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The ancient city of Corinth, known at least by
name from the Apostle Paul’s talks to the
Corintheans in the Bible, is now famous for its
canal, one of the more impressive feats of 19th
century engineering. Periandros originally
conceived the idea of a canal through the narrow
isthmus though at the time it was too much of an
endeavor to carry out. Instead they devised a
paved roadway that they used to haul the boats
across on rollers. This method was used until the
13th century. The emperor Nero attempted to dig a
canal but this chore was too much for him as well.
A French engineering company finally built it in
1893. It is still a wonder to behold and if you
walk to the middle of the old bridge that spans it
you will know what I mean. Yes, it does shake but
it has for years so don't be alarmed. Chances are
it will not fall while you are on it.
Acrocorinth is the Acropolis of
Corinth, which rises up from the ancient city. It
is the largest and oldest fortress in the
Peloponessos. There are a number of shrines and
temples including the Temple of Aphrodite. My good
friend Stuart Thorne, a reknown archeologist, has
a special love for Acrocorinth and visits
frequently, like a pilgrim to a holy shrine.
Probably the most interesting part of the citadel
is the entrance but the view from Acrocorinth is
simply incredible and if for no other reason this
site should not be missed. Though most of ancient
Corinth has either disappeared over the years or
been destroyed by Earthquakes there is still a
temple to Apollo built in the fifth century
BC. The Peirene Spring is said to have been
a woman transformed by the tears she shed for her
son who was killed by the God Artemis. It still
supplies old Corinth with water. There is a museum
on the site as well. Next to the Lechion road
which led to the ancient port is the garden of
Apollo a courtyard with some restored Ionic
columns.
Modern day Corinth is an
important city and transportation hub with a long
attractive waterfront and a variety of shops,
restaurants, clubs and theatres. The buildings are
mostly concrete apartment buildings since the city
was either destroyed or damaged by earthquakes in
1858, 1928 and again in 1981. Most of the action
takes place around the large Platia Venizelos on
the waterfront.
Most people who visit Corinth prefer to stay in the resort town of Loutraki, just a few miles north, known for its long beautiful beach and the famous Casino Hotel Loutraki. But another option is Daphne Club Hotel a few minutes south in the Greek resort town of Xylokastro. Certified with the European Ecolabel, these charming apartments are situated next to Sykia Beach and the unique Pefkias pine forest in Xylokastro. Free Wi-Fi, free bicycles, a library and an artists’ corner are available. Each of the apartments is fully equipped with modern amenities, including air-conditioning and kitchenettes. Children are provided with an outdoor playground. Workshops, including yoga and belly dancing are provided upon request, and charges are applicable. The doors to the lounge open onto the beautiful hotel gardens in the summertime. Guests can admire the surrounding scenery from the rooftop garden. The pine forest and the beach are just 30 metres from the hotel. Beach chairs and umbrellas are provided free of charge and the hotel has a series of interesting events they put on year-round.
For more on Corinth see
www.athensguide.com/taxitrip.html
Fantasy Travel has a half-day trip to Corinth on their Organized Land Tours Page
Argolis
Peninsula
Though the city of Argos the
regional capital itself is a low key, agricultural
town with little to offer tourists except the lack
of tourists which is an attraction in itself, it
still makes a good base for seeing the area though
most people will prefer Naphlion or Tolo because
they are on the sea. There are interesting ruins
in the area like the Roman ruins with it's giant
ampitheatre, baths and indoor theatre. The
Fortress of Larissa has been added to by nearly
everyone who has occupied the area from the
Byzantines to the Franks, the Venetians and the
Turks. The nearby Sanctuary of Apollo and Athena
and the Mycenean necropolis are also within
walking distance.
The town of Argos has a very lively street market in the
square which I believe is held on Thursdays. Besides fruits and vegetables and
the produce you will find in any laiki market there are also rows and rows of
clothing, antiques and household goods.
Myceneae
The Argolis Peninsula was the center of Greek
culture from 1600 to 1100 BC under the Myceneans
until the city was destroyed. The enormous stone
walls of the ancient city make one wonder how
anything short of a nuclear blast could harm it.
Because the stones were so massive, the Greeks
believed the giant Cyclops must have lifted them,
thus the term ‘Cyclopean walls’. The ancient city
is entered through the famous Lion Gate and
contains the palace of Agamemnon. If you remember
your Iliad you will know that Agememnon was the
brother of Menelaous, the husband of Helen, who
was abducted by Paris and taken to Troy. The
combined Greek forces under the command of
Agememnon took ten years to conquer the city of
Troy. On his return home Agememnon was murdered in
his bath by his wife Clytaemenstra who had taken a
lover in his absence and was still smarting over
the sacrifice of their daughter in an effort to
gain favorable winds for the expedition. Their son
Orestes then murdered her.
There are several hotels and restaurants in the town of Myceneae but most people will be happier staying in Nafplion and visiting here on the way there or back.
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