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The Lechaion Road was the main road through Roman Ancient Corinth. It connected the Agora to the Lechaion Harbor on the Gulf of Corinth three kilometers to the north.
History
The Lechaion Road was unpaved and open to traffic during the time of Augustus. Under Vespasian, the road was pedestrianized and paved with limestone. It was lined with colonnades and pedestals with dedications as well as gutters to carry away rainwater.
A propylaia stood at the main entrance to the road from the Agora. It had three arches and was built in the 1st century. The gilded bronze chariots of Helios and Phaethon stood on top.
The Lechaion Road began to decline in importance in the 10th century and was completely abandoned after an earthquake in 1858.
Peirene Fountain
Next to the propylaia to the east was the Peirene Fountain. It was originally built over a natural spring in the 2nd century BC. It included six chambers, three pumping basins, and four cisterns.
The Peirene Fountain was rebuilt by the Romans in the 1st century BC, enclosing it within a large rectangular courtyard. East and west apses were added later, and a three-niche courtyard building was constructed in the late 4th century. The Byzantines built a small church on the southwest corner.
There are two myths regarding the origin of the spring. The first claims Peirene, the lover of Poseidon, melted into tears after Artemis accidentally killed her son Cenchrias.
The other myth says that the spring was created when the winged horse Pegasus struck the ground with his hoof after being bridled by Bellerophon.
Misc. Building
There’s an interesting building east of the Peirene Fountain but I haven’t been able to find any information about it. There are fragments of other structures built into the walls. It looks Byzantine.
East Side of the Road
On the east side of the Lechaion Road are the ruins of a few structures. Directly north of the Peirene Fountain was Temple A, which was built by the Greeks. Next to it was the Peribolos of Apollo, which was constructed in the 1st century. It was an open courtyard enclosed by a marble colonnade and used as a commercial market. On the northeast side were the Baths of the Spartan Eurycles, which were built in the 2nd century.
West Side of the Road
On the west side of the Lechaion Road are the ruins of 16 small shops as well as a Roman basilica built in the 1st or 2nd century. North of the basilica was a commercial market.
Exit
Finally, after exiting the complex from the north end of the Lechaion Road, there are souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafés on the road back to the parking lot.
