Culture Ministry Gives Update on Upgrade of Ancient Corinth Archaeological Site

The Archaeological Site of Ancient Corinth.

The Greek Culture Ministry recently gave an update on the renovation plans of the Archaeological Site of Ancient Corinth in the Peloponnese, following the approval of its upgrade masterplan by the Central Archaeological Council.

The approved masterplan, which incorporates necessary changes and improvements aimed to strengthen the site as an organized and accessible area, was discussed during a working meeting chaired by Culture Minister Lina Mendoni.

During the meeting, the minister underlined the need to complete all studies related to the upgrade project by the end of the year so that it can be financially supported by the ministry’s next funding cycle.

Impression of an alternative route to the central archaeological site for pedestrians and persons with disabilities. Source: Greek Culture Ministry

The masterplan for the upgrade of Ancient Corinth, among other things, will include:

• the creation of new paths and entrances around the Apollo temple and  the Stadium that will be designed to improve the flow of traffic around the site and to make it easier for visitors to get around
• accessibility improvements such as the installation of ramps and elevators, as well as the provision of accessible toilets and parking spaces
• the construction of a new archaeological museum on Xenia hill that will house a collection of artifacts from the site
• a restoration and reuse of buildings on site. (The “Epigrafikon” building will house a Cultural Resources Management and Development Organization (ODAP) shop, while a part of the old museum will host an exhibition with the theater’s preserved Roman frescos.)

Impression of the suggested transformation of the parking area at the entrance of the central archaeological area. Source: Greek Culture Ministry

• the transformation of the current parking area into an amphitheatrical open air venue for educational, social and cultural activities (The car park will also be connected with the Roman Baths area.)
• the creation of a new cultural center at the current school building
• the creation of a Northern Archaeological Park that will include the Asclepion, the Gymnasium and the Courtyard of Lerna and will be connected to Aphrodite’s Baths and the Hamam of Kiamil Bey.

View of the Archaeological Site of Ancient Corinth. Photo source: Greek Culture Ministry

The upgrade project will be overseen by the culture ministry in collaboration with the Municipality of Corinth, the American School of Classical Studies at Athens, and the local Ephorate of Antiquities.

“The site’s upgrade is expected to create new areas of cultural interest and enhance the visitor’s experience, connecting the archaeological site with the local community and economy,” added Mendoni.