Gates are there at the entrance to acrocorinth

The Acrocorinth was continuously occupied from the archaic period until the early 19th century. Its fortress, one of the most impressive ones in Greece, is built on foundations dating from the Hellenistic period 3rd century BC. At that time, the city of Corinth was together with Demetrias in Thessaly and Chalcis on the island of Euboea one of the three "fetters of Greece", that is, garrison points used by Philip V of Macedon to control the Greek city-states.

In the Byzantine Era it was again reconstructed during the reign of Justinian the Great. In , it was conquered by the Franks, following a years-long siege; several restorations date to its Frankish rule. It was again conquered by Theodore I Palaiologos, thus becoming part of the despotate of Morea , although briefly ceded to the Knights Hospitaller of Rhodes. Join us for the best travel deals! EN EL. Castle of Acrocorinth Last Update: Apr E-mail: 25eba culture.

Castle of Acrocorinth - Overview The most important defensive work of the area from antiquity to more recent times.

The history of the fortification is closely connected with the history of Corinth itself. On the highest hill point there was the Aphrodite temple, succeed by church and later by mosque. The Upper Peirene spring is in the south-east plateau part. There are many more ruins and areas for people to explore. It is built on one of the highest points and offers spectacular views to the gulf of Corinth.

A walkway near the southern ramparts leads from the Frankish castle to the Upper Peirene Spring, which is next to the ruins of old Turkish barracks. The Upper Peirene Spring is featured in many legends. One tale says that Zeus gave it as a gift.

Other legend says that the mythical winged horse Pegasus touched the ground and created the spring. The spring is underground chamber, protected by arches. It has crystal blue water and never dries up. Not much is left of this archaic temple, only the foundation stones and a single column base, because other structures were built on this site during the Roman, Medieval and Ottoman Turkish periods.

Sultan Mehmed II captured the fortress from the Byzantines in , five years after conquering Constantinople, building four mosques within its walls. Ruins of some are still visible, including Ottoman fountains. The long climb to the summit is worth the trouble, as the panoramic views from this point are just amazing, not just of Acrocorinth itself, but the new coastal city of Corinth and the whole Corinthian Gulf below, including the Corinth Canal.

From Ancient Corinth, take the winding mountainside road which leads up to Acrocorinth. The distance to the Acrocorinth car park is approximately 4 kms. From the small car parking area, you will see the narrow access pathway which leads up to the first outer gate.