Did you know? 6 things you didn’t imagine about Kiato
Kiato is not just a beautiful seaside town. It hides stories and characteristics that make it unique in Greece. Let’s discover its most unexpected aspects:
1. It hosts a giant of antiquity
Did you know that the Ancient Theater of Sicyon, just 10 minutes from the center, was one of the largest in the ancient world? With a capacity of 10,000 spectators, it was even larger than the world-famous theater of Epidaurus. Its acoustics and its view towards the Corinthian Gulf are breathtaking to this day.
2. It is the world capital of the Sultana grape
Did you know that Kiato is considered the metropolis of the most famous table grape? The Kiato Sultana is renowned for its taste and quality, with massive exports worldwide. In fact, the region leads in organic farming, making Kiato a “green” gastronomic destination.
3. The city that gave birth to the art of painting
Did you know that according to ancient tradition, Sicyon (ancient Kiato) is considered the birthplace of Greek painting? The first famous school of painting, the Sicyonian School, was founded there. Leading artists of antiquity studied at this school, laying the foundations for the evolution of visual arts in the Western world.
4. A museum jewel in Roman baths
Did you know that the Archaeological Museum of Sicyon is housed in an authentic Roman balaneion (bathhouse)? It is one of the few cases worldwide where the museum building itself is a massive and impressive archaeological find.
5. The connection with the great poet Kostas Karyotakis
Did you know that Kiato served as a source of inspiration and a place of residence for the great Greek poet Kostas Karyotakis? In Diminio, right next to Kiato, the seaside villa where he spent his summers still stands today. This building of unique architecture remains a living monument of Greek literary heritage.
6. A historic railway hub
Did you know that since the late 19th century, Kiato was the main station connecting Athens with the rest of the Peloponnese? Today, it continues this tradition as the most modern transport hub, as the Suburban Railway (Proastiakos) connects it directly to Athens International Airport in just 1.5 hours.
