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Castle · Náuplia, Peloponeso
Acrocorinto (Akrokorinthos)
Rock 575 meters above Corinto Antiga, with one of the largest fortresses of the Peloponeso: three gates, 3 km of walls, the high spring of Pirene and, on the summit, the remains of the temple of Afrodite. View over the two gulfs.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Acrocorinto (Akrokorinthos)
Acrocorinto is the acropolis of Corinto, a flat-topped rock rising 575 meters just above the archaeological site. With spring water inside the walls and views over the gulfs of Corinto and Sarónico, it served as a fortress from the tyrants of the 7th century BC until the Greek War of Independence, and it never fell to assault. Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Franks, Venetians and Ottomans occupied the rock and left walls, towers and chapels.
The entrance is on the west side, the only accessible one, through three successive gates: the outer, from the 15th century, which had a moat and drawbridge; the middle and inner gates, Byzantine, with towers. After them the terrain opens up: roughly 3 km of walls enclose 24 hectares of slope with ruined chapels, an Ottoman mosque, cisterns and the high spring of Pirene, a chamber cut into the rock that still holds water. On the east summit stood the temple of Afrodite, later replaced by a church and then a mosque; on the west summit, the Frankish tower.
The visit is an uphill walk over loose stones and scrub, without shade, and takes about an hour to reach the top. The reward is the view: the isthmus with the canal, the two bays, the Peloponeso and, on clear days, Parnaso on the other side of the gulf. The fortress was, in the words of chroniclers, the last line of defense of southern Greece.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the climb to the summits.
Best time
Early in the morning, before the heat, because there is no shade and the stony ground reflects the sun. Very windy days make the climb unpleasant. In winter there can be fog at the top; check the weather.
How to get there
The road climbs from the village of Archaia Korinthos for 4 km, on winding turns, to the parking lot by the outer gate. There is no bus service; from Corinto moderna, take a taxi. From Náuplia it's about 70 km, 1 hour by car.
Tip
Hiking shoes, water and a hat. Go first to the spring of Pirene on the south side, then to the summit of the temple of Afrodite, the highest. There is a taverna on the road, near the entrance. Do Acrocorinto before the site down below, which has more shade and the museum.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Acrocorinto (Akrokorinthos)
Is the climb up Acrocorinto difficult?
The road reaches by car to the outer gate. From there it's a 30 to 60 minute uphill walk over loose stones and without shade to the summits. Sturdy footwear and water are essential.
What can you see from the top of Acrocorinto?
The Isthmus of Corinto with the canal, the gulf of Corinto and the Saronic Gulf at the same time, the plain and, on clear days, the mountains on the far side of the gulf.
What remains of the temple of Aphrodite?
Little: foundations on the highest summit, where later a church and a mosque were built. The place is visited for the view and for what tradition tells about the sanctuary.