Temple of Apollo at Delphi: from ancient myths to the present day. Open Delphi left menu
Once Zeus sent two eagles from different parts of the world, according to legend, the birds were supposed to show where the center of the world was. Birds met on the territory of modern western slope Mount Parnassus at an altitude of 700 meters above sea level. It was here, in beautiful Greece, that the city of Delphi was founded. Today, only ruins remain of that city.
Legend has it that the city from the very beginning admired its holy power. It was called the oracle - a place where you can get predictions. Part of the city of Delphi belonged to the goddess of the Earth, Gaia, who, in turn, gave it to another deity. So the earth passed from hand to hand of various mythical heroes: Themis, Apollo, Posedon.
In the 7th-6th centuries BC. e. the role of the sacred place has increased. The tribes that lived in these territories always came here in order to find out the answer to their question or make an offering to the gods.
In Delphi began to hold Pythian games. The event became the second most important after Olympic Games. Sports and creative competitions were held. Games brought the city great popularity and gave impetus to development.
Attractions Delphi includes:
Temple of Apollo.
Only a few vertical pillars speak of a building that once existed on this site. Archaeologists have established that this building was a temple. Sacred ceremonies were held here. Lists of participants in the Pythian games were kept in one of the rooms. The story goes that the temple was built on donations that were collected throughout the country. The building was rectangular in shape with rows of columns on each side. Images of various scenes from Greek mythology served as decoration.
It is known that there was omfal- an object similar to a monolithic block symbolized the "Navel of the Earth". The Archaeological Museum of Delphi contains some fragments of the temple of Apollo, which were found during excavations.
Treasury of the Athenians.
A small building was used to store various trophies and awards for important battles. On the walls of the building you can see many inscriptions that describe various holidays and customs of those years. From the inside, the walls are covered with texts describing important dates from city life. Records were kept from about the 3rd century BC. e.
polygon wall.
One part of the wall was built to protect against falling stones, while the other was erected to strengthen the soil and delineate the boundaries of the temple. About 800 different texts are written along the entire surface.
Portico of the Athenians.
The portico was built with one side leaning against a polygonal wall. Nearby there was a place of sacrifice and a temple. On the structure one can see the inscription: "The Athenians erected a portico and weapons and statues, driving out the enemies." Thanks to the text, scientists were able to determine that this building was founded in 478 BC. e.
Treasury of the Siphnians.
A small building, resembling a temple, was erected to store the donations of the Siphnians. Instead of columns, two statues of girls were built here. Nowadays, only the foundation has been preserved from the building. In the Archaeological Museum of Delphi you can also see various fragments of the ornamentation of the treasury.
Delphic theatre.
Once upon a time, competitions were held here in the Pythian games in creativity: singing, playing the musical instruments. The total capacity is about 5 thousand seats and about 35 rows. There are small aisles between the rows. Time has greatly "patted" the theater - the architectural details of the structure are still found in different parts of Delphi.
Holy road.
Pilgrims and visitors approached the temple along the Sacred Road. Once upon a time there were statues on the first stretch of the path; treasuries were installed along the second section, and its final part was decorated with an “exhibition” of offerings to the city.
The ancient stadium of Delphi.
The stadium was built to host the Pythian games here. It was here that the sports part of these competitions was held. The stadium was designed for approximately 5,000 seats, initially people sat on the ground, but later stone benches were created. The site was set up on a slope. The entrance was represented by several arches through which the referee and the athletes themselves passed.
Tholos of Athena Pronoia. This attraction has become a symbol of the city of Delphi. However, scientists have not established the purpose for which this structure was built. A building rises between the temple of Athena and the treasury of the Massilians. The building is represented by a circular colonnade of 20 pillars. When examining the monument, several colors can be seen in the architecture. This was due to the fact that during the construction were used different materials. Decor details can be studied in more detail in the Delphi Museum.
All the sights listed are only a part of those that can be seen. Walking through the territory of Delphi can be a truly wonderful pastime for any visitor. The ancient city is listed world heritage UNESCO.
get there Delphi can be reached by bus from Athens. Travel time will be approximately 3 hours.
Man does not have time to make fatal mistakes - this is the prerogative of the gods. After all, only they, having Eternity at their disposal, can make countless mistakes, without thinking about what this can lead to. That is why the ancient Greeks hurried to Delphi on the southwestern slope of Mount Parnassus, where at an altitude of 700 m in the temple of Apollo one could find out their fate and follow the will of the gods playing their endless games...
Before Apollo
Today from the richest temple complex only well-preserved ruins remained on the slope. But in ancient times, Delphi in Greece was famous for the fact that from time immemorial, sanctuaries in honor of the gods were located on this place. Already in the XVI century. BC, that is, more than 3500 years ago, the cult of Mother Earth went here. And where there is a sanctuary, there are rich gifts. The priestly settlement was repeatedly plundered, and half a thousand years later it finally fell into disrepair.
Today, only well-preserved ruins remain from the richest temple complex on the slope of Parnassus.
The cult of Mother Earth (among the Greeks it is Gaia) is universal in nature: it is both birth and death, creativity and destruction. All chthonic monsters that terrified ancient people are her “children”. Among them is the terrible serpent Python, wrapping nine stinking rings around Parnassus from the foot to the very top. According to one version, it was Python who initially acted as the "mouthpiece" of the will of the mother goddess. But, most likely, the myth about him arose precisely because the sanctuary, due to numerous murders and robberies, eventually became considered an unclean place, and even unsafe.
So the Delphic Oracle might never have appeared if ancient man did not finally turn to the more "enlightened" cult of the Olympic gods, the gods of the "third generation". And if Zeus, having decided to determine the center of the world inherited from Kronos, the son of Gaia, would not have released two birds (eagles, swans or ravens) from opposite borders of the world. At the place where the birds met, the supreme ancient Greek god threw a huge stone, thereby indicating where the Navel of the Earth is located. This stone fell just on the southwestern slope of Parnassus. The place, of course, was not bad, prayed, but did not enjoy the best fame. However, in the end, there are rites of purification from filth ...
The ruler of Olympus designated the center or "Navel of the Earth" with a cone-shaped sacred stone
Apollo at Delphi
Buses Athens-Delphi run 4 times a day from 7.30 to 17.30 on weekdays and Saturdays and 5 times - from 7.30 to 20.00 - on Fridays and Sundays. Travel time is 2.5-3 hours. The fare is €15.10 (2014). If you are going to Delphi with an overnight stay (and it's worth it), then good selection hotels with guest reviews, photos and the possibility of booking.
Fans of colorful shopping should go to Arachova
The archaeological site of Delphi is open daily from 7.30 to 20.00. The opening hours of the museum, which has more than 6,000 exhibits, depend on the time of year. In summer it is open from Sunday to Tuesday from 8.30 to 15.30, and from Wednesday to Saturday from 8.00 to 20.00. In winter, both the excavations and the museum open for viewing at 8.30 am and are available until 2.45 pm. In the schedule of the museum, there are also days when you can visit it for free - we have indicated a list of them.
The schedule is constantly changing. Only one thing remains unchanged: it is better to come to Delphi early in the morning, while it is not too hot and there are no huge crowds of schoolchildren, students, excursion groups. In summer there is an opportunity to avoid the crowds in the late afternoon. Price single ticket(Museum Delphi plus excavations) – €9 (2014).
Finally, I would like to add that if you are already planning to visit Delphi, then be sure to look into Arachova - small village located a few kilometers from the Complex. Today it is considered one of the most popular centers ski tourism in Greece. And it doesn't matter if you come here during your summer vacation, you can also go to Arachova for colorful local shopping. The locals are known to be very good craftsmen in all sorts of interesting pieces of clothing and various obscure gizmos.
Sights of Greece -
Temple of Apollo at Delphi
In the photo: Temple of Apollo - general view
Delphi - ancient greek city, located in southwestern Phokis, is located north of the Gulf of Corinth on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. This is a city with richest history and is full of places of great interest to historians, archaeologists and tourists.
The city of Delphi, which was once the center of the entire Hellenic world, thanks to the temple of Apollo located here and the Delphic oracle, has practically disappeared from the face over the centuries, and the village of Kastri eventually arose on its ruins. This continued until, in 1892, the French Archaeological School in Athens began systematic excavations in the village of Kastri, after moving it 1.6 kilometers to the west. Thus, the great treasures of ancient Greece were again revealed to the world.
Associated with Delphi and the Temple of Apollo interesting legends. According to the myths of the ancients, when Zeus the Thunderer decided to determine the center of the world, he simultaneously released huge eagles from the west and east, which met over Delphi. The center of the world has been marked memorial sign- an omphalos, on the sides of which sculptures of two golden eagles were installed. Today this place is often called the "Navel of the Earth".
Another legend says that Apollo, being the illegitimate son of the Thunderer and the mortal woman Lethe, even before his birth, he was subjected to countless persecutions from the lawful wife of Zeus - Hera. She sent giant snake Python (Python) to destroy Lethe and her son. When Apollo grew up and got stronger, he killed the serpent and walled it up in the rock. But the poison of the snake was so strong that cracks began to appear in the walls of the rock-tomb from its stench. And then one day, not far from such a crack, a shepherd decided to rest. As he fell asleep, he inhaled the poisonous fumes emanating from the rock, and pictures of the future opened before him. The priests, who learned about this, drove the shepherd away, and the legendary architects Trophonius and Agamed built the sanctuary of Apollo at the place of his halt.
Ancient Delphi was located at the foot of Mount Parnassus - the habitat of the god Apollo, the patron of the arts, and his companions - the nine muses. According to the ancient Greeks, here was the center of the earth. This is how Delphi was depicted on ancient maps. Here, among the ruins of an ancient sanctuary, the "navel of the Earth" is still preserved - a marble statue, on the surface of which ribbons are depicted pulling it. The Greeks called it Omphalos.
The Sacred Road led to the temple of Apollo, on its sides there were many beautiful statues donated to the temple by whole nations and individuals. The inhabitants of Athens set along sacred road the figures of Apollo, Athena, the deified king Erechtheus and the commander Miltiades, who won the Battle of Marathon. The main rivals of the Athenians, the Spartans, donated statues of the Dioscuri brothers, Zeus, Apollo, Artemis and Poseidon. The number of all statues exceeded three thousand.
Behind the alley of statues, treasuries began, where the precious gifts of the inhabitants were kept. different cities accumulated over many centuries.
In front of the wall of the temple of Apollo, visitors were greeted by a statue of a sphinx, donated by the inhabitants of the island of Naxos. It was an exact copy of the Delian Sphinx, which once stood in the homeland of Apollo - the island of Delos.
The Temple of Apollo at Delphi has been considered the most sacred place on the ground. Here stood a golden statue of Apollo, inside of which there was a special sanctuary - the Delphic oracle - a place where the Pythia sat on a ritual tripod - a priestess who conveyed God's messages to people, she uttered prophecies that were believed to come from Apollo himself.
She uttered prophecies not by itself, but under the influence of poisonous volcanic fumes that came out of a crack in the mountain, they were the source of hallucinations. The crack itself was also in the temple, but on this moment not found. Only ether crystals have been found.
Starting from the VI century. BC e. there were three pythonesses. Before looking beyond the veil separating the present from the future, the Pythians devoured huge quantities of laurel leaves (laurel is one of the symbols of Apollo). The leaves of this plant contain potassium cyanine, which leads to hallucinations, and if consumed in excess, even death.
The most famous prediction was given to the Lydian king Croesus (546 BC). To his question - is it worth it to start a war with the Persians, the oracle replied: "Croesus, Alice, having crossed, will destroy the great kingdom" (Alice is a border river). Croesus was defeated and his kingdom was conquered by the Persians. The priests of the temple said that the prediction came true, since the oracle did not specify which kingdom would be destroyed.
It is difficult to overestimate the influence of Delphi in everything Hellenistic world. At the time of its heyday, Delphi was truly buried in gold. Every Greek city-state considered it their duty to make a generous sacrifice to Apollo. Cities left their gifts in special vaults - treasuries. The best preserved of them is the Athenian. Like the building itself, so all its contents were a gift from Athens to Delphi.
This situation was not to everyone's liking. The famous fabulist Aesop, who visited Delphi, managed to quarrel with all the priests, accusing them that their predictions were false, and they themselves were mired in luxury. For such words, he was thrown off the cliff. True, later the priests repented of their deed and even fell in love with Aesop's fables.
During the heyday of the Greek policies, the priesthood of the temple of Apollo was under the influence of aristocratic Sparta. The Pythian Games took place here - pan-Greek festivities in memory of the victory of Apollo over Python. They were held first every eight years, then every four years. Initially, it was a competition of poets and musicians, whose patron was Apollo, but from 586 BC. e. sports competitions were also included in the program of the games. The last Pythian Games took place in 394 AD. e. At the same time, the emperor Theodosius I was completely ruined and closed the temple itself.
Rome also influenced the temple - for some time the oracle of Apollo continued to operate during the reign of the Roman emperors. Several shops were even built where pilgrims could buy and sell things. Later, a small church was also founded here, of which only ruins now remain.
When the temple of Apollo was excavated, it turned out that it had been destroyed by earthquakes and plundered to such an extent that there was practically nothing here except the foundation. However, during the excavations, so many old building structures were found, so that in 1939-1940, French archaeologists managed to restore one column completely and seven more partially.
Ancient amphitheater at Delphi
After passing the temple, the Sacred Road turns west, runs along its northern side, and then again turns at a right angle and ascends the steps to a higher level, to the theater. To the north of the retaining wall along the Sacred Way stood a bronze sculptural group - a chariot drawn by four horses (circa 470 BC), from which only the figure of a charioteer survived, the rarest authentic example of early antique bronze sculpture. This masterpiece is on display at the local museum.
The northwest corner of the sanctuary is occupied by an open theatre, built in the 4th century BC and rebuilt several times. The amphitheater, designed for 5000 spectators, is well preserved, but only the foundation survived from the stage building. To the east of the theatre, the spring of Kassotida came to the surface, and even further to the east, the ruins of the forest of Cnidus (about 468-465 BC) are barely visible, i.e. places where visitors can have fun and relax. This lescha was especially famous for the frescoes of Polygnotus, an Athenian painter of the mid-5th century BC. The murals depicting scenes of the Trojan War are described in detail by Pausanias, but only minor fragments of painted plaster were found in the ruins.
Stadium
To the northwest of the theatre, even higher up the slope is an ancient stadium. The well-preserved rows of stone benches and the markings of the running track give a clear idea of what the venue for athletic competitions at the Pythian Games looked like. The foundations of the stadium date back to the 5th century BC, and an inscription dating back to the same time forbids bringing new wine to the stadium under the threat of a fine of five drachmas. The stadium had 7,000 seats, much large quantity spectators could stand on the slope that towered above the stadium.
The ruins of the gymnasium
To the east of the sanctuary is the Kastalsky spring, a plentiful spring gushing from the rock. Below the sanctuary, south modern road the ruins of a gymnasium with a long colonnade, a round pool and facilities for athletic training are visible. Even further to the southeast (this place is called Marmaria) in a special enclosure was the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia. There were two temples dedicated to Athena, one from the 6th century BC, the other from the 4th century BC.
Tholos - Delphi
Between them are the ruins of a tholos, a round structure made of marble (about 400 BC), one of the finest structures in Delphi. Twenty Doric columns supported the architrave, on which rested a sculptural frieze depicting the battle of the Amazons with the centaurs. Inside the cella, also in a circle, stood ten Corinthian columns opening into the gaps with amazingly beautiful capitals.
Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia
The three outer Doric columns, together with part of the architrave, were reconstructed by French archaeologists in 1938. Between this round building and the archaic temple of Athena to the east were two treasuries, one of which belonged to the Massilians, built between 535 and 530 BC.
Treasures recovered during archaeological sites, exhibited in the local museum, located between the sanctuary of Apollo and the modern settlement. On the slopes of Mount Parnassus (1420 meters) rising above Delphi, there is the famous Koriki grotto, dedicated to Pan and the Muses.
The modern village of Delphi is located 1 km from the archaeological site. There are restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, hotels of various categories, as well as museums and the School of Arts at the service of vacationers. Made in Delphi European Center Cultures where workshops, exhibitions of artists and sculptors are often held.
12 km from Delphi on Mount Parnassus at an altitude of 2459 m is located ski center. Modern lifts in just 15 minutes will allow you to get to the most high point, whence 20 ski slopes(some of them Olympic category) you can go down to the level of 600 meters. In winter, the ski center "Parnassus" is a favorite vacation spot for tourists and residents of the capital.
Delphi from A to Z: map, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment. Shopping, shops. Photos, videos and reviews about Delphi.
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It was in Delphi, according to the Hellenes, that the Navel of the Earth was located - the middle of the world.
Weather in Delphi
The warmest months are July and August, when the thermometer rises above +30 °C. The coldest months are December and January (+4...+5 °С).
How to get there
The easiest way to get to Delphi from Athens:
- by bus - from the bus station Terminal B (address: Athens, Liossion Street, 260). Transport runs constantly, from 7:00 to 20:30, intervals between buses are from 20 minutes to 2 hours, travel time is 3 hours. The fare is 16-21 EUR one way, a ticket can be bought at the box office, and for some flights - online (carrier's website in English). Prices on the page are for October 2018.
- by car - from Athens to Delphi about 180 km, the journey takes 2-2.5 hours. You need to go along highway E 75, and in the area of \u200b\u200bthe town of Castro you need to turn onto highway 48.
Transport
Delphi is very Small town, so you can travel on foot, but there are also taxis.
Kitchen
In the Vakhos tavern (address: Delphi, Apollonos 31) you can taste goat cheese with lemon as an appetizer and rooster in wine sauce as a main dish. The tavern offers stunning views of the Corinthian Gulf. Gargadouas tavern (Delphi 330 54, Highway 48) specializes in roasted lamb provatina and souvlaki (meat cubes on a skewer).
Popular hotels in Delphi
Entertainment and attractions Delphi
Most often people come to Delphi to see with their own eyes ancient city, so the main attraction here is the archaeological site, which has become a museum under open sky. They are located just one and a half kilometers from modern Delphi. Historians believe that the first settlements appeared here in the 15th century. BC e.
Center of the Ancient World
Fans of Greek drama should definitely visit the Museum of Delphic Festivals (Museum of Delphic Festivals), located in old mansion overlooking Delphi (address: Delphi, 330 54). The museum is dedicated to the Greek poet Angelos Sikelianos and his American wife Eva Palmer, who together made Delphi a modern center of dramatic art (
Delphi was ancient Greek city, the place is known as the "navel of the earth", the most important religious center antiquity.
In ancient times, there was a sanctuary of Apollo in Delphi, it performed various functions: it was a place of worship for pilgrims, mostly people came to hear the prediction of the Pythia (priestesses-soothsayers Delphic oracle); place of political influence; the Pythian Games were also held here, sports competitions were on a par with the Olympic ones in importance; the place served as the city treasury; people came here for healing, judging by the buildings dedicated to the god Asclepius and the god Hypnos.
To hear the Pythia's advice on everyday or global issues, people traveled great distances just to find out the answer to their question. Although under an hour, the Pythia gave a completely indistinct answer, and sometimes she simply shouted, and then the priests interpreted it as best they could. It is known that Pythia chewed a bay leaf and breathed vapors of poisonous gases coming out of a crevice, which caused her to fall into ecstasy.
Archaeological excavations here began in 1987. Now Delphi is a monument that is under the protection of UNESCO, it is located on the southern slopes of Parnassus and maintains a steady historical and archaeological interest of visitors.
Attractions Delphi:
Ruins of the Temple of Apollo
The ruins of the Temple of Apollo, which we see today, belong to the construction of 330 BC. Fires and earthquakes destroyed the former temples on this site. The Temple of Apollo is the most important part of Delphi, as the main rites were held here. The nave of the temple is divided into three parts with two rows of columns, each of which had eight Ionic columns. At a lower level, in the nave, there was a sanctuary where the Pythia was located and only the clergy had the right to enter this sanctuary. The god Apollo and giants were depicted on the pediments of the temple.
Sanctuary of Athena Pronia (Pronaia). tholos
Perhaps the most magnificent building of Delphi is the surviving remains of the sanctuary of the goddess Athena Pronia (Athena the Soothsayer) - 12 columns. According to archaeologists, they had the greatest thinning and are considered the most slender in all Hellenic architecture. A round building towered nearby - the Great Tholos, made of Pentelian marble, surrounded on all sides by columns. Tholos is a round temple, surrounded by columns on all sides. This architectural structure dates from the end of the 5th and the beginning of the 4th century BC.
Castal spring
The holy water of the spring served to wash all who entered the holy land of Delphi. First of all, ritual ablution was performed by the Pythia, the clergy, the temple staff, then those who came to listen to the oracle and the reader of thoughts. It was believed that Castal water cleanses from filth. The Kastal spring originates in the rock of Phidriadon (Φαιδριάδων) and flows east of the sanctuary of Apollo, then it flows into the river Plaist flowing through the gorge.
The name of the source is related to mythical nymph Castalia, who was pursued by Apollo in love, and the girl had to jump into the water to escape his persecution.
Treasury of the Athenians
The Treasury of the Athenians was one of the most significant and impressive buildings of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. It was a sort of Athens vault, containing the trophies of the city's important battle victories and other objects dedicated to the sanctuary of Apollo. The treasury was built during the reign of the Athenian democracy, at the end of the 6th or the beginning of the 5th century BC.
This is a small Doric temple, made of Parian marble, on the relief metopes the exploits of Hercules and Theseus were depicted. Ancient inscriptions with texts were found on the walls of the temple itself, which were especially important for study. ancient life and customs of the Greeks. On south side, closer to east corner, unique ancient texts-hymns to Apollo were found, now they have found a worthy place in the archaeological museum in Delphi.
Theater in Delphi
In the northwestern part of the complex, there is an ancient Delphic theater, the theater was built in the 4th century BC. e., its restoration took place in the II century. This is one of the few theaters of antiquity, about which there is exact data on both the date of creation and its purpose, which it had for centuries. The theater was designed for 5 thousand spectators, it hosted performances, concerts of instrumental music and vocals, as part of the glorification of the Pythia and various other religious holidays.
Ancient stadium of Delphi
The ancient stadium of Delphi is the only stadium in Greece with an arched triumphal entrance. The design of the stadium resembles a hairpin - two parallel strips are connected into a semicircle. The total capacity is 5,000 spectators, the length of the stadium is 177.55 m and the width is 25.50 m, the construction time is 5 in BC, the stadium served for the Pythian games.
Archaeological Museum at Delphi
The Archaeological Museum of Delphi is undoubtedly one of the most important museums in Greece. Attends Archaeological Museum Delphi has over 700,000 visitors every year, making it second in traffic to the Acropolis. Here in the best way you will get acquainted with the history of the famous Delphic temple and the famous oracle, inside there is a rich collection of sculptures, statues, metopes, etc.
Information on the archaeological site of Delphi (Delphi), by phone: +30 22650 82312
The archaeological site of Delphi is open daily from 08.00 to 20.00 (last admission at 19-30)
Single ticket: the archaeological site of Delphi and the archaeological museum in Delphi - 12 euros, 6 euros (reduced)
Where to dine, near the archaeological site of Delphi:
Tavern "To patrico mas" ("Το Πατρικο Μασ"). Tavern with traditional Greek cuisine located on main street on the road to Delphi, from here you have an excellent view of the surroundings. The food is delicious like homemade, be sure to try the local wine. Dessert is homemade kadaifi pie with nuts, etc.
Tel. +30 22650 82150
Price: from 15 EUR/person (with a glass of wine)
Tavern "Furla" ("Φούρλα"), located in the village of Chryso, it will enchant you with its picturesque beauty: charming mansions, churches, central square with a large plane tree. The tavern will please you with a rustic delicious food and a large terrace with panoramic views.
Tel. +30 22650 82908
Cafe "Ichor" ("Ιχώρ"). After you have enjoyed a delicious lunch or at other times of the day, you can visit the cafe-bar "Ιχώρ". Here, wonderful coffee is brewed, gourmet snacks, cocktails are served, be sure to try the always fresh apple pie (μηλόπιτά), cheesecake and chocolate soufflé. The cafe's unrivaled trump card is its breathtaking scenery. Tel. +30 22650 83095
