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Site of the Oracle &
center of the ancient world...
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In front of the Tholos at the Sanctuary of Athena |
The round trip from Athens to Delphi in Central Greece takes a
full day, but it never lacks for scenery. The small
towns and mountain roads give the impression of a more
relaxed Greek life than in Athens. Delphi is a
mystical place, made more so for me by the nearly
deserted sites - almost eerie. According to
mythology, Delphi was the spot where heaven and earth
were closest - the meeting place of two eagles released
by Zeus and sent in opposite directions around the
world. The Oracle, Pythia, had a spiritual connection to Apollo,
son of Zeus,
who would give advice on critical matters. |
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Temple of Apollo, Theatre and Stadium
The fourth century BC Sanctuary of Apollo is split between
a large area carved into the side of a Parnassus mountain
slope and the separate Sanctuary of Athena 10 minutes down the
road. Between them is the Castilian Spring, its waters famous
for inspiring poets and statesmen. On the slope, the steep
marble Sacred Way leads up the mountain past some Greek
treasuries (first picture below) to the Temple of Apollo
(large picture at right and second picture below), a theatre
(third picture below) and a stadium (fourth picture below).
The theatre and stadium are still used for the yearly Festival
of Delphi. |
Temple of Apollo - Seat of the Oracle |
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The Delphi Museum and the Sanctuary of Athena
The Delphi Museum is located adjacent to the site. Much of
the collection was closed while they finish a new wing, but
there was still a good sample on display of some of the
artifacts excavated at the site. The star of the collection is
the fifth century BC Charioteer of Delphi (first picture
below), a seven foot tall bronze statue that originally also
included a four horse chariot. The figure has a mesmerizing
face and incredible detail. Ten minutes down the road is the
Sanctuary of Athena, goddess of wisdom, which includes a long
thin expanse with a gymnasium (second picture below) and the
beautiful 4th century Doric tholos (third and fourth pictures
below). No one knows what this building was for, but its
unique design has captured interest throughout the centuries. |
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The Monastery of Osiou Louka
About 60 miles back toward Athens is the eleventh century
Monastery of Osiou Louka (Saint Luke). It is perched on the
side of Mount Hellicon (first picture below) and decorated
with lavish mosaics and artwork throughout (second and third
pictures below). Made up of two connected churches, it is
still in use today and considered a holy spot for the Greek
Orthodox. The outside is built from brick and various small
pieces of marble which you can see from the inside of the
attached museum (fourth picture below). |
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