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North to Delphi : Sights in Delphi

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Top 10 Sights in Delphi

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  • 1. Sacred Way

    This road retraces the route Apollo first followed to Delphi and ends at the temple dedicated to him. The view, of Mount Parnassos looming above and the plunging gorge below, is suitably humbling.

  • 2. Temple of Apollo

    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.

  • 3. Sifnian Treasury

    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.

  • 4. Athenian Treasury

    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.

  • 5. Theatre

    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.

  • 6. Roman Agora

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

  • 7. Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia

    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.

  • 8. Sanctuary of the Earth Goddess

    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.

  • 9. Castalian Spring

    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.

  • 10. Museum

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

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