Delphi – Touring Antiquity

Delphi is famous as the ancient sanctuary that grew rich as the seat of Pythia, the oracle who was consulted about important decisions throughout the ancient classical world. Moreover, the Greeks considered Delphi the navel (or centre) of the world, as represented by the stone monument known as the Omphalos of Delphi.

It occupies an impressive site on the south-western slope of Mount Parnassus, overlooking the coastal plain to the south and the valley of Phocis. It is now an extensive archaeological site with a small modern town of the same name nearby. It is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in having had a phenomenal influence in the ancient world, as evidenced by the rich monuments built there by most of the important ancient Greek city-states, demonstrating their fundamental Hellenic unity.

Above: Entering the site of Delphi in Greece

Above: The Temple of Apollo at Delphi

Above: Entrance to the Temple of Apollo

Above: Looking back at the Temple of Apollo

Above: Looking down on the Theatre and Temple of Apollo

Above: Theatre Delphi was built in the 4th c. B.C. of local Parnassus limestone and was remodelled several times subsequently. Theatre has 35 rows can accommodate around five thousand spectators who in ancient times enjoyed plays, poetry readings, and musical events during the various festivals that took place periodically at Delphi

Above: Kastalian Spring Delphi

Above: To the left – The Athenian Treasury (Greek Θησαυρός των Αθηναίων) at Delphi was constructed by the Athenians to house dedications made by their city and citizens to the sanctuary of Apollo. To the right – Right The rock from which the Erythraean Sibyl or Herophile foretold the future.