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Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia | The Gateway to Delphi

In ancient Greece, pilgrims approaching Delphi from the east would first encounter the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, marking the beginning of their spiritual journey. As the protector of the Temple of Apollo, her half-brother, Athena held a central role in the religious life of Delphi. The name "Pronaia," meaning “the one before,” reflects the sanctuary's position as the first sacred space encountered before reaching the temple, acting as a precursor to the divine experience awaiting pilgrims at Delphi.

How to access:

Access to the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia is included with your Delphi tickets, granting entry to this significant site along with the rest of the archaeological complex. Whether you opt for an audio-guided entry, a self-guided tour, or a full-day tour, all options provide access to the sanctuary and its notable features, including the iconic Tholos. The sanctuary is a short walk from the main archaeological site, allowing visitors to seamlessly explore this sacred area as part of their visit to Delphi.

Quick facts

Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia Delphi
  • Address: Delphi 330 54, Greece | Find on maps
  • Location: On a terrace below the main Delphi temple complex, about 1 km south-east
  • Date of construction: Between the 7th and 4th centuries BCE
  • Built by: The Alcmaeonidae family, Theodorus Phoceus
  • Function: Shrine to the Greek goddess Athena
  • Highlights: Tholos of Athena Pronaia, Temples of Athena, treasuries, and altars to Greek gods and goddesses.

Highlights of the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia

Tholos of Athena Pronaia Delphi

Tholos of Athena Pronaia

The Tholos is a circular structure in the Athena Pronaia complex, built in the 4th century BCE by architect Theodorus Phoceus, though its purpose remains uncertain. Originally featuring a ring of tall columns and a domed roof, it was damaged by fire in the 1st century BCE. Today, three reconstructed columns, along with the temple's base and foundations, remain visible.

Tholos of Athena Pronaia
temple of Athena Pronaia delphi

The temples of Athena Pronaia

Three temples dedicated to Athena were built at the sanctuary. The first, constructed in the 7th century BCE, was destroyed in the early 6th century BCE. The second temple, built in 510 BCE, was damaged by an earthquake, but much of its colonnade survived until a rockfall in 1905, which damaged 15 columns. The third temple, built in 360 BCE, fell into ruin after the Romans closed pagan Greek sanctuaries in the 4th century AD. Only its foundations remain today.

treasuries temple of athena pronaia delphi

Treasuries

The sanctuary has 2 treasuries: the Doric Treasury and the Treasury of the Massalians (or Massaliots). The Doric Treasury dates back to 490 to 460 BCE, but its builders are unknown. The Treasury of the Massalians was constructed around 530 BCE by the city of Marseille (in present-day France) to signify their increasing economic power.

temple of athena pronaia delphi

Altars

The temple precinct of Athena Pronaia included some altars, mainly meant for sacrifices to the gods. They are located on the southern side of the sanctuary. Inscriptions dating back to the 5th century reveal they were dedicated to Athena, Zeus, Hygieia (the Greek goddess of health, hygiene, and healing), and Eileithyia (the goddess of childbirth).

A brief history of the Sanctuary

  • 1500 to 1100 BCE: The Mycenaean Greeks worship the goddess Gaia at this site.
  • 7th century BCE: The first temple of Athena is built but is destroyed in the first half of the 6th century BCE, possibly by an earthquake.
  • 510 BCE: The second Temple of Athena is constructed around the same time as the second Temple of Apollo. It is badly damaged by an earthquake in 480 BCE, which also halts a Persian attack on Delphi.
  • 380 BCE: The Tholos of Athena Pronaia is constructed.
  • 360 BCE: The third Temple of Athena is built.
  • 393 AD: Roman Emperor Theodosius orders all pagan sanctuaries in Greece to be closed. The Athena Pronaia precinct is abandoned, and, like the main Delphi site, falls into ruin over the following centuries.

Architecture & layout

architecture of the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia
  • The Marmaria terrace, where the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia sits, is named for the marble used in its structures, including Parian and Pentellic marble.
  • The sanctuary is surrounded by a low stone wall marking the temenos, or sacred precinct.
  • The first and second temples of Athena were built from porous stone with Doric columns. Two columns from the first temple remain.
  • The third temple of Athena was made of limestone and had fewer columns than the previous temples.
  • The Tholos, the most impressive structure, was made from Attic marble and featured Doric columns supporting a domed roof, with Corinthian columns inside. Its decorated roof is now partly displayed at the Delphi Archaeological Museum.
  • The Treasury of the Massalians, built from Parian marble, had two columns with palm-carved capitals in a Corinthian-like style and was decorated with friezes depicting battle scenes and acroteria.
History of the Delphi archaeological site

Frequently asked questions about the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia at Delphi

Do I need to visit the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia on my trip to Delphi?

Visiting the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia is not mandatory, but it's worth the short walk from the main site to see **Delphi’s stunning Tholos and enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding area.

How much time should I allocate to exploring the Sanctuary?

The sanctuary is not very large, and you can easily explore it in about half an hour.

Does the guided tour of the Delphi archaeological site include the sanctuary as well?

The guided tour of Delphi covers the entire archaeological site, including the ruins in the sanctuary.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

It’s best to book your Delphi tickets online at least a week in advance to secure your preferred time and date, as Delphi is one of Greece's most popular attractions and tickets often sell out quickly.

Are audio guides available?

If you want to take a self-guided tour, opt for entry tickets to the Delphi archaeological site and museum. These tickets include an audio guide in English and cover the sanctuary.

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