Acrocorinth
The imposing fortified acropolis of ancient and medieval Corinth, on a hill 575 metres high, with three fortification circuits.
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About the museum
The emblematic castle of Acrocorinth dominates the steep hill of the same name, at an altitude of 575 metres, south-west of Ancient Corinth. Its position, with views over much of the Peloponnese and central Greece and over the Gulf of Corinth and the Saronic Gulf, its natural strength and its adequate supply of drinking water were decisive in choosing it as the fortified acropolis of the ancient and medieval city.
The imposing walls, about 3,000 metres long, are reinforced by three fortification circuits and by a deep ditch on the western side of the hill, which was its weakest point. The fortress is the result of many successive building phases: the oldest dates to the Archaic period, in the time of the Kypselid tyrants (657–583 BC), while major works were carried out in the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, and during the second Venetian rule (1687–1715).
The enclosure covers an area of about 240,000 square metres, with many remains from different periods. At the highest point is the sanctuary of Aphrodite, with remains of an early Christian basilica and a tower. The site also contains the church of Agios Demetrios, ruined churches, a mosque, the “Frankish” tower, a large Byzantine cistern and Upper Peirene, the spring associated with Pegasus. The Ottomans handed the castle over to Theodoros Kolokotronis on 26 October 1823.
Highlights
- Three fortification circuits and walls about 3,000 metres long
- Sanctuary of Aphrodite on the summit
- Upper Peirene and the large Byzantine cistern
- The “Frankish” tower and the mosque
- Panoramic views over the Gulf of Corinth and the Saronic Gulf
- Operated by
- Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού – Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτων Κορινθίας
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3EU citizens over 65 from 1 October to 31 May, on presentation of ID or passport; accompanying parents and teachers on school educational visits, and other categories defined by the Ministry of Culture. |
Free admission: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September, 28 October and the first and third Sunday of each month from 1 November to 31 March.
Free admission and reduced tickets are available to special categories of visitors, in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Culture.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
On foot: about 45 minutes from the settlement of Ancient Corinth. By car: about 5 minutes from Ancient Corinth and 15 minutes from Corinth.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The site has toilets and a car park.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
