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Tip: The main entrance to the archeological ruins leads
straight into the Sacred Precinct (Sanctuary of Apollo), but before you
do that, start with the museum or the Castalian Spring and the gymnasium
ruins. |
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Castalian Spring – Pilgrims to Delphi first stopped
at the Castalian Spring to purify themselves (tossing water over their head).
You can still see water flowing down from the spring (you can't, however,
walk up to the spring itself). Next to the sidewalk, there's a little
fountain where kids can put their hands or toes under the water. |
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Gymnasium – Like the Olympic Games, athletes trained
for months before the Pythian Games. Down the road from the spring are the
ruins of the large gymnasium, which had a long running track, spot
to practice discus throwing, and circular pool where the athletes could
cool off. This is a quiet area, with fewer tourists, and you can run around. |
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Museum – The museum contains exquisite pieces found in the
ruins at Delphi. Most stunning is the Charioteer, a 5th century
BC bronze statue of a chariot driver – such incredible detail, you
can even see the guy's eyelashes. There's also the bronze feet of the
Charioteer's horse, plus a marble copy of the omphalos, Sphinx of the Naxians, bronze
shields, and sculpture from the Sanctuary of Apollo. |
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Sanctuary of Apollo – The Sacred Precinct is a big complex, built at different times, from 600 BC into the Roman era.
As you walk up the Sacred Way, you just have to imagine all the buildings
and sculptures on either side. On the first section, there were tons of
bronze statues, then several treasuries, small buildings where cities displayed
their power and wealth. |
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 Omphalos – Where the Sacred Way turns to go up the hill, stop at the omphalos,
the center of the universe. Kids can rub their hands on the belly button
of the world (it's a replica). Originally the omphalos was located
underneath the Temple of Apollo, or near the Castalian Spring, the belly
button seems to move around. |
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Rock
of the Sibyl – Long before Apollo arrived on the scene, there were
oracles at Delphi, and this rock commemorates the first oracle, nickname
"Sibyl," real name Herophile. Mysterious Sibyl sat on this rock,
talking in riddles, not unlike siblings at the dinner table. Once Apollo
made Delphi his special spot, the oracle relocated to the bigger and better
temple of Apollo. |
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Polygonal
wall – Check out the polygonal wall, a retaining wall for the temple
of Apollo, not like retaining walls for your garden at home, except this
retaining wall is thousands of years old, has withstood earthquakes, without
any mortar to hold the stones in place. And on this wall are inscribed the
names of freed slaves. |
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Temple
of Apollo – The temple of Apollo was suitably grand. Out front,
there were huge golden tripods and a gigantic statue of Apollo. Inside the
temple, in the innermost room (adyton), the priestess oracle sat,
dispensing divine advice. Although the oracle of Delphi is long gone, there
were plenty of questions we wanted to ask. |
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Theater – The Pythian Games were not just about sports. At Delphi, the emphasis
was music and drama competitions – winning playwrights were crowned
with ivy wreaths. This 4th century theater is beautifully preserved, although
you can't sit in the seats and pretend you're watching the show. From above
the theater, there's a wonderful panorama of the valley below. |
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Stadium – Follow the path up the hill to the stadium,
where sports events were held. The stadium looks familiar, a long dirt field
with bleachers on either side for the spectators. Don't miss the stone starting
blocks, where the athletes positioned themselves for the start of the race.
And, kids can run their own races down the field. |
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Tip: In summer, bring lots of water with
you. No picnicking is allowed at any part of the site. |
