Hexamilion Justinian Wall, Attica Travel Guide

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Explore the remnants of the Hexamilion Justinian Wall, a historic defense line across the Isthmus of Corinth, guarding the Peloponnese for centuries.

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Hexamilion Justinian Wall

The Hexamilion, or Justinian Wall, was a massive defensive structure built across the Isthmus of Corinth to protect the Peloponnese from invasion. Constructed initially in the 5th century AD and later fortified by Justinian, the wall stretched for 7.5 kilometers and featured numerous towers. Today, only a small portion remains, offering a glimpse into the region's strategic past.

A brief summary to Hexamilion Justinian Wall

EO Isthmou Archaias Epidavrou 92, Isthmia, 200 10, GR
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Hexamilion Justinian Wall.

Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain around the wall can be uneven.
Bring water, especially during the hot summer months.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Corinth Canal or Ancient Corinth.

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Getting There

Driving

From Corinth, take the old National Road towards Isthmia. The remains of the wall are located approximately 2 kilometers after the Corinth Canal, on the right side of the road. Look for signs indicating the historical site. Parking is available along the side of the road near the wall. There are no parking costs.
Public Transport

Take a local bus from Corinth to Isthmia. From Isthmia, walk along the old National Road towards the Corinth Canal. The wall remains are approximately a 2 kilometer walk from Isthmia. Local bus fares are typically around €1-€2 for a short trip.

Discover more about Hexamilion Justinian Wall

The Hexamilion Wall, also known as the Justinian Wall, represents a significant chapter in the defense of the Peloponnese. Built across the Isthmus of Corinth, this formidable structure aimed to guard the peninsula from northern invaders.Construction of the wall began between 408 and 450 AD during the reign of Theodosius II, spurred by barbarian incursions into the Roman Empire. The wall's strategic importance was evident from the start, with many Peloponnesian cities advocating for its defense during Xerxes' invasion in 480 BC. The wall was approximately 7.5 kilometers long and 3 meters wide, featuring quadrilateral towers at intervals. It stretched from the Saronic Gulf to the Corinthian Gulf, utilizing the natural rock formations for its foundation.Over the centuries, the Hexamilion Wall underwent several phases of use, including repairs and reinforcements by Byzantine emperors like Justinian and Manuel II Palaiologos. Justinian's reign saw the addition of more towers, bringing the total to 153. Despite these efforts, the wall faced numerous breaches, particularly during Ottoman invasions. In 1415, Manuel II personally oversaw repairs, but the Ottomans breached it in 1423 and again in 1431. The wall was briefly restored, but fell again in 1446. After the Ottoman conquest of the Peloponnese in 1460, the wall was abandoned.Today, only a small section of the Hexamilion Wall remains, located about 2 kilometers from the Corinthian Isthmus along the old national highway. Visitors can explore these remnants and imagine the wall's former grandeur and strategic importance.