Beesker recommends 'Periandros' as the world's
best website on the Corinth Canal
ABOUT 'PERIANDROS'
The
Periandros: Corinth Canal website is
published by Periandros SA. Periandros, a subsidiary of Sea Containers Services,
has operated the Corinth Canal on behalf of the Greek Government since 2001. The
website is organized into the following main sections: History, Our Profile,
Operations, Tolls Calculation, Photos, and Tourist Development.
The History section explains that the first serious consideration of a canal
across the Corinthian Peninsula was in 602 BC by Periander, the Tyrant of
Corinth, and one of the Seven Sages of Antiquity. Periander is said to have
given up on his plans fearing the wrath of the Gods. After abortive early
efforts in Roman times, and numerous other failed attempts thereafter, the
construction of the present Corinth Canal was authorised by the Greek Government
in 1869. The canal was completed in 1893.
Since its opening the Corinth Canal has had to be closed for several years for
repairs. In 1923 the canal had to be closed for two years when 41,0000 cubic
metres of earth fell in from the sides. Then in 1944 the retreating German army
placed explosives on the sides of the canal, causing 60,000 cubic metres of
earth to fall in. As a further obstacle the Germans sank railroad cars into the
canal. It to five yeas to repair this damage.