Delphi, Greece

From the 7th century BC until the 4th century AD, Delphi was one of the most significant places in Greece. The biggest draws were the Sanctuary of Apollo, the prophecies of the Oracle of Delphi and the prestigious Pythian Games. Let this travel guide walk you through this amazing center of the world.

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1 Day Trip from Athens to Delphi, Greece

Athens tourists often ask if visiting Delphi is worthwhile. Absolutely! How often do you get the chance to explore the ancient epicenter of the world? This fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site is about 110 miles from Athens. The archeological ruins are located on Mount Parnassus at the base of the Phaidriades (Shining) Rocks. Your best bet is to rent a car so you can arrive early before the crowds. Plan a 2.5 hour drive. If you opt for a sightseeing bus, expect an extra half hour both ways. Delphi will be a very memorable day trip for you. You can extend your experience by booking accommodations in the quaint town of Delphi (population 1,500).

Ancient Delphi, Delphi 330 54, Greece

2 Temple of Athena Pronaia in Delphi, Greece

During much of the Archaic Period (800 – 479 BC), Delphi was highly revered, second only to Athens in importance. Greeks of all status made pilgrimages to this Panhellenic sanctuary. You are about to follow in their footsteps. Although the complex is in ruins, your imagination will quickly sense the former grandeur. You first encounter the Temple of Athena Pronaia. Athena was the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare. She was also a protectress of several Greek cities including Athens (which took her name). The word Pronaia means “in front of.” This suggests she was protecting the larger temple in Delphi dedicated to her half-brother Apollo. The Athena site was composed of about nine structures including temples, treasuries and altars. The first temple was built in the 7th century BC and destroyed by an earthquake in the following century. The replacement was constructed in 510 BC. The third major temple was added in 360 BC.

Athena Pronaia Temple, Delphi 330 54, Greece

3 Tholos at Temple of Athena Pronaia in Delphi, Greece

The most eye-catching feature at the Temple of Athena Pronaia are these three fluted columns. They were part of 20 Doric columns once supporting Tholos. The circular marble structure was designed by Theodorus of Phocaea and built between 380 to 360 BC. The function of the classical building is unknown. Look closely at the remnants of a bas-relief inside of a metope (panel) on the horizontal entablature above the columns. This was part of a large frieze depicting mythological battles between Amazons (all female warriors) and centaurs (half-man, half-horse savages). Now notice the ruins on the upper terrace less than a half mile away. That is the main site of ancient Delphi. Along the way, you will encounter a ravine called Castalian Spring. This is where pilgrims and priests purified themselves with water. The first fountain on the route dates from 600 BC. You will also pass by the ruins of the Gymnasium.

Athena Pronaia Temple, Delphi 330 54, Greece

4 Sacred Way in Delphi, Greece

Most temples in ancient Greece restricted access to local citizens. In contrast, Delphi was a Panhellenic sanctuary. This meant anyone who spoke Greek was welcome. They all walked along the Sacred Way – including you. This 656 foot route from the gateway zigzags uphill through the Sacred Precinct and ends at the Temple of Apollo.

Ancient Delphi, Delphi 330 54, Greece

5 Votive Monuments along Sacred Way in Delphi, Greece

There was plenty to admire along the Sacred Way. The route was flanked by elaborate votive monuments. Most celebrated military achievements. An example is this Spartan Colonnade. The tribute was built in 403 BC to commemorate Spartan’s naval defeat of Athens in the Battle of Aegospotami. It once displayed 37 statues. Other noteworthy monuments on the Sacred Way included the Bull of the Corcyreans (580 BC), a large bronze Trojan Horse (413 BC) and statues of ten Argos kings (369 BC). Unfortunately, all that remains today are the pedestals and bases of some of these monuments.

Ancient Delphi, Delphi 330 54, Greece

6 History of Delphi, Greece

Archeological evidence suggests people have lived in the region since the late Bronze Age. The first temple was constructed near the end of the 7th century BC. Within 100 years, the site became an important sacred center plus hosted music and then sports competitions (Pythian Games). Delphi’s history was riddled with challenges. The tragic events included a fire (548 BC), a Persian attack (480 BC), an earthquake (373 BC) and, during the 3rd century BC, an assault by the Gauls and later the Aitolian League. Romans took control in 191 BC. They maintained Delphi’s religious and games role for over 580 years. That ended when Theodosius I was Roman emperor (reign 379 – 395). He declared Christianity as the only recognized religion while outlawing all Hellenistic temples, worship and customs. Most of Delphi was then dismantled by the Christians until they finally left in the 7th century. The site lay in ruins until 1892 when a French team led by archeologist Théophile Homolle began excavation.

Ancient Delphi, Delphi 330 54, Greece

7 Mythology of Delphi, Greece

Two Greek myths define the importance of Delphi. The first involves Zeus, the king of all gods. He ruled the sky and harnessed thunder and lightning. According to legend, Zeus wanted to find Gaia, the Greek deity of the earth and mother of life. So, he released two eagles. The birds flew in opposite directions until they met at the center of the world: present-day Delphi. Zeus marked the spot with an omphalos stone. The Greek word omphalós means navel. The second story is about Apollo, the god of healing, knowledge, the sun and the arts. He was the son of Zeus and his mistress Leto. When Zeus’ wife learned of the infidelity, she sent the giant serpent Python to kill Leto. Apollo defended his mother by slaying the dragon-like snake with arrows. This is why Delphi was originally named Pytho.

Ancient Delphi, Delphi 330 54, Greece

8 Athenian Treasury in Delphi, Greece

There were several treasuries in Delphi. The small yet elaborate structures were constructed by different Greek states. The buildings safeguarded valuables for temple offerings plus housed materials used by visiting embassies. The most famous example is the Athenian Treasury. The marble Doric structure was built around 500 BC. Among the 40 metopes (square panels below the pediment) are bas-reliefs of Herakles (Hercules) and Theseus (a mythical king and Athenian hero). The carvings celebrate Athens’ victory in 490 BC over the Persians in the Battle of Marathon. The Athenian Treasury you see at a bend in the Sacred Way is a replica. The original is inside the Delphi Archaeological Museum.

Ancient Delphi, Delphi 330 54, Greece

9 Sibyl Rock in Delphi, Greece

Adjacent to the Treasury of the Athenians is a large, protruding boulder. This is Sibyl Rock. Legend suggests the earliest high priestess of Delphi stood here to proclaim her prophecies. The timing of the first sibyl varies. Some suggest the mythical visionary first appeared in the 12th century BC during the Late Bronze Age. Her name was Herophile. She received her powers from Gaia, the Earth Goddess. Successive female prophets were also given the title of Sibyl until the role evolved into the Oracle of Delphi (more on that in a minute).

Ancient Delphi, Delphi 330 54, Greece

10 Athenian Stoa in Delphi, Greece

The Athenian Stoa was a covered colonnade built in the 470s BC. The approximate 100 foot structure was supported by eight Ionic fluted columns. Each one was carved from a single piece of white marble. Inside were spoils seized by the Greeks during the Persian Wars (492 to 449 BC). The stoa evolved into a war memorial for subsequent Athenian battles. The back of the portico is the Polygonal Wall. These interlocking cut stones are part of the platform built in 560 BC for the Temple of Apollo (columns above the wall).

Ancient Delphi, Delphi 330 54, Greece

11 Pleistos Valley from Mount Parnassus in Delphi, Greece

Ancient Delphi was built on a slope of Mount Parnassus. The limestone range peaks at 8,061 feet, making it Greece’s eighth tallest mountain. Considerable myths are associated with Mount Parnassus. This was sacred land to Dionysus (god of wine), the Thriae (three nymphs with women’s heads, bee bodies) and the Muses (goddesses of literature, science and the arts). The location of Delphi provides a stunning vista of olive trees filling the deep Pleistos Valley. The groves produce some of the best olives in Greece. In the background are the ridges of Agioi Pantes. The mountain reaches an elevation of 2,543 feet.

Ancient Delphi, Delphi 330 54, Greece

12 Elevated View of Sacred Way in Delphi, Greece

The Sacred Precinct was built on a series of successively higher terraces. Each one provides a better panorama of the archeological site. This is an overlook of the Sacred Way where you have been walking. The path starts on the left below the row of trees. The route ends at the entrance to the Temple of Apollo (the tall column on the right). The square column is the Pillar of King Prusias II of Bithynia (reign 182 – 149 BC). The ex-voto (religious offering) previously displayed an equestrian statue of the king. The wall where the two people are standing is the Altar of the Chians. The 5th century BC altar was used for making sacrificial offerings to Apollo. The square platform in the center once supported a gold tripod with intertwined serpents. The Tripod of Plataea commemorated the Greek victory over the Persians during the Battle of Plataea in 479 BC. The ruins on the left were a stoa (roofed colonnade) and building dedicated to Attalus I, the king of Pergamon from 241 to 197 BC. Finally, look at the upper left corner. In the distance you can see the columns of Tholos at the Temple of Athena Pronaia. A bit closer are the remains of the Gymnasium. This athletic facility opened in 330 BC. After several expansions, the complex included ten bathing basins, a 33 foot pool, changing rooms and a 610 foot covered colonnade (xystus) used for exercising during inclement weather. The next photo of the Temple of Apollo is a continuation of this panorama looking right (southwest).

Ancient Delphi, Delphi 330 54, Greece

13 Temple of Apollo in Delphi, Greece

Apollo was the son of Zeus and the Greek god of healing, the arts and the sun. After killing the giant serpent Python to protect his mother on Mount Parnassus, Apollo decided the site should be his first temple. Disguised as a dolphin, he lured Cretan priests and then carried them on his back to Delphi. There have been three Temples of Apollo at Delphi. The first – built in the 7th century BC – was wooden decorated with laurel branches. A marble replacement was constructed in 513 BC and then toppled by an earthquake in 373 BC. It measured 71 by 190 feet. You are looking at the ruins of the third temple finished in 330 BC. The Doric structure followed the same footprint of the earlier version. The Oracle of Delphi used to sit in the inner sanctuary below the remaining columns. This temple was destroyed by order of Roman emperor Theodosius I in 390 AD.

Ancient Delphi, Delphi 330 54, Greece

14 Oracle of Delphi in Delphi, Greece

A moment ago you read about the woman who prophesized from Sibyl Rock over 3,000 years ago. By the 8th century BC, her role evolved into the Oracle of Delphi. A priestess who held this title was called Pythia. Her divine power of seeing the future was bestowed by Apollo. Her advice was highly sought by people across the classical world. The Oracle of Delphi followed a strict ritual. She was only available on the 7th day of a month for nine months (excluding winter). She first purified herself in the Castalian Spring while a priest sprinkled holy water on the floor of the Temple of Apollo. She would then be led in a procession to the temple while wearing a purple veil. After a goat was sacrificed and burned at the Altar of Chios, Pythia would meet individually with people who sought her counsel. Their order of admission was based on the size of their donation and then on drawing lots. The Oracle of Delphi ended in the late 4th century AD.

Ancient Delphi, Delphi 330 54, Greece

15 Theatre in Delphi, Greece

Trudge up another level to admire the spectacular theatre positioned above the Temple of Apollo (center) and the Pleistos Valley. The arena was initially constructed during the 4th century BC. Refurbishments occurred in 159 BC, in 67 AD (in order to impress Roman emperor Nero) and again during the 2nd century AD. The cavea (seating) consists of 35 rows of limestone benches in a crescent formation. The theatre could accommodate 4,500 to 5,000 spectators of plays and concerts. If you have the energy, you might want to walk another 165 feet up the hill to the stadium. It was built in the late 4th century BC. The bleacher-style seating stretches 584 feet overlooking an athletic field. Up to 6,500 sports fans could watch the competitions conducted on as many as 20 tracks.

Ancient Delphi, Delphi 330 54, Greece

16 Pythian Games at Theatre in Delphi, Greece

There were four sports festivals in ancient Greece called the Panhellenic Games. They were held successively during a four-year cycle. Most people are familiar with the Olympic Games. This event was initiated in 776 BC in honor of Zeus. Beginning in 582 BC, the second most important competition in prestige and attendance were the Pythian Games held in Delphi. They were named after the giant snake killed by Apollo. Initially, the contests were restricted to dance, singing and poetry performances held in this theatre. They expanded into athletic games conducted in the stadium. These included wrestling and boxing plus foot, horse and chariot races. Winners of the six to eight day festival in August were crowned with a wreath (stephanos) made from bay laurel leaves. The evergreen was considered sacred by Apollo. The Pythian Games ended in the 4th century AD.

Ancient Delphi, Delphi 330 54, Greece

17 Description of Archaeological Museum in Delphi, Greece

Equally fascinating as touring the ruins of Ancient Delphi is visiting the Delphi Archaeological Museum. This late-2nd century marble sarcophagus at the entrance hints at the spectacular treasures you will admire inside. Most of the artifacts are well over 2,000 years old. They date from the 8th century BC to the 2nd century AD. The preponderance of statues and architectural elements such as friezes are arranged in chronological order. They are displayed in fourteen exhibition rooms on two floors. The next six photos introduce you to famous pieces in the museum’s collection.

Archaeological Museum, Delphi 330 54, Greece

18 Cleobis and Biton in Archaeological Museum in Delphi, Greece

The statues of Cleobis and Biton were created by sculptor Polymedes of Argos in 580 BC. They were described by Athenian statesmen Solon (630 – 560 BC) when asked by Lydia King Croesus (reign 560 – 546 BC) who were the happiest people on earth. According to the legend, the brothers acted like oxen by pulling their mother’s cart six miles to the Hera temple. Upon their arrival, the queen of the ancient gods rewarded the men by having them die in their sleep. The moral of the story was a person’s true happiness cannot be determined until after their death. Sculptures of nude, young and muscular men first appeared in Greece during the Archaic Period (8th century BC until 480 BC). This genre of artwork is known as kouros figures.

Archaeological Museum, Delphi 330 54, Greece

19 Dionysus Sculpture in Archaeological Museum in Delphi, Greece

The Temple of Apollo façade was adorned by multiple carvings and sculptures. Most are missing but some were found during excavations. Among those displayed in the Delphi Archaeological Museum is this sculpture of Dionysus. He was the Greek god of wine. Historians suggest worship of Dionysus began over 4,000 years ago. Sculptors Praxias and Androsthenes created this marble statue circa 330 BC.

Archaeological Museum, Delphi 330 54, Greece

20 Nike Carving in Archaeological Museum in Delphi, Greece

Another recovery from the Temple of Apollo depicts Nike. According to Greek mythology, she was the winged goddess of victory in both war and sports competitions. This carving (called an acroterium) was found along a corner of the temple’s pediment. The architectural ornamentation dates from 510 BC.

Archaeological Museum, Delphi 330 54, Greece

21 Dancers of Delphi in Archaeological Museum in Delphi, Greece

In the 5th century BC, the Greeks were the first to design tall, ornate pedestals decorated with foliage carvings. This one is called the Acanthus Column because of the species of leaves decorating the top. The carvings resemble a Corinthian capital. Above them are three women known as the Dancers of Delphi. Since their discovery inside the Temple of Apollo in 1894, archeologists have debated their age. The most accepted timeframe of these 6.5 foot statues is 330 BC.

Archaeological Museum, Delphi 330 54, Greece

22 Antinous Statue in Archaeological Museum in Delphi, Greece

Roman emperor Hadrian traveled extensively throughout his empire during his reign (117 – 138 AD). His marriage was contentious and maintained as a political advantage, so his wife Sabina rarely went with him. Instead, his constant companion and lover for many years was a teenager named Antinous. The Greek term for such a youth in a relationship with an older man was eromenos meaning beloved. Antinous mysteriously died in 130 AD at the age of 19. Hadrian then declared him a god, created a cult in his name plus ordered temples and statues to be erected across the empire. This marble statue of Antinous was uncovered near the Temple of Apollo in 1894. The cult sculpture is one of many treasures in the Delphi Archaeological Museum.

Archaeological Museum, Delphi 330 54, Greece

23 Charioteer of Delphi in Archaeological Museum in Delphi, Greece

From 480 to 450 BC, Greek sculptors created lifelike statues engaged in an activity versus a stoic pose. One of the best examples of this short-lived Severe style is the Charioteer of Delphi. The 5’ 11” bronze artwork captures the moment when the victor of the chariot race receives the crowd’s adulation. The reins he is clutching were originally connected to four horses in front of his chariot. This 470 BC statue is so important that it is displayed in a dedicated room in the Delphi Archaeological Museum.

Archaeological Museum, Delphi 330 54, Greece

24 Central Mosaic Floor at Archaeological Museum in Delphi, Greece

Before leaving the museum, take a moment to admire the mosaics. They were extracted from a late 5th century church in the nearby town of Delphi. The flooring is visible below a protective wall outside of the museum. This section was probably in the center of the nave. Among the design elements are peacocks, eagles and a leopard eating a deer. There are also two figures (of the original four) representing the seasons. The one in the left corner holding a basket represents the autumn harvest.

Archaeological Museum, Delphi 330 54, Greece

25 Birds Mosaic Floor at Archaeological Museum in Delphi, Greece

Another section of the mosaic floor from the local Byzantine church features birds. Among the species are a pigeon, quail, partridge, magpie and mallard. They are centered in diamond-shaped panels and separated by guilloche borders. There are two other parts of the floor (not shown). One displays domestic animals (such as a dog, cat, sheep and rooster) and the fourth has wild animals (lion, pole cat, zebra, deer and boar). A keen eye will also spot marine life such as an eel, squid and different types of fish.

Archaeological Museum, Delphi 330 54, Greece

26 Visit Hosios Loukas Monastery near Steiri, Greece

Before or after your trip to Delphi, stop at another UNESCO World Heritage Site: Hosios Loukas Monastery. Òssios Loukás is located less than 20 miles from Delphi near the small village of Steiri. This is one of the three historic Monasteries of Daphni. The oldest is Daphni Monastery in Attica near Athens. The third, Nea Moni (New Monastery), is on Chios island in the northern Aegean Sea. Fans of Byzantine religious architecture and art will want to visit all three.

Hosios Loukas, Steiri 321 00, Greece

27 Founder of Hosios Loukas Monastery near Steiri, Greece

Hosios Loukas means Venerable Luke in Greek. This refers to the monastery’s founder, Luke of Steiris (896 – 953 AD). As a child, he was exceptionally close to God and was seen levitating during prayer. Most of his life was spent in self-imposed isolation. His miracles and war predictions drew so many followers that the hermit established this monastery in 946 AD. The buildings were funded by pilgrims who sought a miracle from Luke. After his death, believers continued arriving to pay homage. They would sleep beside Luke’s tomb for days with hopes of receiving the saint’s healing powers. This religious ritual is called incubation.

Hosios Loukas, Steiri 321 00, Greece

28 Description of Hosios Loukas Monastery near Steiri, Greece

There are two churches on the 3.5 acre complex of Hosios Loukas Monastery. The earliest was the Church of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary), built in the mid-10th century. The second – this domed cathedral called Katholicon – was finished in 1012. The middle-Byzantine façade features pairs of arched windows separated by marble mullions. The walls are a combination of brick, marble and stone. This type of Roman masonry is called opus mixtum. The interior is filled with Macedonian Renaissance frescos and mosaics with gold backgrounds. They are the best examples in Greece of this style of Christian artwork from the 10th and early 11th century. You will admire more frescos in the crypt were Saint John is buried.

Hosios Loukas, Steiri 321 00, Greece
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