Ancient Greek sanctuary nestled on Mount Parnassus. Home to the Oracle of Apollo and ruins of temples, theaters, and treasuries from the 6th century BC.
Delphi, a village perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassus in central Greece, was once considered the center of the Greek world. Home to the famous Oracle of Apollo, this archaeological site now invites visitors to walk among ancient temples, climb the steps of a well-preserved theater, and race down a 5th-century BCE stadium track. Beyond the ruins, you can hike mountain trails with views of olive groves and the Gulf of Corinth, or explore the charming streets of the modern town.
Exploring the Archaeological Site
The archaeological site of Delphi covers about 300 meters of the southwestern slope of Mount Parnassus. As you enter, you'll walk along the Sacred Way, a path once lined with treasuries and monuments from various Greek city-states. This route leads to the heart of the sanctuary - the Temple of Apollo.
The Temple of Apollo and Oracle
The remains of the Temple of Apollo mark the spot where the famous Delphic Oracle once prophesied. Here, the Pythia (priestess) would enter a trance-like state and deliver cryptic messages believed to come from Apollo himself. People from all social classes traveled from across the ancient world to consult the Oracle on matters ranging from political decisions to personal affairs.
Ancient Theater and Stadium
Climbing higher up the slope, you'll reach the ancient theater. With a capacity of about 5,000 spectators, you can see the entire sanctuary and valley below from its stone seats. The theater's orchestra area remains largely intact. Further up lies the stadium, where the Pythian Games were held every four years. These athletic competitions were second only to the Olympic Games in importance.
Delphi Archaeological Museum
After exploring the ruins, visit the on-site museum to see artifacts uncovered during excavations. The museum houses over 6,000 objects, including the Charioteer of Delphi, a bronze statue from the 5th century BCE. Other significant exhibits include the Sphinx of Naxos and the Twins of Argos.
Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia
About a half-mile southeast of the main archaeological site, you'll find the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia. This separate complex includes the distinctive Tholos, a circular building with Doric columns. Though its exact purpose remains unclear, the Tholos is a unique example of classical Greek architecture.
Modern Town of Delphi
The modern town of Delphi sits just west of the archaeological site. It's a small place with a permanent population of about 2,000 people. You'll find several hotels, restaurants, and shops catering to visitors. From here, you can easily access both the ancient ruins and the surrounding natural area.
Hiking and Nature
The region around Delphi has several hiking trails. The E4 European long-distance path passes through the east end of town. You can take trails leading into the mountains for views of the Gulf of Corinth and the olive groves in the valley below. One popular route is the ancient footpath to Kirra, which descends about 500 meters over 16 kilometers. In winter, the nearby Parnassos Ski Center draws visitors for skiing and snowboarding.
Getting There and Practical Tips
Delphi is about a 2.5-hour drive northwest of Athens. Regular bus services connect Athens to Delphi, with the journey taking about 3 hours. If you're driving, be prepared for winding mountain roads.
The archaeological site is open year-round, but hours vary by season. In summer, try to arrive early to avoid the heat and crowds. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain, and bring water, especially in warm weather.
