Our destination today is Delphi and our life is back into ruins !
We arrived at 11:30, found our hotel easily, getting a park right at the front door. We were able to check into our room early also, so dropped our gear and went for a stroll around town, leaving the touristy stuff for tomorrow as we have 2 nights here. Back to our room for a break before dinner, catching up on emails and blog site, then out for dinner at a roadside cafe and a very pleasant evening (except for the stray dogs and cats trying to beg for food).
Next day, after a hotel supplied breakfast (and the yummiest Greek yoghurt we have ever had), we headed for the Archaeological site and museum. Luckily everything is within walking distance of our hotel (so we don't have to move our car from it's ideal park position).
The first thing we learnt was that Delphi is located at the centre of the universe, where heaven meets earth. It is here that the Oracle of Apollo was located, channelling messages from the God Apollo, and presumably solving all pilgrim's problems. Delphi is also the seat of Greek mythology, this where is all happened !!
The ruins include the Temple of Apollo, Treasury of Athenians, Theatre of Delphi, and the Delphi Stadium. The Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, featuring the round temple of Tholos and the Ancient Gymnasium and just up the road past the Castalian Fountain, the spring water source of Delphi. It took about 3 hours to see all the ruins, the setting of the site is spectacular nestled in against the cliff face of Mount Parnassus and makes it way steeply up the cliff face with the stadium right at the very top. We thought we didn't need to see ruins again, but these were well worth the effort and we admired the workmanship of the stone masons being able to build such huge buildings, walls and roads, many with precise joints. This whole site was purely a sanctuary to the Gods and their worship, so travellers from all over the ancient world came here and most brought votives and gifts along to be left here. Also, the ancient Pythian Games were held here every 4 years.
Moving on from the site we visited the Archaeological Museum which held original votives and treasures that have been recovered from the site, which were many and again we marvelled at the workmanship and skills of the ancient craftsman creating such fine works of art in clay, stone, gold, bronze etc.
So there you have it - Delphi - The centre of the universe!
Ruins, ruins, ruins.
A Hollywood park in Delphi.
Greek yoghurt to die for.
And, a bridge to admire – and pay tolls to cross.
Now, what’s not to like about that?
totally agree !!
Its the height of the millau viaduct from the valley floor that is the difference between the 2. At least you didn’t pay twice.
I was surprised the same architect wasn’t used as they both look same. So much for olympia. U drove right past it
Ps
You have not made mention of the hundreds of death crosses along those curving roads scary stuff.
no – but there are plenty of them !
Just thought you’d like to know Glenelg are 12.7 to Sturts 6.6 at 3/4 time in the GF, as I am reading your adventures.
The oracle of Delphi held huge power and sway in the ancient Greek world. Leaders regularly consulted it re such decisions as going to war with the Persians etc. Perhaps you should have consulted it about which resorts to go to and which to avoid?
yes – we should have !!
Oh My Gawd….Impressive!!!!
I’m going to watch Gladiator – got the vibe now