Delphi

Delphi (Greece) is a city built on the slope of Mount Parnassus. It is an open-air museum, which has become a cultural heritage site and is of interest to tourists from all over the world.

General information about the ancient city of Delphi in Greece

Information about the city of Delphi
Delphi in Greece.

The history of Delphi began several centuries before our era. According to legend, the place where the ancient ruins are located today had the name “Pifo”.

Where is it located, and when is the best time to visit

The ruins of ancient Delphi are 9.5 km from the Corinthian Gulf. The area where you can see the ruins is an archaeological reserve (park).

Not far from the ancient ruins is a small settlement, also bearing the name of Delphi. There are 2.3 thousand people living there. In the settlement for travelers built restaurants, cafes and hotels.

It is recommended to visit the reserve in late spring or early fall to avoid the heat and crowds of tourists. It is desirable to arrive in the park early in the morning, bringing drinking water. It is necessary to wear comfortable clothes and shoes without heels and high platform.

History of an ancient city and popular myths

The exact date of the founding of the city is unknown. The first mention of this place can be found in the sources of the sixteenth century BC. In those years there was a cult site dedicated to the goddess who gave birth to the earth and all life on the territory of future Delphi. After a few centuries the sanctuary fell into disrepair.

The religious revival began at Delphi in the seventh and sixth centuries BC. Local soothsayers gained great power and participated in important political tasks.

In the fifth century B.C. Delphi had the status of the main spiritual center of ancient Greece. But after 100 years, the city began to lose its political and spiritual significance.

In the 3rd century B.C. Greece was invaded by the Gauls. They looted the country and destroyed the religious center. 200 years later, already under Roman rule, the Greeks rebuilt the ruined temples. In 394, however, Emperor Theodosius I banned the pagan oracles, which led to the final decline of the religious center.

The history of the origin of Delphi is shrouded in many legends. According to one of them, Zeus called the place where the city later appeared the center of the world (the navel of the Earth) and set a mark in the form of a stone.

Another myth says that Delphi belonged to the goddess Gaia. She passed on the possessions to her descendants. Apollo was among them. In his honor the Greeks built several cultic buildings at Delphi.

How to get there and where to stay

The best way to get to Delphi is from Athens. Buses leave from the train station at intervals of 0.5-2 hours. The price of the ticket is 16.40 euros. The trip lasts about three hours. You can order a transfer, but it costs more than 200 euros.

Tourists planning to stay in the city for several days are recommended to stay in one of the hotels:

  1. Amalia Hotel Delphi. For travelers are equipped with a recreation area and an outdoor pool. There is a restaurant and a bar on the territory of the hotel. Terraces and balconies in the rooms allow you to enjoy the sea views.
  2. Hotel Orfeas. The hotel is one of the budget hotels. Rooms here cost from 33 euros per night.
  3. Kastalia Boutique Hotel. The hotel offers its guests Greek cuisine, which is served on the outdoor terrace. Kastalia Boutique Hotel offers bicycle rentals.
  4. Pan Hotel. The advantage of this hotel is that it is closest to the archaeological park and is suitable for holidays with children.
Kastalia Boutique Hotel
Kastalia Boutique Hotel with Greek cuisine.

Interesting facts about the ancient city

Interesting facts about Delphi:

  1. In ancient Greece, the city was famous for hosting sporting events – the Pythians. These competitions were considered the second most important after the Olympic Games and were named after the victory of the god Apollo over the dragon Python. Initially, the competitions were held for musicians. Gradually the organizers added athletic disciplines and the games became fully athletic.
  2. The programming language Delphi is named after the ancient city.
  3. According to legend, the prophetess Pythia received revelations while sitting on a tripod above a cleft in the rock. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, French explorers discovered a crack under the Temple of Apollo, from which gases – methane and ethane – were escaping. This mixture had a weak narcotic effect and could cause hallucinations.
  4. According to one version, the word “delphi” (“delphi”) means “belly,” “womb,” “place of origin. This name of the land on which the city was erected, according to legend, was given by the sailors.

The main attractions of the city

There are many monuments of architecture preserved in the reserve, but some of the buildings have been damaged by earthquakes or destroyed by time.

Cult Temple of Apollo

The cult building was erected in the 4th century B.C. For several centuries it was considered the main temple of ancient Greece. People from other cities came here to receive a prophecy from Pythia. The building is poorly preserved. All that remains of it are some columns, part of the foundation and the wall on which the appeals to Apollo are inscribed.

Temple of Apollo
The temple of Apollo was built in the 4th century BC.

Sanctuary of Athena

The building was built in the form of a rotunda. Most of the foundation and three columns have survived. The sanctuary is erected from materials of different colors. There were figures of dancing girls on its roof.

Sanctuary of Athena
Sanctuary of Athena made of material of different colors.

The main altar of the sanctuary

The main altar is opposite the Temple of Apollo. The landmark is almost entirely made of black marble.

Main altar
The main altar of the sanctuary is made of black stone.

Antique Stadium

The stadium was designed for 6,000 spectators. This place served as a playground for sports. This is where the athletic competitions were held.

Antique Stadium
An ancient stadium for 6 thousand spectators.

The ancient Delphic theater

It was erected in the 6th century B.C. The theater could hold at least 5,000 spectators. Guests were seated on 35 rows. Almost nothing has survived to this day of the building, except the foundation. The ruins can be found near the Temple of Apollo.

Delphic theater
The ancient Delphic theater for 5 thousand spectators.

Tolos Athena Pronaia

Tolos is on the site of the shrine of the goddess, between the treasury of the Massilians and the new temple of Athena. From the writings of the famous Roman architect Vitruvius, scholars have learned that Theodore of Phocidas was responsible for the erection of this building. The purpose of the tolos has not yet been established.

Tolos Athena Pronaia
Tholos of Athena Pronaea at the site of the sanctuary.

Treasury of the Athenians

The treasury symbolizes the Athenian victory at the Battle of Salamis. A small building was used to store trophies. The treasury is well preserved. On its walls you can see the bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the myths of ancient Greece.

The Treasury
Treasury of the Athenians in Greece.

Kastalsky Source

The spring at the foot of Mount Parnassus is considered sacred. The Castalia springs were used for ablutions before rites were performed. Poets and musicians have looked to him for inspiration. According to legend, the one who takes nine sips of the sacred water will meet the love of his life.

Kastalsky Source
Kastal spring near Mount Parnassus.

Sacred Road

This was the name of the road between the sanctuary of Apollo, the altar of the Chios and the central temple of the oracle. This trail was intended for pilgrims. People wishing to receive the prophecy of the Delphic soothsayer had to walk down the sacred road, make a sacrifice on the altar, and stand in line for the oracle.

Sacred Road
Sacred road for pilgrims.

The village of Arahova

Mountain Village is located on the slope of Mount Parnassus. Arahova is famous for its artisans who create handmade carpets. In addition to souvenir shops you can find cafes and restaurants here. Every spring, the village holds a festival of shepherds, in which tourists also take part.

The village of Arahova
The village of Arahova on the slope of Mount Parnassus.

Mount Parnassus

In Greek mythology, the mountain was called the center of the universe. Legend has it that Greek deities rested atop Parnassus. Apollo loved this mountain more than any other. In the winter months, the slopes operate a ski resort. In the summer here you can see fans of hiking.

Mount Parnassus
Ski resort on Mount Parnassus.

Archaeological Museum

The museum is a small gallery, the exhibition which tells about the importance of culture in the life of ancient Greece.

All exhibits on display are originals discovered during excavations.

You can see here:

  • weapons;
  • bas-reliefs;
  • sculptures;
  • armor;
  • accessories.

You should spend at least 1 hour to visit the gallery.

Archaeological Museum
Archaeological Museum in Greece.

Corinthian Gulf

The bay is located between the Peloponnese peninsula and the Greek mainland. This place combines mountain and sea scenery. Holidays on the coast are suitable for those who prefer solitude and contemplation of nature.

Corinthian Gulf
Corinthian Bay with beautiful scenery.

Other sights to see and visit in Delphi

Delphi is also worth seeing:

  1. The Center of the Earth. The monument is a cone-shaped stone symbolizing the central part of the universe.
  2. Museum of the Delphic Games. The institution is located in the house of the famous Greek poet Angelos Sikelianos (1884-1951).
  3. The Church of St. John the Baptist. Nicholas. A small Christian temple is located in modern Delphi.
  4. Sifni treasury. The building was intended to hold donations. The treasury was located along the Sacred Way. From the ancient Greek building has remained only part of the foundation.
The Center of the Earth
Monument of the Center of the Earth in Greece.

Interesting tours of Delphi

Visitors to the ancient city may be interested in the following excursions:

  1. “Overview. A visit to the park costs about 82.5 euros for an adult and 42.9 euros for a child 5-11 years old. The tour group is accompanied by an experienced guide. The cost of the tour includes transportation from Athens to the archaeological park and back.
  2. “Gods, Heroes, and Nymphs. Its approximate cost is 288 euros. There are no more than four people in the group. The tour includes a visit to the village of Arahova, where travelers are offered tastings of local delicacies and cheeses.
  3. “Delphi Meteora. Tourists are expected to see all the sights of the reserve, overnight stay in Kalambaka and visit the monasteries of Meteora. Duration of the tour – 2 days.

You can book a guided tour in some hotels or on the website of a travel agency.

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