Discover Sikionas: cultural history in the surrounding area

The cultural history around Sikionas spans everything from the ancient theatre to Kiato’s trading history. The coastal town lies on the Gulf of Corinth, 22 kilometres west of Corinth. The Elissonas runs through the centre of Kiato and is historically associated with the ancient city of Sicyon; the Kyrillos stream forms the city’s western boundary. For orientation within Kiato, the river in the centre and the stream at the western boundary are two distinct landmarks.

Kiato: coastal setting and trading history

Following the Greek Revolution of 1821, Kiato developed into a regional trading centre. Families moved from hard-to-reach mountain villages to the coast, mainly to trade in currants. Among the notable families that settled in Kiato during this period was the family of Sotirios Krokidas, who later became Prime Minister of Greece. Kiato grew considerably in the late 19th century, particularly during the interwar period, when the currant trade flourished. The harbour and the currant warehouse complexes later known as ASO were established as part of this development. Today, they are two key sites in Kiato.

Ancient and early Christian architecture

The Ancient Theatre of Sikyon is in Vasilikou, about four kilometres southeast of Kiato, and is considered one of the largest theatres in ancient Greece. In a small pine grove in Panagitsa, southwest of the modern church, lie the ruins of the five-aisled early Christian Basilica of Lower Sikyon (Kiato), dating from the 5th century AD. It had an atrium, a baptistery, a chapel and other outbuildings; the ruins are protected by a fence. On Panagitsa Hill at the southern edge of Kiato stands the Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God, known to locals as Panagitsa.

Collections at the museum and library

The Archaeological Museum of Ancient Sicyon displays finds from Sicyon and the surrounding area, as well as from Stymphalos, Pellene and the Cave of Pitsa, in an atrium and three galleries. The artefacts span the Mycenaean to the early Christian period. Exhibits include Mycenaean pottery from Xylokastro, mosaic floors, and early Christian and Byzantine sculptures. A marble bust of Apollo recalls a work by Praxiteles.

The Sikyonians Municipal Library is housed in a fully renovated annex of the ASO complex near Kiato harbour. It occupies two floors and holds more than 6,000 books. The collection ranges from literature, philosophy and reference works to children’s literature, poetry and essays, as well as history, psychology, supplementary schoolbooks, biographies and works by Greek classics.

Historical highlights for your trip

When planning your trip, it is worth comparing your interests: Kiato’s development tells the story of trade, while the theatre and basilica represent different periods in architectural history, and the museum and library have very different collections. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Sikionas, this mix of themes can help you choose which historical highlights to focus on during your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Athikia, Karya, Isthmía, Kiato, Stymfalia, Pefkali, Aghios Dimitrios, Kato Almiri.

Back to the main travel guide: Corinth.