Delphi was a significant place for the ancient Greeks. For them, it was the center of the world. The sacred island of Delos may be the birthplace of Apollo, but Delphi was his home and the most important shrine for those who worship him as god. Delphi was also the home of the famous Oracle as well as of numerous deities, gods and goddesses. As such, Delphi was also a significant spiritual center of the ancient Greek world. But even today, pilgrims flock to ancient Delphi to soak in its mysticism. They say that people who visit Delphi would feel the presence of gods. Did we feel it?
Maybe we were tired, feeling hot or simply overwhelmed by the bus loads of tourist around us, but we didn’t feel the presence of gods in Ancient Delphi or the sense of mysticism it supposedly vibrate. But then, we did not come to be spiritually mystified. We came to witness what remains of the so called navel of the ancient world.
This is the Sanctuary of Apollo, the center of Ancient Delphi and the home of the Oracle whose famed peaked between 6 th and 4th centuries BC. Rulers, royalties and ordinary people of ancient Greece and other countries flocked to Delphi to consult the Oracle called Pythia. No important decisions on matters of state or simple affair were made without a nod from the Pythia, who channeled the spirit of Apollo for advice.
The Romans ceased Delphi in in 191 BC, plundered the Sanctuary and shipped a lot of its treasures to back toRome. The oracle’s influenced started to dwindle and was completely abolished by a Christian roman emperor in 4th century AD.
This is the stadium of Delphi, said to be the most preserved stadium in Greece. It was built for the Pythian Games which took place every four years to honor Apollo. The games were first organized sometime in the 6th century BC.
The theater of Delphi was built in 4th century. Plays were performed here during the Pythian Games.
The theater of Delphi.
The Athenian Treasury of Delphi built in 490 BC.
The ruins along the Sacred Way.
Ancient Delphi sits on a slope of Mount Parnassos overlooking a spectacular lush valley filled with cypress and olive trees. We may not be blown away by the ruins of Delphi but its scenic surrounding took our breath away.
Delphi has a museum worth visiting. It contains the considerable treasures that Delphi managed to amass. One of its celebrated exhibit is the Bronze Charioteer which commemorates the victory of the Pythian Games in the 4th century BC. The Charioteer’s eyelashes are remarkably well-intact.
The ancient musical notes.
The marble Sphinx of Naxian dating back from 560 BC. It was a gift from the people of Naxios and used to sit on top of one of the columns in the Sanctuary.
Then statue of Antinous, the lover of Emperor Hadrian. While traveling with the Emperor in Egypt he fell into the Nile and died. The Emperor then ordered to have a statue of Antinous to be erected all around the Roman Empire.
The Twins of Argos dating back from 6th century BC
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The taverna under the trees in the tranquil village of modern Delphi. We found the village a pleasant escape from the tourist-bustling ancient Delphi as well as from the hustle and bustle of Athens.
The view of the valley from the village of Delphi.
The view of the valley from the village of Delphi.
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Delphi is 130 km/80 miles north of Athens. On how to get to Delphi, click here.
Feel free to leave your comments below.
It’s incredible how old these ruins are. I’m amazed a lot of those columns are standing still. I can just imagine how magnificent they were back then. The photos are fantastic as usual.
Hi Kira, they’re not the most amazing ruins but if you come to think how old they are, they’re in really incredible shape.
Great photos! I wish the Oracle is still alive. I’d like to consult her on how I can travel more like you do:) Seriously, it’s interesting history. I was never really into Greek history but you’re making me catch up.
Hi Jan, thanks! I consulted the Oracle for you and she said that the only person that stop you from traveling is YOU! So get your act lady and get out there!
Love your photos (as usual!). Delphi is one of the things I’d always wanted to see. I love Greek mythology. It’s just too bad I didn’t have a lot of time when I was in Greece
Aleah | SolitaryWanderer.com recently posted..Visiting Napoleon’s Waterloo in Belgium
Hi Aleah, thanks! If you love Greek mythology you would thoroughly enjoy Delphi.
Wonderful photos and narratives about Delphi. Its one place I’d like to visit someday. It always interest me since I heard of it at school. There’s something about really old stuff that interest me. Thanks for sharing the photos.
Hi Craig, thanks. We’re glad you enjoyed the post. If you have great interest in Greek history, Delphi is definitely a great place to visit.
There was one movie about Greece which depicted Delphi as a magical place, where one would feel peaceful despite all the problems he has. But I guess no place loaded with too many tourists would emanate such ambiance. However I would love to experience it firsthand though.
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Hi Bama, it’s definitely something to experience. It could have been a magical place had the timing of our visit didn’t coincide with the arrival of all tour buses. We think it’s best to visit very early in the morning or late afternoon to completely enjoy and immerse yourself to the essence of the site.
Great post and stunning photos.
Happy travels
Richard recently posted..Exploring the Delphi Ruins, and the Temple of Apollo, Delphi, Greece
Hi Richard, glad you enjoyed the post and thanks for the ping back. Happy travels to you, too!
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