Article Delphi

Delphi was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987. Today, it is not only for this reason that it attracts tourists to explore the ruins that influenced the fate of the entire Mediterranean for millennia.

The ancient Greeks believed that Delphi was literally the „navel of the world.“ This myth stems from a legend according to which the god Zeus released two eagles from the opposite ends of the world, and it was at Delphi that their paths crossed, thus determining the center of the earth. Originally, this place was dedicated to the goddess of the earth, Gaia (Ge), whose sanctuary was guarded by the formidable serpent Python. The cult of Mother Earth was later replaced by the cult of the god Apollo, who, according to legend, killed Python and took over the oracle. It was in his honor that the place, previously called Pythó, was renamed Delphi

Delphi was the most important religious center of ancient Greece, with the famous Oracle of Apollo. It had enormous political and religious influence in the ancient world, where pilgrims from all over the Mediterranean came to seek oracles from the priestess Pythia.

The site includes the remains of temples (including the Temple of Apollo), city-state treasuries, a theater, and a stadium, which represent a masterpiece of Greek architecture and sculpture.

The Delphic oracle, staffed by a priestess called the Pythia, reached its peak of fame between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. Pilgrims—from commoners to kings and statesmen—came from all over the ancient world to seek the Oracle’s advice. The Pythia sat on a tripod in the inner sanctum of the Temple of Apollo, supposedly in an ecstasy heightened by the fumes from the earth, and delivered oracles, often in the form of incomprehensible cries. These cries were then interpreted by priests into verse, which was notorious for its ambiguity.

Behind the entrance to the complex, the first thing you will notice is the Roman Agora, a place where citizens gathered and traded in ancient times. Of the remains of the building from the 4th century AD, standing ancient columns are of interest.

Then the visitor ascends the so-called Sacred Way (Via Sacra) which leads to the main complex. In doing so, one becomes aware of the immense spiritual, political and cultural importance that this place once held. There is still an aura of mysticism and prophecy that makes Delphi one of the most captivating historical experiences Greece has to offer. It is a place where time has truly stood still, and where mythology becomes tangible.

The sacred road was lined with treasuries in which individual city-states kept gifts for Apollo, often as thanks for successful oracles.

A dominant feature of the entire district. Several Doric columns were erected from its majestic ruins, partially restoring the temple to its former grandeur.

A theater from the 4th century BC has been preserved in the area, from which there is a wonderful panoramic view of the entire valley.
Up to 5,000 spectators could sit in 35 rows of seats.

An essential part of the visit is the Archaeological Museum of Delphi, which houses priceless finds from excavations, including the famous bronze Charioteer, the statue of Antinous, and the original Omphalos stone (Navel of the World).