Greece is a magical country with one of the richest histories in the world, if you stay in the Athens area, don't miss the Delphi site! Located at the foot of Mount Parnassus, it is one of the most famous archaeological sites in Greece. Today classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in addition to being a must-see, it is nestled in the mountains offering an exceptional view of the Greek relief and the Gulf of Corinth.
Delphi was also well known in ancient Greece, the site had been designated as the centre of the world by Zeus. Indeed, in Greek mythology, it is at this place that the two eagles sent from each end of the universe by him met, designating it as the navel of the world.
Between the 6th and 4th century, many people, including politicians, crowded there to consult the Pythia, intermediary between gods and humans. While entering in a state of trance, it delivered the answers dictated by Apollo; these often enigmatic messages were confusing most of the time. But its influence was felt throughout the Greek world and even further afield because the sanctuary of Apollo was considered the most important place in this civilization.
What is an oracle?
It is the answer given by a God through a priestess (the Pythia in Delphi) to a question about the future. The priestess goes into a trance and delivers her message to a priest who is in charge of transcribing it. These answers were often very enigmatic and multi-sensory, but this did not prevent them from being a real success, even in the upper echelons of society; indeed, governors and warlords often went to Delphi when important decisions were being made, such as launching into the Trojan War, for example.
In spite of its immense influence, the end of Delphi was proclaimed following the development of Christianity and thus the prohibition of pagan cults decided at the time of the Edict of Theodosius at the end of the 4th century.
The site is composed on the one hand of the archaeological area where the ancient sanctuary of Apollo is located, with a dedicated temple, a theater, and a stadium to organize pythic games and on the other hand of the Archaeological Museum of Delphi, showing many precious objects recovered on the site such as the famous sculpture of the Aurelius of Delphi, or the Sphinx of Naxos.
The sanctuary of Apollo is crossed by the Sacred Way, the main road that climbs 200 meters through the different monuments and treasures presented, coming from different Greek and foreign cities. Along this road there were many itinerant merchants.
Not to be missed in Greece:
The treasure of the Athenians, in the form of a Doric temple, it is the best-preserved monument of the site. It housed statues and sculptures offered as offerings to Apollo. It is decorated with a frieze, the original of which is in the museum of Delphi.
The Temple of Apollo, the most important building of the shrine, of which only the bases remain today. Even if not much remains, you can easily imagine the splendour it must have been. This is where the Pythia pronounced the Oracle from the messages sent by Apollo.
The amphitheatre, built a little higher, after the temple, dates from the 4th century BC and could accommodate up to 5000 people! Plays and musical events were performed there during the various festivals organized in Delphi, including the Games of Pythia, against the backdrop of the magnificent mountains.
The stadium, which is in the highest part of the site, was built in the 5th century BC. Its bleachers could accommodate up to 500 people and it was used during the Pythia Games as well. Competitions comparable to the Olympic Games were organized there such as wrestling, discus and javelin throwing.
Practical information :
The site is open from 8 am to 8 pm from April to October and from 8 am to 6 pm from November to the end of March.
Entrance costs 12 euros per person (visit of the site + visit of the archaeological museum), there are also reduced rates.
How to get to Delphi?
By car, Delphi is located at 2h15 from Athens.
By bus, there are lines which connect Athens to Delphi with several departures per day. The journey takes about 3 hours and the bus will drop you off about 500 meters from the site.
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