Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
sign oaths of allegiance to Macedon. In the middle of the central row of shops is a bema ,
a marble podium from which Roman officials addressed the people.
At the eastern end of the agora are the remains of the Julian Basilica . To the north is
the Lower Peirene fountain - the Upper Peirene fountain is on Acrocorinth. According
to mythology, Peirene wept so much when her son Kenchrias was killed by Artemis that
the gods, rather than let all the precious water go to waste, turned her into a fountain (ac-
tually, it's a spring). The water tanks, or cisterns, are concealed in a fountain house with a
six-arched facade.
West of the fountain, steps lead to the Lecheon road , once the main thoroughfare to
the port of Lecheon. On the east side of the road is the Peribolos of Apollo , a courtyard
flanked by Ionic columns, some of which have been restored. Nearby is a public latrine ,
where some seats remain.
South of the museum is Temple E (also known as Temple of Octavia; Pausanias de-
scribes it as being dedicated to Octavia, sister of Augustus). Several columns remain.
The site's museum has three main rooms: the first two exhibit fine Greek and Roman
statues, mosaics, figurines, reliefs and friezes. The third room, the museum's latest addi-
tion, houses the finds of excavations at the nearby Sanctuary of Asklepios, a temple from
the 5th century BC. Some interesting pieces include grave markers and votive genitalia
from the 4th century BC.
Opposite the site entrance is the ancient theatre , constructed in the 5th century BC for
up to 15,000 spectators, and altered various times, and the odeion (indoor theatre), a Ro-
man construction from the 1st century AD. You view both sites from the road.
Acrocorinth RUIN
( 8am-3pm) The sheer bulk of limestone known as Acrocorinth was one of the
finest natural fortifications in Ancient Greece. It remains an impressive ruin to this day,
commanding wonderful views over the surrounding region.
The original fortress was built in ancient times, but it has been modified many times
over the years by a string of invaders. The ruins are a medley of imposing Roman, Byz-
antine, Frankish, Venetian and Turkish ramparts, harbouring remains of Byzantine
chapels, Turkish houses and mosques.
On the higher of Acrocorinth's two summits is the Temple of Aphrodite , where sacred
courtesans (exactly how they differed from the less-holy variety isn't clear) catered to the
desires of the insatiable Corinthians. Little remains of the temple, but the views are tre-
mendous.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search