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Isthmus Bridge (Old National Road Athens-Corinth)

Witness the Corinth Canal's grandeur from the Isthmus Bridge, a historic crossing point with views of engineering marvels.

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The Isthmus Bridge, located on the old Athens-Corinth national road, offers a vantage point to view the Corinth Canal. It's a crossing point steeped in history, offering views of this engineering marvel and the unique submersible bridges at either end.

A brief summary to Γέφυρα Ισθμού (Παλιά Εθνική Οδός Αθηνών-Κορίνθου)

  • Loutraki, 203 00, GR

Local tips

  • Check the Corinth Canal's official website for information on ship transit schedules to witness the submersible bridges in operation.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to Ancient Corinth, located a short drive away, to explore the region's rich history.
  • Consider visiting the Archaeological Site of Diolkos to see the remains of the ancient paved road used to transport ships overland.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Loutraki bus station, the Isthmus Bridge is approximately a 6km walk. Follow the main road towards the Corinth Canal. The walk will take you roughly 1.5 hours. Be aware of traffic as you approach the bridge. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    From Loutraki, take the local bus towards Isthmia. The bus will drop you off near the Corinth Canal. From there, it's a short walk to the Isthmus Bridge. Bus tickets cost approximately €2.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Loutraki to the Isthmus Bridge typically costs between €15-€20. Taxis are readily available in Loutraki. The journey takes around 15 minutes, depending on traffic.

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Discover more about Γέφυρα Ισθμού (Παλιά Εθνική Οδός Αθηνών-Κορίνθου)

The Isthmus Bridge, officially named Γέφυρα Ισθμού (Παλιά Εθνική Οδός Αθηνών-Κορίνθου), stands as a testament to the Corinth Canal's enduring significance. Serving as a crossing point over the canal on the old Athens-Corinth national road, it provides a unique opportunity to witness the canal's operation and appreciate its historical context. The Corinth Canal, completed in 1893, connects the Aegean Sea with the Ionian Sea, cutting through the Isthmus of Corinth. The idea of creating such a passage dates back to ancient times, with the tyrant Periander of Corinth first proposing it in the 7th century BCE. Before the canal, ships had to circumnavigate the Peloponnese, adding considerable time and risk to their journey. Today, the canal primarily serves tourist traffic, as many modern ships are too large to traverse it. Notably, the Isthmus area features unique submersible bridges at both ends of the canal. These bridges lower beneath the water to allow ships to pass, a spectacle in itself. The bridge near Poseidonia links Corinth with Loutraki, while the other connects Isthmia with Athens. From the Isthmus Bridge, visitors can often observe these bridges in operation, offering a glimpse into the canal's modern engineering. While at the Isthmus Bridge, it's worth remembering the ancient Diolkos, a paved trackway used to haul ships overland between the two gulfs. This ingenious solution predates the canal and highlights the area's long history as a strategic transit point.

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