Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Caesar decided to rebuild Corinth, and it blossomed into one of the great trading
cities of the Roman Empire.
During his 18-month sojourn in Corinth, Saint Paul became alarmed about the
sinful ways of the Corinthians and frequently “read the riot act” to the city fathers.
Because of his violent condemnation of moral laxity, he was charged with inciting
a riot. Instead of dispensing punishment, the city fathers issued Saint Paul a rep-
rimand—and the suggestion that he leave town as soon as possible, which he did.
Historians estimate that at one time the ancient city of Corinth had a population
of more than 460,000; today, its citizens number about 21,000. Although termed
a citadel, the old city was attacked repeatedly and conquered through the ages.
During their sweep through Greece, the Turks took over the city in 1458 and again
in 1715. In 1458 the Turkish conquest ended when they retreated hastily in ships.
The siege of the city in 1715 was described in prose by Lord Byron. There is little
Turkish architecture visible in the Corinthian area, due mainly to the short time they
were on the premises.
There is excellent bus service between the city and the
archaeologicalsite.
De-
partures are daily on the hour from 0600 to 2100. The bus terminal is on the south
side of the city park. The sign over the terminal reads
APXAIA.
A taxi will take you
there from the railway station for a nominal fare.
To reach the bus station on foot, turn left after leaving the station and then right
onto Damaskinou Street and right again onto Ermou Street, just before the Hotel
Belle Vue. Turn left at this point and, 3 blocks later, you'll arrive at the bus terminal
on the far left-hand corner of the city park. For further information check with the
“Tourist Police.”
Walk through the park, past another bus terminal to a pharmacy
on the right-hand side. Turn right, and find the police station half a block farther on
the left-hand side.
Excavations have been in progress on the site of old Corinth for many years.
Literature describing the excavations and the contents of the museum is available
as you enter the site. Between 1925 and 1929, extensive excavations were made.
Among the findings, an inscription was found that recorded the story of Androcles
and the lion. According to Roman history, Androcles removed a thorn from a lion's
paw. Later, when he was sentenced to death and thrown to the lions, the lion re-
membered Androcles's kindness and let him off without a scratch.
In ancient Corinth, you must pay for admission (€6) to the grounds and an addi-
tional fee to enter the museum.
Hours:
0800-1900 daily June-October, 0830-1700
November-May. Plan to spend a minimum of four hours at the site. There is a lot
of walking. Several canteens serve refreshments outside the main entrance.
Search WWH ::
Custom Search