Sacred Delphi - Sanctuary and Oracle of Apollo (Central Greece)

A designated UNESCO World Heritage site is located in central Greece, amidst a stunning landscape. Site of the Sanctuary and Oracle of Apollo, it was the most important sacred site of Ancient Greece.

Originally in Delphi the Earth Goddess was venerated (two earlier temples had stood on the site), before the arrival of the cult of Apollo. According to legend, the serpent Python, child of the Greek Goddess Gaia (Earth), was the ancient guardian of Delphi's Castalian Spring before being killed by Apollo. Ancient Greeks considered Delphi, the centre of the world, the place where Zeus’s two eagles met from opposite ends of the earth.

The archaeological site of Ancient Delphi is widespread. The modern visitor follows exactly the "Sacred Way" that was followed by ancient pilgrims. The path begins at the southeast corner and winds its way up the hillside, past ancient treasuries and monuments, to the Temple of Apollo which lies immediately beyond and just above the Delphi Museum.

According to Homer, Apollo himself founded the Oracle of Delphi. Pilgrims included Kings, Generals and individuals of all ranks came to the Oracle of Delphi to ask Apollo's advice on the best course to take in war, politics, love and family.

The famous Oracles were delivered in a small chamber in the Temple of Apollo, which was the sole domain of the Pythia. The Pythia (named for the python slain by Apollo) was a priestess who spoke as a possessed medium for Apollo, the Greek God of Prophecy. Whilst delivering Oracles, the Pythia was said to be in a mild trance and spoke for Apollo in an altered voice and often chanted her cryptic pronouncements, which were then translated, written down and sealed by a priest and given to the inquirer. No copies of any answers have yet been found.

The Oracle only functioned on certain days and under specific circumstances. The oracle of Delphi was abolished in 393 AD by Emperor Theodosius, who made Christianity the official religion of the Byzantine Empire.

Numerous Treasuries were built in the Sanctuary of Apollo to house votive offerings of grateful pilgrims. Out of them The Treasury of the Athenians is one of the most important and impressive buildings

The Sanctuary of Athena is on the lower slopes of Holy Mt. Parnassus, a 10-minute walk past the museum and has the picturesque remains of the famous Tholos - a round structure ringed by 20 slender Doric columns.

The Castalian Spring, located between the two sanctuaries was the source of the chemical vapours, which influenced / inspired the Pythia's oracles and induced the trance like euphoric state. It was perhaps the reason why the site was chosen as the abode of Apollo. Two fountains fed by the sacred spring survive: an ancient (early 6th century BC) fountain house with a marble-lined basin surrounded by benches, and a Roman fountain with niches for votive gifts. In classical times, all pilgrims to Delphi stopped here to ritually bathe before entering the sacred precinct.

The Pythian Games of Delphi were one of the four Pan-Hellenic games, attracting competitors from all over ancient Greece. It began with music and poetry but soon, athletic competitions were added, the best known being a great chariot race. The Theatre of Delphi, just above the Temple of Apollo, with 35 rows of seats and a seating capacity of 5,000 was the venue for the musical contests (song and instrumental music) while The Stadium Of Delphi situated north-west of the theatre, above the sanctuary of Apollo, in the highest part of the ancient city was the venue for the athletic events took place

Other site remains include the Ancient Gymnasium, The Treasury of the Siphnians; The Stoa of the Athenians; The votive offering of Daochos

Archaeological excavations began in earnest around 1900 and the findings are displayed in the on-site Delphi Museum, one of the most important museums in Greece Its rich collections are comprised primarily of architectural sculpture, statues and minor objects donated to the sanctuary. These reflect its religious, political and artistic activities from its early years in the eight century BC to its decline in Late Antiquity.

The star exhibit is the famous 474 BC Charioteer of Delphi, a larger-than-life bronze which originally included a four-horse chariot. It portrays a handsome youth whose delicate eyelashes shade wide enamel-and-stone eyes whilst realistic veins stand out in his hands and feet. It was a gift from the wealthy Sicilian city of Gela to honour its tyrant Polyzalos's chariot victory here.

Today the Festival of Delphi is held each summer (usually in June) and features ancient Greek drama and works inspired by ancient drama. Tickets and schedules are usually available at the European Cultural Center of Delphi's Athens office at 9 Frynihou, Plaka (tel. 210/331-2798), and at the canter’s Delphi office (tel. 22650/82-733), just out of town on the Itea road (set back from the road in a grove of trees). For more Administrative Information regarding contact address & numbers, tickets and site open & closed dates, click on the following link Official Administrative Info

More Information: Official Website of Delphi; Sacred Destinations; Odyssey Adventures; Olympia Greece / Delphi (Interesting Video footage); National Geographic Delphi Oracle; Matt Barrett’s Delphi

How to Reach:
From Athens by Car: You can also easily visit Delphi as a day trip, as it is a scenic 2.5-hour drive northwest from Athens. You take the National Road that goes north to Thebes and then go west, through Livadia to Delphi. For Rent A Car options check Matt Barrett's Reccomendation for Swift;

From Athens by Bus: There are several buses that leave daily for Delphi from Athens. The trip takes about three hours and more information can be obtained at http://www.ktel.org/; Matt Barrett's practical info

From Patras by Bus: There is also a daily bus to and from Patras which is helpful if you are coming from or going to Italy.

There is also a bus to Larissa where you can change for a bus to Meteora.

Delphi is also included in many guided tours, ranging from day trips from Athens to extended tours (read mostly Meteora) of Greece.

Nearby Attractions: http://www.greecetravel.com/delphi/arachova.htm

Accommodation: There are several good hotels near the ruins.