Delphi
Zeus released two eagles, one to the East and one to the West and they met at Delphi, making them the center of the world.
At the Navel of the Earth, as Delphi is called, the most important oracle of the ancient Greek world was located, and its reputation exceeded the boarders of Greece, even during the ancient years, which is proved by the findings of the diggings that showed oblations from Syria and Armenia.
The oracle of Delphi was dedicated to God Apollo and Pythia, the High-Priestess, was the medium to deliver to the interested people the prophecy.
Delphi, as it was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, gathers a large number of Greek and foreign visitors all year long.
The modern town of Delphi was built next to the archaeological site, at an altitude of 570m, with a view to the olive grove of Amfissa and Itea bay.
Due to the archaeological site of the neighbor Arachova, as well as the ski resort in Parnassos, it has met a great tourism development.
What to see in Delphi
Delphi’s sights are numerous. The most important of them – archaeologically speaking- are Apollo’s Temple, the Archaeological Museum of Delphi, the Ancient Theatre of Delphi, the Athenian Treasury, the Sacred Way, the Castalian Spring, the Tholos at the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia.
Also, the Museum of Delphic Festival which is accommodated at the house of our great writer and poet Angelos Sikelianos. Sikelianos had envisioned the “Delphic Idea”, a global spiritual society based at Delphi. In 1927, with the contribution of his wife and many personalities of the era, the first Delphic Festivals were carried out, and they had a global appeal. In the museum, costumes and photographic material from the Delphic Festivals are exhibited, as well as handwritten texts by Angelos Sikelianos and his personal items, and his wife’s Eva broadlooms.
Don’t forget to visit the old church of Agios Konstantinos with the amazing works of art and the Church of Agios Nikolaos where there are remains from great Saints of Orthodoxy.
Activities* - What to do in Delphi
Delphi is an independent destination for hikers, as it is very well known for its ancient worshipers’ trail from Kirra to Delphi, which is part of the E4 European long distance path.
Skiing at Parnassos Ski Center, as well as mountain biking keep the interest of the “active” visitors.
A walk at the shops and the alleys in Delphi is ideal after a day of adventure in Parnassos.
Tips & suggestions
Don't miss to visit the beautiful town of Arachova and picturesque Eptalofos village. If you are nature lover, the Parnassos National Park is only 15 minutes drive from Delphi. The combination of mountain and sea is unique in Delphi. After a day of hiking (or skiing in the winter) on Parnassos Ski Center, you can visit the fish villages Galaxidi, Itea, Antikira for swimming and sea food!
Before your departure, you should buy olive oil and olives from Amfissa that come from the Traditional olive grove in Amfissa, the greatest continuous olive grove in Greece.
You can also find true copies of ancient jewelries, products of folklore art, ceramics and various products from Parnassos at the stores in the town of Delphi.
How to get there
Delphi is 170 km. away from Athens and you can get there in approximately 2 hours, passing through Arachova first. Continuing your trip, Itea and the picturesque Galaxidi are in a very close distance.
*See the boxes below with the sights and the activities.
