Delphi

德尔斐 · Delphi, Phocis, Greece

Photo: Stefan Volk · CC BY-SA 3.0

A sanctuary of Apollo on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, where the temple, treasuries and theatre rise tier by tier along the Sacred Way; the museum holds treasures such as the bronze Charioteer of Delphi.

Know before you go

Climbing on the ruins
touching the carved stones

This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.

Stories & people

Legend

Zeus's two eagles and the navel of the world

Legend says Zeus released two eagles from opposite ends of the earth, and they met at Delphi, which was therefore held to be the centre of the world. The Omphalos stone in the sanctuary was seen as the "navel of the world".

Source: Wikipedia: Delphi

Legend

Apollo and the serpent

Legend says Apollo slew the serpent Python here; another version names the she-serpent Delphyne. The ancient name Pytho and the title of the priestess, the Pythia, are said to derive from this serpent.

Source: Wikipedia: Delphi

History

The Pythia and the oracle

The priestess known as the Pythia conveying the oracles of Apollo was a real ancient institution, and the oracle was deeply influential across the ancient Mediterranean world. As for the state the Pythia was in when she delivered the oracles, the many explanations are largely later legend and speculation, and none is settled.

Source: Wikipedia: Delphi

History

The end of the oracle

The oracle fell silent in late antiquity; sources disagree on the exact year, so no exact year is adopted here. The sanctuary was then gradually abandoned and only came to light again through modern excavation.

Source: Wikipedia: Delphi

Culture

Culture & customs

Background

Delphi, known in antiquity as Pytho, lies in Phocis, central Greece, on the southwestern slope of Mount Parnassus above the Pleistos valley, right next to the modern town of Delphi. The site's highlights include the remains of the Temple of Apollo, a 4th-century BC Doric building; the Sacred Way and the rebuilt Athenian Treasury, which commemorated the victory at Marathon; the theatre, which held about 4,500 spectators; the Tholos at the Sanctuary of Athena; and the Castalian Spring. The museum holds the Charioteer of Delphi, the Naxian Sphinx and the Siphnian Treasury frieze, among other works. Delphi was a Panhellenic sanctuary of ancient Greece and the centre of the oracle of Apollo: city-states built treasuries here as offerings and often came to consult the oracle before major decisions. The Pythian Games were held in honour of Apollo, and in the late Hellenistic and Roman periods the theatre hosted their musical and singing contests. The village of Kastri once stood on the site and was moved after an earthquake to make way for the ruins; the great excavation by the French School at Athens began in 1893. Delphi was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1987 under criteria i, ii, iii, iv and vi.

Local customs

Walk up the Sacred Way to the temple
climb to the theatre for the view over the valley
go down the slope to the Tholos at the Sanctuary of Athena
take a close look at the bronze Charioteer and the Sphinx in the museum.

Etiquette & taboos

Don’t DON'T

Climbing on the ruins
touching the carved stones

Locals appreciate DO

Keep to the paths
protect yourself from the sun in summer
follow the photography rules in the museum on the day

Plan your visit

Practical info

Travel tips

The site is open-air on a hillside, while the museum is a separate building where most of the finds are displayed, so the two have different visiting routes
opening hours and ticketing are subject to the official information. The site is large, so allow most of a day.
Long-distance buses run from Athens to the modern town of Delphi, which is right next to the site
by car, take National Road 48 between Amfissa and Livadeia. Spring and autumn are mild and best for strolling the site. Summer is sunny but hot, so visit early or late in the day. Winter is cold with fewer visitors, and snow is possible around Mount Parnassus
check opening status before you travel.

Sources & verification notes

Wikipedia: Delphi