Delphi

Delphi is a small and charming town in central Greece, almost 250km away from Athens. The town of Delphi is set amidst dramatic and spectacular scenery, with the remains of the ancient Sanctuary within the boundaries of the town.

Delphi in Greece

Delphi has been one of the most important tourist destinations in Greece, due to the immense popularity of the Greek myths and historical facts associated with Delphi and the Sanctuary of Apollo.

delphi-town

Delphi is located on the south-western spur of Mount Parnassus and offers amazing views to the mountains of the area, but also the Itea Bay which lies beneath the town, in low elevation.

The Oracle of Delphi

delphi greeceDelphi was the site of the Oracle of Delphi, the most important mystical site of Ancient Greece. The Delphic Oracle was a cult center and a place of worship of god Apollo.

The original name of Delphi was Pytho, given to the region from Python, a serpent – deity that lived in the area and was protecting the “Omphalos”, the Navel of Earth.

God Apollo killed the serpent and people created the Sanctuary, which soon became a Pan-Hellenic Sanctuary of immense importance for the ancient Greece. The most important part of the Sanctuary became the Temple of Apollo where the infamous Oracle Pythia was giving her prophecies and Oracles to individuals and political figures from every corner of the – known – world.

Delphi, the center of the Earth

Delphi was revered throughout the known world as the area where the center of Earth is located. The Navel, the Omphalos Stone as it was called, was a stone set at the point where the two Eagles sent by Zeus from the end of the universe met.

The Delphic Temple knew an unbelievable and unlimited political power and influence, as the oracles given by the priestesses were ambiguous and merely political. Two of the most known phrases, attributed to the Seven Sages of the Antiquity, were carved into the Temple: “Nothing in Excess” and “Know Thyself”.

Delphi today

Today, as the excavations brought almost everything to light, Delphi is a popular tourist center, where visitors from all over the world come to admire the findings and monuments. Whether they come with a guided bus tour or a private tour, tourists wander around the archaeological site of Delphi, the museum and the town of Delphi which is full of nice stores selling replicas of antique artifacts and restaurants catering local cuisine.

The site itself rewards wandering, as visitors can dip their hands in the Spring of Castallia and visit the Tholos Temple, or simply enjoy a tasty meal after their dipping into history, at one of the Greek restaurants and tavernas offering spectacular views to the mountains and the bay of Itea.

The town of Delphi has approximately 2,500 residents, although in spring and summer months the population is higher due to the tourist peak season. It is a very popular place for weekend excursions all year long because of the archaeological site and the ski centre on the slopes of Mt. Parnassus.

In Delphi there is also the European Cultural Center of Delphi which aims at reviving the region as a European and international cultural hub with global activities.

How to visit Delphi

You can travel from Athens to Delphi with:

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