No construction project in the world has probably taken longer: 1826 years had passed since the first sod was turned before the man-made Corinth Canal was completed. At just 24 metres wide, the channel separates the Greek mainland from the Peloponnese region. Corinth, a major trading centre in ancient times, is located there. However, the route to the city led through rough waters and around the entire coast of the peninsula. So the ancient Greeks came up with the idea of digging a shortcut. That was 2,500 years ago.
But problems soon arose: at first the ruler feared that he would anger the gods, then the builders were overwhelmed by the different water levels on either side. In 67 AD, the Roman Emperor Nero finally dared to build the canal. He is said to have started the project with a golden spade. But the end of his reign three months later put a swift end to the work. It took until the 19th century before the task was taken up again. Some business people from Hungary, including General Istvan Turr, secured support for it from the Greek government by contract. They succeeded in mastering the enormous construction project by 1893, modelled on Nero’s, but using the most modern technology of the time.
However, only smaller ships such as ferries can pass through the canal, which is why it is mainly used for tourism today. The waterway is repeatedly closed to shipping altogether, as the up to 74-metre-high walls crumble or rock slides can block the passage. However, visitors have a good view from above from five bridges. Those seeking a thrill can also plunge down on a bungee cord.
Photo: Corinth Canal. Credits: Unsplash/J. Zeerak.
