the diolkos

The road is an example of impressive ancient engineering. It is said that the idea to have a Canal connecting the Gulf of Corinth and Gulf of Saronic existed even from ancient times, but the technology and appropriate equipment missed at that time. Instead of a canal the ancient people decided to build an overland causeway in order to avoid circumnavigation of Peloponnesus. This road follows, more or less, the same route as the modern Canal. I was lucky enough to see a part of renovated Diolkos on the territory of a Governmental institution and, as you can see in my photos, the road looks pretty good. Our host explained what is all about the ancient road and presented to us a computer simulation with the way in which, it is believed, the ships were transported on the road. If this archeological site is not well preserved and promoted in other places where is still visible, then it is, indeed, a great loss for tourists and municipality as well.

An overland stone way used to transport ships fast between the Corinthian and Saronic Gulfs. Nowdays one can see parts of it next to Poseidonia bridge on the way from Loutraki to Corinth.

A great sight of high archaeological interest, which suffers the grave effects of poor touristic management - and time.The ancient Diolkos is an overland ramp where ancient Greeks used to move boats from the gulf of Corinth to the Argosaronic gulf and vice versa for military and / or commercial purposes.In any other civilized country the Diolkos would have been highlighted and promoted as a great sight, a must see! But in Corinth... it seems that the mentality is different. You can hardly see the sight and you will probably miss it as you go to Loutraki through the submersible bridge.There is no serious effort put around this sight. No signs, no illustrative maps, e-books, guides or whatsoever. Tourists are supposed to be proactive and get well informed and equipped BEFORE going there. Or else.. half of the story is lost.What a pity!

The Diolkos is an ancient over-land stone causeway which was build and used for transportation of ships and boats from Gulf of Corinth to Saronic Gulf. It was built by Corinthians about 7 th century BC and went through the small land bridge which connect Peloponnessos and mainland Greece.Total length of the Diolkos was app. 8 km. and width between 3,5 and 4 meters. This way could spare the dangerous and long trip around Peloponnessos, about 190 miles. The Diolkos was not a straight way through Isthmus, but followed the easier way through the terrain. The remains of Diolkos can be easiest found on the eastern shore of Isthmus, follow the minor road from Loutraki to Corinthos (or vice versa) which goes nearest Corinthian Gulf and very near the submersible bridge over Canal, on the side of Corinth you vill notice well-signed Diolkos remains on the both sides of the road. It is possible to park a car nearby, near also are taverns and cafe.

Την αρχαία διολκό παρατηρούμε όποτε είναι κλειστή (για διέλευση σκαφών) η γέφυρα της Ποσειδωνίας. Δεν είναι κάτι το εντυπωσιακό, απλώς μια αφορμή για λίγη ιστορία

Будет время, обязательно посетите Дьолкос. Особенно интересно для тех, кто интересуется археологией. Живописная дорога. Особенно интересно, если еще и знать историю, хотя бы чуть-чуть.

site visible sans avoir à marcher, visible près du premier pont immergé à l'entrée du canal de Corinthe.

Loutraki n'est pas une belle ville malgré quelques endroits agréables comme les jardins du casino .Elle est encombrée de voitures . Un bord de mer sans caractère mais où l'on peut se promener tranquillement .

Σε σχετικά κοντινή απόσταση απο το κέντρο του Λουτρακίου, 15 λεπτά με το αυτοκίνητο. Ο επισκέπτης έχει τη δυνατότητα να δεί τον Ισθμό απο το επίπεδο της θάλασσας. Τα τμήματα της αρχαίας οδού που θα θέλαμε να παρατηρήσουμε δεν ήταν ευδιάκρητα. Στην περιοχή υπάρχουν δυο τρία μικρά εστιατόρια και καφετέριες.