Guide to Visiting the Archaeological Site and Museum of Ancient Corinth

What You Need to Know about Visiting the Archaeological Site and Museum of Ancient Corinth

Author: Janice Vazquez | Last updated: May 12, 2024

Temple of Apollo front view — *Temple of Apollo*

The Archaeological Museum is located within the archaeological site of ancient Korinthos, which was considered one of the most important city-states of ancient Greece. Ancient Korinthos is known for its extensive ruins, the site reflects the grandeur of one of the major cities of ancient Greece, which played a significant role in both Greek and Roman civilizations.

In this guide, I’ll share what to expect during your visit to the Archaeological Site and Museum of Ancient Corinth, covering aspects such as parking options, key landmarks to see, and duration spent exploring the archaeological site.

Historical Background on Ancient Corinth

Ancient Corinth was one of the largest and most important cities of Greece, with its significance peaking in the 8th century BCE. The city was known for its wealth, derived from its strategic location near the Isthmus of Corinth, which facilitated trade between the Aegean and Ionian seas.

General Information

Upon arriving at the ticket booth, you only need to purchase a single ticket for admission to both sites. In the chart below, you’ll notice that during the winter season the tickets are discounted by 50% but closes 3.5 hours earlier. You’ll also find the Archaeological Site and Museum of Ancient Corinth’s opening hours, admission, and closed days.

Season	Admission	Hours of Operation	Days Closed
Winter (Nov – Mar)	4 euros	8:30 AM – 3:30 PM	Tuesday
Summer (Apr – Oct)	8euros	8:30 AM – 7:00 PM	None

Archaeological Museum & Site of Ancient Corinth Admission and Hours of Operation

Time Needed: 1.5 hours

How to Get to the Archaeological Site and Museum of Ancient Corinth from Athens:

By Car: If you drive yourself, it’ll take about 50 minutes.There is a designated parking area available in front of the entrance.
By Train: The train takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes
By Bus: The bus takes approximately 2 hours.

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/M3Yxpu5bjPtiM7tp7

What to see in the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth

The Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth boasts a remarkable collection of ancient artifacts from Prehistoric, Asklepieion, and Geometric periods.This collection, which encompasses mosaic floors, sculptures, frescoes, pottery, and tools, provides a window into the everyday lives of the ancient Corinthians. When visiting, here are some key exhibits to look out for:

The Famous Kouroi of Klenia

two statues of young men depicting Famous Kouroi of Klenia — *Famous Kouroi of Klenia Statues*

An information panel telling the story of Famous Kouroi of Klenia — *Famous Kouroi of Klenia Information Panel*

The twin Kouroi statues are dated to 530 – 520 B.C and are the only archaic burial statue group found in the Helladic area. They are made of Parian marble and were placed next to the other at a visible point in the cemetery. The dental analysis showed that both young men had died at around 3 years of age.

2. Ancient Corinth City Map

An Ancient Corinth City Map beneath a glass panel — *Ancient Corinth City Map*

The map depicts the key landmarks of the city such as the Temple of Apollo, the Theater, workshops area, fountains, and cemeteries.

3. The Atrium

sculptures in the outdoor atrium — *The Atrium*

The gallery boasts an array of statues and sculptures, alongside Greek and Latin inscriptions and artifacts that attest to the Judaic community’s existence within the Roman city.

Time Needed: 30 minutes

What to see at the Archaeological Site of Ancient Corinth

The Archaeological Site showcases the remnants of Agora (marketplace), temples, fountains, and various public buildings. The site also includes ruins of Roman buildings, reflecting the city’s importance in Roman times. When visiting, here are some key landmarks to look out for:

Temple of Apollo

Temple of Apollo Side view — *Temple of Apollo Side*

The Temple of Apollo is one of the most significant and striking remnants of this once-flourishing ancient city. Dedicated to Apollo, the god of music, harmony, and light, the temple served as a central place of worship and played a significant role in the religious and social life of Corinth. It was built in the middle of the 6th century B.C. The temple is in Doric order and originally consisted of 38 columns made of monolithic limestone, but only 7 columns remain standing today.

2. Paul and the Bema of the Roman Forum

Saint Paul and the Bema of the Roman Forum's stone wall — *Saint Paul and the Bema of the Roman Forum*

During Paul’s stay in Corinth, he brought for judgment before the proconsul Gallio on the accusation of conducting illegal teachings. According to tradition the site of Paul’s trial was the Bema, a large elevated platform, which stood in the center of the Roman forum of ancient Corinth.

3. Glauke Fountain

Facade of Glauke Fountain — *Glauke Fountain*

The Glauke Fountain carries a name steeped in myth and tragedy. According to ancient sources, most notably Pausanias, a Greek geographer of the 2nd century AD; the fountain was named after Glauke, daughter of Creon the King of Corinth and the second wife of the Argonauts hero, Jason. Medea, Jason’s first wife was jealous of Jason’s new wife, that she gifted Glauke a cloak laced with poison. Upon wearing the cloak, Glauke plunged into the fountain in an unsuccessful attempt to quell the poison’s burning effect.

Time Needed: 1 hour

Enjoy Your Time in Corinth, Greece

Corinth offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. I hope that you’ll find these tips to be useful when visiting Ancient Corinth. Don’t hesitate to drop a comment to let us know what you think.

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