Delphi

After our day in Athens, we drove up to Delphi. I was super excited to go to Delphi. It was my favorite place I had visited the first time I went to Greece. I was not disappointed. Not only did I love it 10+ years ago, I loved this time around as well.

On our way to Delphi, we passed two interesting places. The first was a monument dedicated to the Greek Resistance Fighters from WWII. The second was the ski resort of Arachova. This resort town was beautiful and we began to refer to it as the Park City of Greece.

Monument dedicated to Greek Resistance Fighters

Me with the town of Arachova in the background.

The mountains surrounding Arachova

After driving three hours from Athens, we arrived in Delphi. The ancient city of Delphi was believed to be the spot where the God Apollo slew the giant Python. Because of this, Delphi became a major site of worship for the God Apollo. It also became the sight of the Pythian Games which began in 586 BC. Like the Olympic games, these games where held every 4 years. Unlike the games in Olympia, the Pythian Games were held in honor of Apollo not in honor of the God Zeus. The winners of the Pythian Games were awarded laurel wreaths. A list of Phythian winners can be found inscribed on the Athenian Treasury with a depiction a laurel wreath under the name of each winner.

The Stadium where the Pythian Games were held.

Another view of the Stadium

The Athenian Treasury

The Athenian Treasury from another angle.

The depiction of laurel wreaths and the names of the Pythian winners.

Delphi is most well-known for housing the Oracle of Delphi. The Oracle was presided over by a priestess, known as the Pythia. The ancient Greeks believed that Apollo spoke through the Pythia. Apollo would inhabit the spirit of the Priestess of the Oracle and that Priestess would then give prophesies to all those who sought them. There are over 500 written prophesies that have survived from various sources.

Temple of Apollo ruins.
This is where the Oracle gave the prophesies.

Only 6 columns remain from the Temple of Apollo.

Another shot of the columns.

Me above the Temple of Apollo.
I was on my way up to the stadium
which is located at the top of the mountain.

The Theatre of Delphi.
The Theatre contains 35 rows and can sit 5,000 people.

Another view of the theatre.

The Sanctuary of Athena is located about 1/2 mile from the center of Delphi. I had already hiked up to the top of the mountain to see the stadium, but I really wanted to also see the Sanctuary of Athena so I then had to run down to the Sanctuary. Running down wasn't so bad, it was running back up that nearly killed me. It was definitely the most tiring day of the trip!!

The Sanctuary of Athena.

Me in front of the Sanctuary of Athena.