Guide to Visiting Acrocorinth in Greece

What You Need to Know about Visiting the Acrocorinth

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

Acorcorinth front entrance — *Acorcorinth*

Perched atop a towering outcrop above ancient Corinth, the Acrocorinth is a striking fortress that embodies the diverse layers of Greek, Byzantine, Frankish, Venetian, and Ottoman histories. Guarding the crucial land route between the Peloponnese and mainland Greece, it offers a unique window into the past, with its successive walls, diverse architectural remnants, and panoramic views of the Isthmus of Corinth.

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

Life at Acrocorinth

Life at Acrocorinth, spanning several epochs from ancient times through the Middle Ages and into the Ottoman period. During the Middle Ages, the inhabitants of the castle would have been a mix of soldiers, officials, clergy, and possibly some civilians involved in supporting roles, such as supplying food, crafts, and services necessary for the sustenance and maintenance of the castle’s population.

Under Venetian and Ottoman rule, the castle’s role and the life within it continued to be characterized by its military and administrative functions. The presence of mosques alongside churches within the castle’s walls during the Ottoman period reflects the diversity of its population and the changing cultural landscape. Residents would have experienced a multicultural environment, with the coexistence of different religious and social practices.

General Information

Admission: Admission to the Acrocorinth is free.
Opening Hours: 9:00am – 3:30pm. Make sure you read the sign on the door because the hours could change.
Time Needed: 2.5 hours

How to Get to Acrocorinth:

To visit Acrocorinth, you’ll need to travel by car, as it is about an hour’s drive from Athens and lacks public transport options.

When you arrive in Acrocorinth, keep an eye out for an open dirt lot since there is no designated parking area or signage available.

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HYjCNhV72Ahjqi6N7

Getting to the Main Entrance of Acrocorinth

Acorcorinth Gate C - Main Entrance — *Front Entrance of Acrocorinth*

Accessing the main entrance of Acrocorinth requires walking through three fortification walls each with its own main gate. As you ascend, the path grows steeper. The duration to reach each gate was:

Parking Lot to Gate A: 2 minutes.
Gate A to Gate B: 5 minutes
Gate B to Gate C (Main Entrance): 15 minutes

Tip: Between Gate B and Gate C, the walkway was very slippery. I suggest wearing hiking boots for better traction, especially since there aren’t any railings available for support.

What to see in Acrocorinth

The Acrocorinth, a stunning fortress atop the highest point near ancient Corinth, offers a treasure trove of historical and architectural wonders. When visiting, here are some landmarks to look out for:

The Walls

Stone Walls third line of defense for Acrocorinth — *Acrocorinth Walls*

View of Corinth from Acrocorinth — *View of Corinth*

The fortress walls, stretching over 3 kilometers in length, showcase a mix of construction styles from different eras. These walls are a testament to the fortress’s strategic importance to various occupiers, from the Byzantines to the Venetians and the Ottomans. From the walls, you can get panoramic views of the Corinthian and Saronic Gulfs.

2. Southwestern (Frankish) Tower

Facade of Franklin Tower — *Front of Frankish Tower*

A hill in the foreground and mountains in the background — *View from the top of the Frankish Tower*

The tower stands at an altitude of 530m above sea level and consists of an underground cistern covered by a barrel vault. At the tower, you can take three short flights of stairs to reach the rooftop. From this vantage point atop the tower, you can see stretches of the whole Corinthian land, up to the borders of Argolida and opposite Central Greece.

3. Mosque

A stone building with a dome on top — *Mosque*

The mosque is a small Ottoman period mosque situated inside the archaeological site of Acropolis of Corinth. Originally built as a temple to Aphrodite, it was converted into a church and then subsequently a mosque. It’s been suggested that St Paul may have preached here during his visit to Corinth.

4. Church of St. Demetrios

Stone building with a door and a roof — *Church of St Demetrios*

The small church was most likely built in the 17th century. From the church, you can see the breathtaking view of the harbor of Corinth.

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 Acrocorinth. Don’t hesitate to drop a comment to let us know what you think.

Read our relevant posts to learn more about additional attractions to visit in Corinth, Greece.