Delphi

The navel of the earth, sheltered by Mount Parnassus.

At the foot of Mount Parnassos, within a natural landscape formed between two gigantic rocks named Phaedriades, lies the Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, the most famous oracle of ancient Greece. Delphi was the navel of the earth, where, according to mythology, the two eagles sent out by Zeus from the ends of the universe to find the center of the world met. For many centuries it was the cultural and religious center and symbol of unity of the ancient Greeks. The history of Delphi begins in prehistory and the myths of the ancient Greeks. According to tradition, the shrine dedicated to Mother Earth was situated here and was guarded by the terrible dragon named Python. Apollo managed to kill Python and a sanctuary was formed in his name by Cretans who arrived at Kirra, the port of Delphi, accompanied by the god in the form of a dolphin. Apollo’s dominance survived as a myth through many festive reenactments made ​​at Delphi such as the ‘Septiria’, the ‘Dolphins’, the ‘Thargelia’, the ‘Epiphany’, and, of course, the famous ‘Pythia’, which served to commemorate the victory of Apollo vs. Python.

At Delphi, the main god that was worshipped was Apollo, the god of light, music and oracles. He taught people the virtues of measure, of prudence and moderation and emerged as the most ethical and peaceful expression of Greek culture. The famous Oracle from which the prophecies of the god were given through the mouth of Pythia, was run by a special priesthood, i.e. priests with a deep mystical culture and education.

In addition, Delphi spread the symbol for friendship, brotherhood and peaceful coexistence of peoples as a fundamental objective of the Delphic Idea through its famous Delphic Amphictyonic League, a “league of neighbors”, an ancient association of various Greek tribes. Extremely impressive proof of the international prestige of the sanctuary of the god of Light was the multitude of offerings by princes, cities and wealthy individuals, both in quality and artistic value of which – unfortunately – very little survived.

Delphi, was inhabited since the prehistoric period and later acquired great historic importance, especially in the classical times, since it was connected with such important events from ancient Greek history. The city is mentioned by Homer as ‘Pytho’. Initially, it was one of the ancient cities of Fokida, but gradually the city’s role was strengthened and it developed into a national center and sacred city of the ancient Greeks. Delphi maintained its importance until the late 4th century AD, when a decree of Emperor Theodosius I was given to terminate the oracle’s activities. Over the following centuries, the city declined and was finally abandoned until our era where it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most important archaeological sites in the country.

Some of the great monuments located at the famous ‘naval of the earth’ that one can see, are parts of the Doric temple of Apollo from the 4th century, the stadium where the Pythian Games were held (5th c.), the Stoa of Athens (5th c.), the Altar of Chios (5th c.), and the theater where the Annual Lyrical competitions (4th c.) were held. Special mention should be made ​​for exhibits such as the famous Charioteer, a rare example of ancient bronze sculpture.

Delphi is unqestionably a destination of great archeological interest.

Archaeological museum

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