Cal and I in front of theater at Delphi. Constructed in 4th century BC, it sat 5000 people.

The Athenian Treasury, built in 510 BC to house treasures donated to Apollo.

The temple and sanctuary at large were dedicated to one of the major Greek deities, Apollo.

Cal checking out the marvel of the polygonal retaining walls that withstand earthquakes.

Cal and our guide Penelope, in front of the theater.

This bronze charioteer is considered one of the finest surviving sculptures of classical Greece.

Our guide explaining more about the charioteer, how it would have looked when originally created.

"Twins of Argos," also known as "Kleobis and Biton," two figures of Greek legend (from 580 BC).

Naxos Sphinx which used to sit in the temple of Apollo.

Flags hanging outside the Delphi archeological site.

In the evening we visited a village near Delphi that is a popular ski town- Arachova.

Corinthian Gulf (off Ionian Sea) can be seen from the modern town of Delphi.

Ceviche of a local fish and shrimp - delish!

Dolmathakia (dolmas with ground beef inside) in lemon sauce.

The “navel” of the world - Delphi

June 11, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

We continue to visit historical sites in Greece. Yesterday we visited Delphi. Ancient Greeks believed that Delphi was the “Navel of the Earth,” a place seen as a spiritual focal point for all Greeks starting in the 8th century BC; it included many sanctuaries and the most prestigious oracle in all of ancient Greece. This is where Pythia, the high priestess, uttered the divine advice of god Apollo to mortals who travelled from across the world to seek a prophecy. Apart from Greeks, the Oracle was visited also by foreign leaders and dignitaries who were anxious to know the will of Apollo on important state affairs.
The Delphi site was raided, abandoned for centuries and eventually buried with dirt and a village. In 1893 there was an earthquake and the village was damaged and then relocated, leaving archaeologists free to dig in the area (known to have been an important historic site).
In addition to the site, there is a great museum. We had a knowledgeable guide (Penelope) who educated us on many aspects of the history and the ruins.
It was a hot day but not as hot as forecasted. After our educational/historical experience we checked out a local village that felt more alpine ski town than what we think of as Greek and then we had a delicious dinner.Read more