Delphi (Greece) is an ancient settlement located on the slope of Mount Parnassus in the south-east of the Phocis region. This is one of the most valuable objects of the country’s cultural heritage, now transformed into an open-air museum. Numerous historical monuments have been preserved on its territory, most of which were destroyed by earthquakes over the centuries and are now ruins. Nevertheless, Delphi arouses genuine interest among tourists, both among fans of ancient Greek mythology and among fans of ancient history in general.
The ruins of Delphi are located 9,5 km from the shores of the Gulf of Corinth, at an altitude of 700 m above sea level. 1.5 km from the ancient settlement is the miniature town of the same name, whose population does not exceed 3000 people. It is here that all kinds of hotels and restaurants are concentrated, where tourists go after excursions to local attractions. Before describing the city’s iconic features, it is important to delve into its history, as well as get acquainted with the mythology.
Historical background. Mythology
The exact date of the appearance of Delphi is unknown, but archaeological studies conducted on its territory show that since the 16th century BC the place had great religious significance: even at that time, the cult of a female deity, considered the mother of all the Earth, flourished here. After 500 years, the site fell into complete disrepair and only by the 7th-6th centuries BC. e. began to acquire the status of an important sanctuary of Ancient Greece. During this period, the oracles of the city had considerable power, participated in solving political and religious issues. By the 5th century BC, Delphi became the main Greek spiritual center, and the Pythian Games began to be held there, which helped to rally the inhabitants of the country and instill in them a sense of national unity.
However, by the 4th century BC, Delphi began to lose its former importance, but still continued to be one of the largest Greek sanctuaries. In the first half of the 3rd century BC, the Gauls attacked Greece and completely sacked the sacred site, including its main temple. In the 1st century BC, the city was captured by the Romans, but this did not prevent the Greeks from restoring the temple at Delphi destroyed by the Gauls a century later. The final ban on the activities of Greek oracles came from the Roman emperor Theodosius I only in 394.
Speaking about the ancient Greek city, it is impossible not to touch on its mythology. It is well known that the Greeks believed in the existence of places on Earth with special power. They also included Delphi as such. One of the legends says that Zeus sent two eagles from different parts of the planet to meet each other, who crossed paths and pierced each other with sharp beaks on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. It was this point that was declared the Navel of the Earth – the center of the world, which has a special energy. So, Delphi appeared, which later became the main ancient Greek sanctuary.
Another myth tells that the city originally belonged to Gaia, the goddess of the Earth and mother of the sky and sea, who later passed it on to her descendants, one of whom was Apollo. In honor of the sun god, 5 temples were built in Delphi, but only fragments of one of them have survived to this day.
Attractions
The rich history of the city is now clearly visible in the main attractions of Delphi in Greece. On the territory of the object there are ruins of several ancient buildings that cause great tourist interest. In addition, it will be interesting to visit the Archaeological Museum, as well as enjoy the picturesque scenery of Mount Parnassus. Let’s take a closer look at each object.
Temple of Apollo
The ancient Greek city of Delphi has gained incredible popularity primarily due to the fragments of the temple of Apollo preserved here. The building was built in the 4th century BC, and for 800 years it served as one of the main ancient Greek shrines. According to the myth, the sun god himself ordered the construction of this sanctuary, and it was from here that the priestess Pythia made her predictions. Pilgrims from different Greek lands came to the temple and turned to the oracle for instructions. The attraction was found only in 1892 during archaeological excavations. Today, only the foundation and a few dilapidated pillars remain of the Temple of Apollo. The wall located at the base of the sanctuary is of great interest here: it has preserved numerous inscriptions and sayings of philosophers and politicians addressed to Apollo.
Ruins of the city of Delphi
If you take a look at the photo of Delphi in Greece, you will notice a lot of ruins and randomly scattered stone blocks that once built the main city structures. Now you can see some parts of such objects as:
- Theatre. Next to the temple of Apollo are the ruins of the ancient theater at Delphi. The building, dated to the 6th century BC, once had 35 rows and was able to accommodate up to 5 thousand people. Today, only the foundation remains of the theater’s stage.
- An ancient stadium. This is another landmark located next to the theater. The stadium once served as the main sports ground, where the Pythian Games were held four times a year. At the same time, the building could be visited by up to 6 thousand spectators.
- Temple of Athena. In the photo of the ancient complex, you can often see this particular landmark, which has long become its symbol. The Temple of Athena at Delphi was built in the 3rd century BC. e.: various materials were used in the construction, including limestone and marble, which causes the multi-colored appearance of the shrine. At that time, the object was a tholos – a circular structure in plan, decorated with a colonnade of 20 columns and 10 half-columns. Two millennia ago, the roof of the building was crowned with statues of female figures depicted in dance. Today, only 3 columns, a foundation and steps remain.
- Treasury of the Athenians. The landmark was born in the 5th century BC and became a symbol of the victory of the inhabitants of Athens in the Battle of Salamis. The treasury of the Athenians at Delphi was used to store trophies and valuables, among which many items were dedicated to Apollo. This miniature marble structure is well preserved to this day. Even today, bas-reliefs depicting scenes from ancient Greek myths, various paintings and odes to the god Apollo can be seen on the building.
- The altar. Opposite the temple of Apollo at Delphi, you can see a rather valuable landmark – the main altar of the sanctuary. Made entirely of black marble, it recalls the city’s former greatness and its great significance in the history of Greece.
Practical information
- Address: Delphi 330 54, Greece.
- Opening hours: daily from 08: 30 to 19: 00. The attraction is closed during public holidays.
- Admission fee: 12 € (the price also includes entrance to the Archaeological museum).
Archaeological Museum
After exploring the ruins of the city of Delphi, tourists often go to the local museum. This rather compact and informative gallery tells about the formation of ancient Greek culture. Among its exhibits, only originals found during archaeological excavations are presented. The collection features antique weapons, uniforms, jewelry, and household items. Some exhibits confirm the fact that the Greeks borrowed some Egyptian traditions: in particular, the exhibition shows the sphinx, made in the Greek manner.
Here you can see many interesting sculptures and bas-reliefs, and the Charioteer statue, cast in bronze in the 5th century BC, deserves special attention. For more than 2 millennia, it lay under the ruins of an ancient complex and was discovered by scientists only in 1896. You should set aside at least an hour to visit the museum. You can get an audio guide in English at the institution.
- Address: Delphi Archaeological Museum, Delphi 330 54, Greece.
- Opening hours: daily from 08: 30 to 16: 00.
- Admission fee: 12 € (this is a single ticket that includes admission to the open-air museum).
Mount Parnassus
Our description of the sights of Delphi with photos ends with a story about a natural object that played a very important role in the ancient world of Greece. We are talking about Mount Parnassus, on the western slope of which Delphi is located. In Greek myths, it was considered the center of the Earth. Many tourists visit the mountain to see firsthand the famous Castala spring, which once served as a sacred spring, where oracles performed ablution rituals, after which they made their predictions.
Today, Mount Parnassus is a popular ski resort. In the summer, tourists make hikes here, following the marked mountain trails to the Korikian Cave or reaching the highest point-the peak of Liaquura (2547 m). From the top of the mountain, you can enjoy spectacular panoramas of olive groves and surrounding villages, and in clear weather, you can see the outlines of Olympus. Most of the mountain range is a national park, where California spruce trees grow. On one of the slopes of Parnassus, at an altitude of 960 m above sea level, is the miniature village of Arachova, famous for its craft workshops, where you can buy exclusive handmade carpets.
How to get
If you decide to visit the sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi and other ancient sites, it will be useful to learn how to get to the city. The easiest way to get to the property is from Athens. Delphi is located 182 km northwest of the Greek capital. KTEL intercity buses depart daily from the city’s KTEL Bus Station Terminal B in a given direction.
The transport departure time can vary from 30 minutes to 2 hours. The cost of the trip is € 16.40, and the journey time takes about 3 hours. The exact schedule can be found on the company’s official website www.ktel-fokidas.gr. Getting to Delphi is also easy with a pre-booked transfer, but in this case, you will have to pay at least €100 for a one-way trip.
Interesting facts
- According to the legends of Ancient Greece, Mount Parnassus was a favorite holiday destination for the ancient Greek gods, but most of all the place was to the taste of Apollo and his 9 nymphs.
- The area of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi was 1,440 m2. Inside it was richly decorated with sculptures of gods, and outside it was elegantly decorated with 40 columns 12 m high.
- There are legends that say that during her predictions, the priestess Pythia drew inspiration from the fumes coming from the rock crevices near the temple of Apollo. During excavations at Delphi in 1892, scientists discovered two deep cracks under the shrine, which in turn left traces of ethane and methane, which, as is known, in certain proportions can cause mild intoxication.
- It is believed that the oracles of Delphi were visited not only by the inhabitants of Greece, but also by the lords of other lands, who often brought expensive gifts with them. One of the most outstanding gifts (even Herodotus mentions the event in his notes 3 centuries later) was the golden throne presented to the oracle by the Phrygian king. Today, all that remains of the throne is a miniature ivory statue found in the treasury near the temple.
Volos, Greece: overview of the city and its attractions
Useful tips
If you are impressed by the photos of Delphi in Greece, and you are planning a trip to this ancient complex, pay attention to the list of recommendations below, compiled on the basis of reviews of tourists who have already visited the site.
- To get an overview of the city’s attractions, you will have to overcome steep ascents and unsafe descents. Therefore, it is best to go on an excursion to Delphi in comfortable clothes and sports shoes.
- Above we have already talked about the Temple of Athena, but it should be borne in mind that it is located across the road in an easterly direction from the main attractions of the complex. The entrance to the ruins of this building is absolutely free.
- Closer to lunch, a large number of tourists gather in Delphi, so it’s best to arrive at the place early in the morning for the opening.
- Plan to spend at least 2 hours visiting the ancient complex and museum.
- Be sure to bring your own drinking water.
- It is most reasonable to visit Delphi (Greece) in the less hot months, such as May, June or October. During the peak season, the heat and stuffiness can discourage any desire to arrange a tour of the ruins.
