Kiato is a coastal town with two distinct waterways. It lies on the Gulf of Corinth, 22 kilometres west of Corinth. The Elissonas runs through the centre of Kiato and is historically connected with the ancient city of Sicyon; the Kyrillos stream marks the town’s western boundary.
Kiato between the coast and commerce
Kiato’s development into a regional commercial centre began after the Greek Revolution of 1821. Families from hard-to-reach mountain villages moved to the coast, primarily to trade in currants. Among the families who 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; growth was especially strong during the interwar period, when the currant trade flourished. During this period, the town’s harbour and the currant warehouse complexes later known as ASO were established. Today, the complexes shape two central sites in Kiato.
Ancient finds and buildings
At the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Sicyon, finds from several sites and periods are displayed in an atrium and three halls. They come from Sicyon and its surroundings, as well as from Stymphalos, Pellene and the Cave of Pitsa; the collection spans 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.
In the region, but outside Sicyon, the Ancient Theatre of Sicyon is located near Vasilikou, about four kilometres southeast of Kiato. It is considered one of the largest theatres in ancient Greece. The Archaeological Museum of Ancient Sicyon is also outside Sicyon. It displays finds from various sites and periods, while the theatre is a single ancient structure.
The periods represented are far apart: the museum collection reaches back to the Mycenaean period, while Kiato’s development into a commercial centre began after 1821. The museum and theatre are in the region, but outside Sicyon; Kiato’s commercial history is a distinct local focus.
More cultural sites in Kiato
The Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God stands on Panagitsa Hill at Kiato’s southern edge. Locals know it as Panagitsa.
The Sikyonians Municipal Library is housed in a fully renovated annex of the ASO complex near Kiato harbour. Spread over two floors, it contains more than 6,000 book titles. Its 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. Alongside the archaeological finds and the theatre, this collection broadens the cultural picture of Kiato.
Discover more destinations: Ano TrĂkkala, IsthmĂa, Aghios Dimitrios, Evrostina, Stymfalia, Riza, Pefkali, Corinth
Go to the main travel overview: Corinth.
