Temple of Apollo
Description
The Monolithic Giants of the Isthmus: Where Doric Columns Stand as Proud Witnesses to the Ages
The Temple of Apollo in Ancient Corinth is one of the most recognizable, ancient, and frequently photographed architectural masterpieces in all of Greece. It dominates a raised rocky hill just north of the Roman Agora of Ancient Corinth. The temple’s remarkable significance lies in the fact that it is one of the few surviving examples of early Doric architecture in Greece, having been built around 540 BC upon the foundations of an even older temple dating back to the 7th century BC.
- Architectural Character: A monumental Doric edifice (a peripteral temple with 6 columns on the short sides and 15 on the long ones). Its defining feature is its monolithic columns —meaning each column is carved from a single piece of local limestone rather than from separate drums. Today, seven of these "stone giants" still stand upright, set upon the rocky terrain, creating an otherworldly and imposing setting.
- Suitable for: Lovers of classical architecture, students, photographers, and travelers wishing to experience the scale and power of ancient Corinth. The temple was built during the city's heyday (under the influence of the Cypselid dynasty) and was ingeniously designed to feature two separate *cellae* (inner chambers): one dedicated to the god Apollo, and the other likely intended for the worship of another deity or for housing the city's treasury.
- Infrastructure: The temple is the central exhibit of the organized and fenced Archaeological Site of Ancient Corinth . It is surrounded by accessible paved paths and features detailed information panels. Although visitors are not permitted to climb onto the platform (crepidoma) or touch the columns—due to preservation and structural stability concerns—the views from around the perimeter and the proximity to the monument are exceptional.
- Access: Very easy, as the temple hill is just a 2-minute walk from the main entrance gate and the Archaeological Museum. Ancient Corinth is less than an hour from Athens and about 10 minutes from modern Corinth, with ample free parking available right outside the site.
Information