Delphi, information about Delphi
ancient temple in delphi
Situated at the foot of Mt Parnassus, Delphi is one of the sacred areas in Greece, once considered the center of the world. The Omphalos of the World, or Navel of the World is an imposing ravine on the side of Mt Parnassus.
The Pan-Hellenic Sanctuary of Delphi set amidst a breathtaking landscape has been the cultural and religious center of the Hellenic nation and world for many centuries.
Delphi was the place where people from all over the world were gathering to honor God Apollo and ask for his advice and wisdom; Pythia of Delphi is still considered the most influential oracle ever appearing in the world, playing an enormous political and cultural role at that time.
The Oracle of Delphi
The influence of the Oracle of Delphi spread abroad with the age of colonization; and there was a time that no war or political decision would ever be taken without consulting with the Oracle in Delphi, which reached its peak at the 6th century BC.
It was considered the most truthful and sacred Oracle in the world, as its priests were the best informed in the world, therefore were able to give plausible solutions and ambiguous pieces of advice. People were seeking the divine directions, and today, when visiting the site, it comes as no surprise that this place was chosen to become the most sacred of all – its location is truly breathtaking and dominating; almost divine.
Becoming a place of pilgrimage, Delphi evolved to organizing and hosting a conglomerate of events and activities, such as poetic and theatrical contests and athletic events known as the Pythian Games, the sacred games of equal importance to the Olympic Games, to honor the God of Light, Apollo.
The archaeological site of Delphi
ancient stadium in Delphi
Today, Delphi is a spectacular archaeological site in Greece, with its rich grounds, the perfectly standing remains of its past, representing the Greek classical antiquity with a magnificent clarity that intrigues every visitor. The Springs of Castallia, the Temple of Apollo, the Tholos, the stadium, the naval of the world, the treasury of the Athenians are some of the main points of interests when visiting the archeological site of Delphi.
Delphi Museum
When visiting the area, you cannot miss the magnificent Museum of Delphi with the bronze charioteer, whose eyes made of onyx magnetize the visitors with their startling realism. Among the impressive remains and artifacts housed in the Museum are the huge ‘Kouroi’ (the twin archaic male figures), the enormous Sphinx of the Naxians and the Syphnian Freeze.
The charming town of Delphi
Along with the idyllic natural environment and the magnificent views to Itea Bay and Mt Parnassus, Delphi is a charming and captivating place, with an impressively appealing and beguiling aura, included in land tours in Greece.
You cannot miss the chance to visit the amazing archaeological site of Delphi, wander around the village and sit at one of the restaurants or coffee shops in the village that offer amazing views to the rest of the region and the over-imposing slopes of Mt Parnassus.
Our Delphi tours
- Delphi tour, full-day private tour from Athens to Delphi by taxi, including a visit to the Monastery of St Luke (Osios Loukas) and the mountain village of Arachova
- 2- day tour to Delphi and Meteora
- 4-day tour to Delphi