In the Footsteps of Apostle Paul: Ancient Corinth Tour

Start the day at the Isthmus of Corinth, the narrow land bridge that links mainland Greece to the Peloponnese. In antiquity, it marked the natural boundary between the two regions and held great strategic and symbolic significance. Since 1893, the impressive Corinth Canal has cut through the 6.3-kilometer-wide isthmus, transforming the Peloponnese into an island and offering a striking sight of steep limestone walls and clear blue waters. It's a perfect introduction to the engineering feats and layered history of the region.

Just a short distance from the canal lies the ancient Diolkos, a remarkable feat of engineering that predates the canal by over two millennia. This stone-paved trackway allowed ancient ships to be hauled overland across the Isthmus of Corinth, saving them from the perilous journey around the Peloponnese. Walking along its remains offers a glimpse into the practical ingenuity of the ancient Greeks and how vital this shortcut was for trade and naval movement.

Arrive at Kechrees, the eastern port of Corinth, where the Apostle Paul disembarked during his first visit to the city around 51 A.D. It was also from here that he later set sail for Ephesus, entrusting his letter to the Romans to a prominent Christian woman named Phoebe, a deaconess of the local church. Though only modest traces of the ancient port remain, the site carries deep spiritual and historical significance as a place tied to Paul’s ministry and the early Christian community.

Step into the heart of Ancient Corinth, one of the most powerful and prosperous cities of the classical world. For Christian visitors, this site holds special meaning: at the Bema, a raised platform in the center of the city, Paul is believed to have addressed the local community and stood trial before the Roman proconsul. Nearby, the Agora—the bustling marketplace—evokes the everyday life of the Corinthians Paul wrote to. Amid the ruins, the impressive Temple of Apollo stands as a reminder of the city’s long and complex religious history.

Conclude your visit to the site with the Museum of Ancient Corinth, built in 1932 to preserve the wealth of artifacts uncovered during excavations. The museum offers a deeper understanding of Corinth’s long history, with highlights including prehistoric finds and items from the Sanctuary of Asklepios. Carefully curated galleries bring to life the daily, religious, and artistic aspects of the city across the centuries, complementing what you've seen at the archaeological site.

Explore Acrocorinth, the fortified acropolis that protected ancient and medieval Corinth. Beyond its impressive walls, towers, and bastions—built and reinforced through Greek, Byzantine, Frankish, Venetian, and Ottoman periods—Acrocorinth was also home to the famous Temple of Aphrodite. This sanctuary was renowned for its community of up to 1,000 priestesses, highlighting the site’s religious as well as strategic significance. As you walk through the ruins and take in sweeping views, you’ll witness the layers of history that shaped this commanding fortress.

End your tour at the modern Church of Saint Paul, located in the heart of ancient Corinth. Inside, a striking mosaic by artists Pastorutti and Tsotsonis vividly depicts the apostle’s journey and mission in the city. This contemporary tribute creates a meaningful connection between Corinth’s rich early Christian history and the present day, offering a reflective space to honor Paul’s lasting legacy.