The Archaeological Museum of Isthmia was built from 1970-1978, and includes a collection of findings from the archeological site of Isthmia and from the ancient port of Kechrees. The most impressive and unique exhibit, and the only one in Greece, is the 87 artistic paintings Opus Sectilae, which were murals made from ivory and glass.
Kechrees was the eastern port of Korinthos, the commercial port located at the first natural bay south of Isthmia. Ruins of the facing jetties of the port are preserved there, while on the edge of the northern harbor’s breakwaters there are also underwater remains of small temple-form buildings, probably dedicated to Poseidon and Isis.
In the summer of 375 A.D., the artistic paintings were transferred from Italy or Egypt on a boat to the port and were unloaded in the yard of Isis’ Sanctuary. A terrible earthquake that summer sank the port of Kechrees and destroyed most of the buildings, dragging to the bottom of the sea the boxes with the precious paintings. They remained in their watery grave for many centuries, until archaeologists discovered them in 1976 during the excavations.
Location
Kyra-Vrysi Isthmia, P.C. 20100, Ismthmia (Perfecture of Corinth)
Telephone
0030 27410 37244
Entrance
Regular:2 euro, Reduced: 1 euro
Open
Winter: Monday: Closed
Tuesday-Sunday: 08:30-15:00
Summer: Monday: closed
Tuesday-Sunday:08:30-15:00
Access to the Museum
From the Greek National Road 8A, after Ismthia turn left directed towards Epidaurus. There is a sign indicating “Archaeological Museum of Ismthia”.
Handicap Access
There is easy access to every part of the museum and to some part of the archaeological site.
Nearby Museums
Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth
Archaeological Museum of Nemea
Historic- Folklore Museum of Corinth