Just a few steps away from the world-famous Corinth Canal lies one of the region’s most surprising hidden gems — the ancient Pool of Nero.



Most travelers drive past it without even knowing it exists, yet this 2,000-year-old Roman masterpiece combines beauty, luxury, and ingenious engineering in a way that feels almost unreal.

If you love discovering lesser-known historical places, this one deserves a spot on your list.

A Secret Masterpiece Just 850m From the Canal

Tucked inside a quiet valley near the Isthmus of Corinth, the site looks unassuming at first glance. But once you approach the ruins, you immediately sense the importance of the place. Here, the past comes alive — not through massive structures, but through details that survived across centuries.

Although located so close to the bustling canal, this ancient pool remains hidden, almost forgotten. And that’s exactly what makes it so fascinating.



A Greek Past, a Roman Transformation

The pool was built in the mid-2nd century AD, right on top of an older Greek bathhouse dating back to the 4th century BC. The Romans saw potential in the spot and transformed it into an elegant bathing complex used for more than two centuries.

One of its early visitors?
Emperor Nero himself, the same ruler who first attempted to dig the Corinth Canal

It doesn’t get more historic than that.

A Heated Pool… in Ancient Times

What really sets this site apart is the engineering behind it. Believe it or not, the pool was heated — an incredible technological achievement for the era. This alone shows that the space was reserved for high-ranking visitors and VIPs of the Roman world.

Even today, standing there and imagining warm water circulating through ancient systems feels surreal.

A Mosaic Floor That Steals the Show

The real highlight is the pool’s mosaic floor, a breathtaking piece of art described by Timothy E. Gregory of the American School of Classical Studies.

The mosaic is divided into several sections:

  • two central panels showing a Triton and a Nereid

  • four surrounding geometric panels

  • decorative borders with dolphins, fleur-de-lis patterns, and alternating shapes

The moment sunlight hits the mosaic, you can still see the artistry and precision that went into every tiny stone.


Why You Should Visit

The Pool of Nero is one of those rare places that makes you stop and think about how advanced and artistic ancient civilizations truly were.
While thousands of travelers come to Corinth for the Canal or the ancient city, very few take the time to explore this incredible site — and that’s what makes it feel like a true discovery.

If you’re planning a trip to Corinth, make sure to add this hidden treasure to your itinerary.
It’s peaceful, unique, historically rich, and genuinely unforgettable.


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