Ever wonder how ancient ships crossed Greece before the 1893 Canal? As a Greek, I’m always blown away by the engineering of my ancestors. Before the canal, Corinth had two massive ports: Lechaion (serving Italy and the Ionian) and Kechries (serving the Aegean).
Instead of sailing for days around the dangerous southern capes (Malea and Tainaron), ships were actually pulled across the land!
Around 600 BCE, the ruler Periandros built the Diolkos, an 8 km (~5-mile) paved track. Slaves literally towed ships on platforms from one side to the other. Corinth got rich off the tolls, and Kechries became a bustling hub of the ancient world.
In this post, you’ll find a complete guide to the ancient port of Kechries, covering its history, Biblical ties to Apostle Paul, and practical tips for visiting the ruins and finding the best local stays today
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Where is the Ancient Port of Kechries in Corinth?
Kechries is located 82 km south of Athens, 8 km southeast of modern Corinth, and 4 km southwest of Isthmia. Other nearby villages are Loutra Oraias Elenis, Xylokeriza, and Kyras Vrysi. Around the port of Kechries, you will find today the small village of modern Kechries in a fertile natural environment, full of olives and fruit trees.
History of the Port of Kechries
It is not known when exactly the port of Kechries was constructed, but historians have found traces of people living in the area from prehistoric times on a hill on its north side.
It was probably already systematically inhabited during the Archaic era of the 7th-6th century BCE.
During the Classical Period (479-323 BCE) Kechries port was used as Corinth’s naval station for its fleet, as the city was always busy with fighting at a war.
**Corinth had taken Sparta’s side against Athens during the Peloponnesian Wars**.
Kechries flourished during the Roman times, and there is evidence of temples devoted to Aphrodite, Isis, Asklepios, Poseidon, Dionysos, and Panas.
The famous geographer Stravon mentions in his many books that Kechries was the main port receiving visitors from Asia Minor.
According to Acts 15:18, Apostle Paul left Greece using the port of Kechries during his second missionary journey end of 51 or early 52 CE.
Apostle Paul had his hair cut to fulfill a vow, probably a Nazirite vow, before leaving Corinth, where he stayed for 18 months and wrote the Epistles to the Corinthians.
The port flourished again for the next 5 centuries and a multicultural community was thriving in the same area.
During the 7th century CE, Kechries (after a plague that lasted for 50 years and several severe earthquakes) fell into decline.
During the middle Byzantine times (842-1204) Kechries was used as a trading port, which continued during the Ottoman occupation and until the early 20th century.
The Site of the Ancient Port of Kechries
If you arrive at the port of Kechries during the summer, as I did, you will notice that in the north and south areas of the bay lie the remains of the port but the middle of the coast belongs…to the swimmers! 🙂
When I arrived at the entrance – free and open to the public, at least for the time being – I realized that archaeologists and other technicians were busy with restoration work.
I had visited the site the year before as well and I was happily surprised to see that there had been a lot of restoration work done during this time.
Between 1962 and 1969, the American School of Classical Studies excavated several buildings that proved the commercial importance of Kechries.
Today you can see the remains of structures that served the needs of the port, such as warehouses and shops. Most of the ruins are inside the water and ongoing works are trying to make them more visible.
On the north side of the port of Kechries, after the public beach, you will find the ruins of a medieval castle called Burtzi, just like the one in Nafplion.
It was probably built during the 6th century BCE, but Burtzi was undoubtedly a defensive position and an observation post.
The foundations and part of the tower’s superstructure are reminiscent of the Examilian wall and the Early Byzantine fortification of Ancient Corinth, works of the same period.
I came across another group of archaeologists in the northern part of the ancient port of Kechries.
They were uncovering a Sanctuary dedicated to Aphrodite and I was very happy to be at the site and experience first-hand fieldwork. If you love archaeology, Greece is a total paradise for history buffs!
A bit to the north is the Koutsongila ridge, where archaeologists discovered an extensive Roman cemetery from the 1st century AD.
It contains underground domed tombs, some of which have rich frescoes and paintings.
The Ancient Port of Kechries in Corinth may be small, however, there are many things to do and see, and they are all easily accessible on foot.
On the plus side, nature is gorgeous with beautiful sea views and crystal clear, inviting water.
Items from the excavations are stored in the Archaeological Museum of Isthmia, such as the beautiful and unique paintings and glass/ivory opera sectile, dating from the 4th century CE, found in the sea.
You may also enjoy: 4-Days in the Peloponnese
FAQs for Kechries Archaeological Site
Can I drink or eat inside Kechries?
You are not allowed to eat or drink inside any archaeological site in Greece, only water is allowed to be carried around. There is no café/restaurant inside the site.
Can I swim in Kechries?
Yes, there are 2 beaches, one in front of the archaeological site of Kechries, which is unorganized, and an organized one, with umbrellas, beds, and a great bar where we had a cocktail. Great place to stay, especially if you have a family.
How to Get to Kechries
The easiest way to explore the many archaeological sites of Corinth is by far with a rental car. There are quite a few important historical sites that you may want to visit, besides Kechries:
- Isthmia Archaeological site
- Corinth Canal
- Diolkos
- Ancient Corinth
- Acrocorinth
- Ancient Nemea (and have some wine tasting as well!)
There are public buses that you can get from Athens to Corinth and then change to get a local bus that can take you to Kechries. The fast train Proastiakos also gets you to Corinth and from there you can get a taxi or a local bus to Kechries.
Where to Stay near Kechries
I love the 4 km far village of Loutra Oraias Elenis (Baths of Helen of Troy). My sister goes there every year and stays for 2 months in an apartment.
Mirella Studios(family-friendly, mid-range, breakfast) is a well-equipped property with beautiful sea views and gardens. Nearby is a small beach with sunbeds and umbrellas. A real paradise!
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