In the centre of a modern village loom the extensive yet compact ruins of this ancient (mostly Roman) city. Home to the legendary Jason of the Argonauts, stealer of the Golden Fleece, the streets of Ancient Cortinth were once trodden by the likes of Roman traveller Pausanias and St Paul, who taught the gospel of Christ in vain here. You can follow in their footsteps by visiting the Temple of Apollo, the Peribolos of Apollo, the ancient theatre and other site highlights. The on-site museum puts everything into context.
An exception to the Roman ruins is the prominent 5th-century-BC Doric Temple of Apollo . To the south of this temple is a huge agora (market) bounded on its southern side by the foundations of a stoa (long colonnaded building). This was built to accommodate the bigwigs summoned here in 337 BC by Philip II to sign oaths of allegiance to Macedon. In the middle of the central row of shops is a bema , a marble podium from which Roman officials addressed the people.
At the eastern end of the agora are the remains of the Julian basilica. To the north is the Lower Peirene fountain – the Upper Peirene fountain is on Acrocorinth. According to mythology, Peirene wept so much when her son Kenchrias was killed by Artemis that the gods, rather than let all the precious water go to waste, turned her into a fountain.
West of the fountain, steps lead to the Lecheon road, once the main thoroughfare to the port of Lecheon. On the east side of the road is the Peribolos of Apollo , a courtyard flanked by Ionic columns, some of which have been restored. Nearby is a public latrine, where some seats remain.
South of the museum are the columns of Temple E (Pausanias describes it as being dedicated to Octavia, sister of Augustus).
The site’s excellent museum has three main rooms: the first two exhibit fine Greek and Roman statues, mosaics, figurines, reliefs and friezes. The third room houses the finds of excavations at the nearby Sanctuary of Asklepios (500 BC). Highlights include grave markers, votive genitalia from the 4th century BC and an ancient 'keep off the grass' sign.
Opposite the site entrance is the ancient theatre , constructed in the 5th century BC for up to 15,000 spectators, and the Roman odeion (indoor theatre), from the 1st century AD.
