Located on an isthmus, Corinth connects Peloponnese to the Greek mainland. While it was originally built by the Greeks, it was largely reconstructed by the Romans in the 5th Century. Corinth is known for the Corinth Canal and St. Paul.

We stopped at the the Corinth Canal on our drive from Delphi to the Ancient City of Corinth. We had a great view of the Old Bridge. Once an important route for ships, the canal is now known for bungee jumping. Because we only made a pitstop, I was unable to bungee jump, but maybe next time.

We briefly stopped in Corinth to see the archeological site. The New Testament mentions Corinth many times. It is believed the Church of Corinth was founded by St. Paul and that he wrote four epistles to this church. This was a super cool experience for me because I was raised Orthodox. During church services, I read St. Paul's letters to the Corinthians.

Additional Information

Attractions

Corinth Canal Isthmia 200 10, Greece

Corinth Canal Old Bridge Παλαιά, ΕΟ Αθηνών Κορίνθου, Loutraki Agii Theodori, Greece

Food

Goody's Palea EO Athinon Korinthou, Loutraki Perachora 201 00, Greece

Tzovris Unnamed Road, Archea Korinthos 200 07, Greece

I was pleasantly surprised by Delphi. Prior to visiting, I only knew about the oracle of Delphi. Right outside the archeological site and museum is a town called Arachova, where we stayed the night. The town was super cute and I honestly wish we could have stayed a bit longer.

Delphi was a very sacred and popular ancient city, known for the oracle. Due to the city's popularity, the entrance to Delphi was lined with treasurers, statues, sculptures, etc. In ancient times, visiting the oracle was supposed to be a mystical experience, revealing prophecies or answering questions. Scientists and classicists paired up and determined the "mystical" experience came from leaking ethylene vapor. Two faults situated beneath the temple released vapor, which essentially made the oracle high.

Near Ancient Delphi is a temple to Athena. Near the alter of the temple, there is a digamma carved into the stone. This ancient letter was part of the Greek archaic alphabet but was replaced during the Byzantine era. I believe this is one of the few archeological sites that contains a well-preserved digamma.

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Lunch

*Patriko Σουφαλάκι, Arachova 320 04, Greece

Hotel

Likoria Hotel El. Venizelou, Arachova 320 04, Greece

Ancient Epidaurus was known for its healing powers. It is the equivalent of a modern-day spa or going on a health retreat. The healer's philosophy was a "healthy-mind = heathy-body." The city had an ancient stadium and theater, the Theater of Epidaurus. I was able to stand on the stage and test the acoustics - they were incredible!

Unfortunately, most of the ruins have been destroyed, but it was still an interesting city to stop for a quick tour.

On the way to Mycenae is the ancient city, Argolis. The city was built with huge boulders, known as cyclopean walls. The boulders were so large, they were believed to have been built by cyclops.

The Mycenaean site we toured, Grave Circle A, was discovered by Heinrich Schliemann (mentioned my Athens Guide).

The megaron is the heart of every Mycenaean center and the location of the throne. The Mycenae ruins also indicate functioning bathrooms in the palace, which marks the beginning of hygiene and healing practices.

Nearby, is the Treasury of Atteus, a beehive dome tomb for high officials. This is one of the first recorded dome-shaped buildings. The stone that is placed over the entrance, called a lintel, weighs ~176 tons - this is as heavy as an adult whale!

Nauplion is one of my favorite places in Greece. The town is located on the Argolic Gulf. It is very relaxing, with tons of cafes and beaches. There were not many tourists either, so it felt very authentic.

While there isn't much to tour within the city, it is a great location if you're interested in taking day trips.

Additional Information

Attractions

Archeological Museum of Nauplion Πλατεία Συντάγματος, Nafplio 231 00, Greece

Paralia Arvanitias Nafplion 211 00, Greece

Food

*Alaoum Papanikolaou 42, Nafplio 211 00, Greece

Hotel

Marianna Hotel Ilia Potamianou 9, Nafplio 211 00, Greece

Nemea is probably the coolest archeological site I have ever been to. I was able to speak with Stephen Miller, the archeologist who excavated Nemea and the ancient stadium. Also, because it is a smaller and lesser visited archeological site, I was able to walk through the temple, ruins and even raced in the ancient stadium.

Nemea was one of four cities to hold an ancient tournament, called the Panhellenic Games. Stephen Miller reinstated the Nemean Games in 1996. Every 4 years, hundreds travel to Nemea for their chance to race in the ancient stadium.

After touring the ancient city, we stopped at Palyvou Winery. Both the wine and views were amazing!

Additional Information

Attractions

Ancient Nemea EO Sidirodromikou Stathmou Nemeas 24, Archea Nemea 205 00, Greece

Palyvou Winery Archaia Nemea 205 00, Greece