Delphi

If you are a fan of Greek mythology, probably the first thing that you thought of on seeing the word ‘Delphi’ is the oracle. And that’s because Delphi is, in fact, home to the legendary oracle.

Apollo was the Olympian God of Prophecy among other things like music, poetry and healing. It was believed that through the oracle, people could learn of Apollo’s prophecies. Interesting right! Read on to discover more about this enigmatic location.

Delphi was a sacred spot for ancient Greeks – where man was closest to Gods. Myth narrates that Zeus, ruler of the Olympian Gods sent out two eagles to find the centre of Earth and they met here! This explains why Delphi is also called the ‘navel of earth’. Ask the locals about this, and you’ll find that they have lots of interesting stories to share.

Delphi is one of Greece’s most important historical sites and is located around 150 km from Athens. The sanctuary is wedged between two cliffs at the foot of Mount Parnassos. What makes Delphi more exotic is the combination of treasured ruins and a landscape that is absolutely stunning, with rolling hills covered in green and sweeping views of the valley. Here, you will find the Temple of Apollo surrounded by several smaller monuments, pillars and statues.

This dramatic setting with its ancient tone will transport you back centuries, where you can walk on the same Sacred Way once taken by pilgrims to enter the abode of Apollo.

Athena Pronaia Temple

You will come across this group of ruins of temples and treasuries before you reach the Temple of Apollo. Hence the name ‘pronaia’ – which means ‘before the temple’. From what can be made out from the ruins, it is believed that these are structures dedicated to Goddesses Gaia, Athena and Artemis. There is a Tholos as well – a circular structure with a well sculpted dome, whose purpose remains unknown.

Beside this, you would find the ruins of a gymnasium, a wrestling arena and Roman-influenced baths. On walking further up, you would arrive at the Castalia Source.

Castalia Source

This water source comes out of the Phaedriades (twin rocks or cliffs) and was used by the priests and the common people to wash themselves before entering the temple.

Temple of Apollo

To reach the Temple, you have to take the Sacred Way which is lined with a mosaic of ruins and whole pieces. Along this path, you will come across several structures that will make you want to stop and stare. For instance, the ruins of Spartan Victory Monument or Omphalos – a conical stone that marks the navel (centre) of Gaia.

Overshadowing all the statues and columns, you will find the Temple in all its glory. Believed to have been from the 4th century BC, you will find a likeliness of Apollo ringed with a circle of fire and Delphic Maxims like ‘Know Thyself’, inside. It was here that Pythia – the head priestess, would channel the spirit of Apollo to deliver the prophecies.

When you continue further north, you will reach the remains of the theatre and stadium complexes which housed sports, rituals, festivals and plays back in the day. The ancient Pythian Games which were hosted here in honour of Apollo, later paved the way for the Olympic Games.

Delphi Archaeological Museum

Located near the site of Delphi, this is one of the most important museums in Greece. Its galleries proudly display the excavations of the gifts which were offered at the sanctuary by pilgrims from the 8th century BC onwards. Sphinx of the Naxians, Column of Dancers, Bronze Charioteer and the Twins of Argos are among its celebrated pieces.

Why should you visit?

Delphi is one of the most important UNESCO listed archaeological sites in Greece. In addition to its rich history, it also holds an important place in Greek mythology.

Maybe it is the surreal landscape that makes visitors feel a divine aura, or maybe it is the Gods themselves. Check out for yourself and decide what you feel about the ‘navel of the Earth’.