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The Athenians decorated their offering with elegant friezes depicting their hometown heroes Theseus and Herakles. The latter’s famous Twelve Labours were performed at the Oracle’s behest.

Though now mostly dry, this spring was where pilgrims cleansed themselves before entering the holy site. You can still see the elaborate fountain-house built around it.

The fantastic museum houses the greatest offerings brought to the Oracle from around the world.

This marketplace area was lined with stalls selling sacred objects, where visitors could buy last-minute offerings to the Oracle.

The sanctuary to warrior-goddess Athena was believed to protect the Sanctuary of Apollo from invaders. Though many of the buildings have been destroyed, those that survive are among the finest examples of ancient Greek architecture.

This rock circle surrounding an opening in the earth celebrated the earliest deity associated with the Delphic Oracle: the matriarchal earth goddess. The tradition of the Oracle and priestesses continued, but the ruling deity later become Apollo.

This temple-like marble structure, built by envoys from Sifnos, was the richest and most beautiful of several similar treasuries, all constructed as offerings to the Oracle. Its statues are now displayed in the museum.

This temple contained the omphalos (navel-stone), marking the centre of the world, as well as the Oracle. Nearly all ancient authors mention how rulers from throughout the inhabited world sent envoys with lavish offerings to hear the Oracle’s prophecies.

Built in the 4th century BC, this is one of the best preserved theatres of ancient Greece. It also offers a sweeping view of the whole site, especially the dramatically varied landscape that makes Delphi feel so sacred.