraion lighthouse, was built in 1897 on the Agrilaos peninsula, in the golf of Alkyonides Islands. In 1947, the building was renovated and repaired. Its outline is T shaped and it has a rectangular light tower. It is made of stone and it constitutes a typical example of classical lighthouse architecture. Melagavi is renowned to be one of the 10 most beautiful lighthouses in Greece and it is also one of the most photographed landmarks by travelers with thousands of captures on social media.
Roman Estate Loutraki
Within a distance of 6 km from the center of Loutraki archaeological excavations have brought to light a luxurious Roman villa and also a large bath complex in the Katounistra region. All these findings demonstrate the importance of the Isthmus region in antiquity but also the development of thermalism in the area.
Monuments from every period of the eventful Peloponnesian history, great archeological sites such as ancient Olympia, Epidaurus, Mycenae and Tirynth, Byzantine churches, unique settlements and amazing castles, natural beauties such as mountains, forests, rivers and caves surrounded by the sea, beautiful beaches, sandy and smooth coasts on the west – rocky on the east, make this part of Greek land ideal for holidays, touring, sports and connecting to the history and culture. It is not accidental that especially during the summer season many tourists arrive in Peloponnese from all over the world to travel around it. Such trip is very popular and well known.
Peloponnese with its gulfs in Corinth, Patras, Saronic, Messenia, Argolida and Laconia looks like a plane tree leaf and that is why it was formerly called "Morias". It has dry climate on the east, cold, snow and rich vegetation in its central and mountainous parts and rain and heat on the west.
History of Peloponnese
People settled in Peloponnese from the middle Paleolithic era (circa 100.000 years B.C.). The Greek civilization began during the Copper era and after 2000 B.C. came in the area the First Greeks. Few centuries later, Mycenaeans are the center of Greek world. Excavations verify the legend of Homeric Mycenaean, while the ruins in Pylos match the references for the well-known King Nestor's palace in west Peloponnese.
In 1200 B.C. Dorian and Aetoli arrive in Peloponnese and construct Korinthos, Argos and Sparta. The Olympic Games where athletes from all over Greece participate take place in Olympia every four years. After centuries Fillip the Macedonian arrives in Peloponnese and then the Romans. In 393 B.C. the Byzantines abolish the Olympic Games, in 1294 arrive the Franks and later the Turks. In 1827 after the sea battle in Navarino ends the Ottoman/Egyptian occupation and Peloponnese becomes the first part of new independent Greece.
UNESCO Monuments
Olympia Archaeological Site
The most significant sanctuary of ancient Greece, dedicated to Zeus, the father of the ancient Greek gods, lies in the western Peloponnese. It is located in a green landscape, in the valley of Alpheios river, southwest at the foot of Mount Kronios, at the confluence of Alpheios and Kladeos Rivers. According to UNESCO’s World Heritage website, there is probably no ancient archaeological site anywhere around the world more related to today’s world than Olympia. The stadium of Olympia where the ancient Olympic Games were held, the impressive proportions of the temple of Zeus, being the largest temple in the Peloponnese, the temple of Hera, Philippeio and Palaestra (Gymnasium) are the site’s most significant attractions.
Mycenae and Tiryns
The Peloponnesian land has nurtured one of the most important civilizations known in this area since the dawn of history: the Mycenaean civilization. The apogee of the Mycenaean people is dated back to the Late Bronze Age, between 1350 and 1200 BC. Their architecture, monuments and culture were majestic. The first clans were formed as early as 1700 BC and first tombs date approximately to that same period. The Palace complexes, the Cyclopean fortifications, the famous "Tomb (Treasury) of king Atreus”, huge arched doors, fountains and ramparts are considered to be among the greatest architectural complexes known from the ancient world. The fortification on the hill of Tiryns (at 8-km distance from Argos town) protected the palace complex. It is believed that ancient Greeks could not accept the fact that it was built by humans as it was truly an impressive construction. Keep in mind that great heroes with supernatural powers have been associated with Tiryns: Bellerophon, Perseus, and Hercules. The towering circular building on the hilltop -27 meters in diameter- bears witness to Tiryns’ once dominant power. The town’s fortifications were built in stages, for the protection of the palatial complex, the places of worship and burial sites. Warehouses, workshops and residences provide the complete picture of a city that flourished for almost 2000 years, until the 5th century BC.
Sanctuary of Asklepios in Epidaurus
Epidaurus is one of the most important ancient archaeological sites reflecting the splendor of the Greek culture, through its imposing beauty. The ancient town stands on the land of Argolida, overlooking the Saronic Gulf. Gurgling sparkling waterways, beautiful natural landscapes and the beneficial climate served to create the ideal location for engaging in man-healing practices with the help of the Gods. This is where Asklepieion was founded; it served as the main practice area for the Healer god of Greek antiquity and it was the most important healing center of the entire Greek and Roman world. The monuments in the site are not only considered as ancient Greek art masterpieces, known across the world, they also offer very useful information on the ancient Greek medical practice.
Temple of Apollo Epicurius
The temple of Apollo Epicurius lies at an elevation of 1,130 meters in Vasses (known in antiquity as Figaleia), in the heart of Peloponnese. The temple is also known as the Parthenon of Peloponnese as Ictinus, the great ancient Greek architect who designed and constructed it, has also designed the Parthenon in Athens with Kallikrates. This world-renowned architectural gem was the first among the great monuments of Greece to be included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site List in 1986. You can reach the temple driving through Ilia region, following a fascinating route along the banks of Neda River, or travel from Tripoli and Megalopolis. The original temple dates back to the 7th century BC, yet it took its current form around 420-400 BC.
Mystras
Visit the medieval fortified town of Mystras in the Peloponnese located 6km NW of Sparta and let yourself be captivated by this destination’s byzantine splendor. Wander in the site and feel the magic of its medieval grandeur: the Palaces for the Royal House of Palaiologos, the Houses of noblemen Laskaris and Frangopoulos, beautiful churches (Saint Dimitrios and Pantanassa), impressive Monasteries (Perivleptos and Vrontochio). Visit the Archaeological Museum, housed in a 1754 stone-built structure. This is the best way to complete your tour of one of the world’s most impressive archaeological sites.
