Considered the Centre of the ancient world, Delphi is a site that blends Greek mythology with historical facts in a way that few places on Earth can. What’s more, it is one of the most extensive and best-preserved sets of ruins in Greece today and boasts breathtaking mountain views.
From its mythological foundation honouring the gods to the site’s historical significance to the religious faiths of the ancient Greeks, this is everything you need to know for a bucket-list visit to the Archaeological Site of Delphi, Greece.
Visit Ancient Delphi, Greece: A Brief Guide
Ancient Delphi Opening Hours: 08:00 – 20:00
Ancient Delphi Ticket Prices: €12 general admission; €6 reduced prices.
Ancient Delphi Address: Delphi 330 54, Greece
Nearby Hotels: Pitho | Nidimos Hotel | Sibylla Hotel
Tours: From Athens: Delphi Archaeological Site Full-Day Guided Trip
Top Sights: Temple of Apollo | Ancient Theatre | Sanctuary of Athena Pronea | The Sacred Way | Archaeological Museum of Delphi
Ancient Delphi Map
A Brief Mythology of Ancient Delphi
As the religious Centre of the ancient world, it is only natural that Delphi is associated with some of ancient Greece’s most important and celebrated mythologies. In fact, not only was Delphi a religious and cultural hub but it was even believed to be the geographic Centre of the world.
According to one legend, in an attempt to locate the Centre of Gaia, the deity embodiment of Mother Earth, Zeus, the King of the Gods, released two eagles to either end of the planet and ordered them to fly in a straight line towards one another.
Delphi marks the spot at which the two birds are said to have met, with Zeus marking the location with a sacred stone called Omphalos, or Navel of the world. While the myth varies between stories, some recountings claim that the site was already occupied by an Oracle belonging to Gaia and was protected by a giant Python. The nearby Corycian Cave is believed to be the original home to the Oracle of Gaia.
Coveting the oracle, the god Apollo killed the Python and claimed the site and the oracle as his own. Following his conquest, the sacred Precinct of Delphi was established, including the monumental Temple of Apollo. Also established to honour the site’s new patron god were the Pythian Games, a series of athletic competitions held every four years and teh second most important games in Greece rivalling the famous Olympic Games.
Following the establishment of his first temple, Delphi became known all over the ancient world, with pilgrims from across Greece and the Mediterranean flocking to its mountainside temples to consult the famous Oracle of Delphi.
Ancient Delphi: A Brief History
Historical Founding of the Sacred Precinct
While Delphi did serve as the religious and cultural Centre of the ancient world, the establishment of the site had nothing to do with gods or finding the Center of the world.
In fact, archaeological evidence suggests that the site of ancient Delphi actually predates the region’s religious reputation and was originally inhabited during Mycenaean times starting in the 15th century BCE.
In fact, it wasn’t until the 8th century BCE that priests from Knossos on Crete brought the cult of Apollo to Delphi , in turn creating the sanctuary of Apollo, with the first stone temples of the site dedicated to Apollo and Athena being constructed near the end of the following century.
The Sanctuary of Delphi quickly grew and even served as the Centre of the Amphictyonic League, a religious association of twelve Greek tribes. Meanwhile, the nearby harbour community of Krisa developed a reputation for acting impiously, taxing visitors to the precinct and becoming in the process.
As a result, the league launched the first of the Sacred Wars, which was said to have lasted ten years and resulted in the complete destruction of Krisa. However, the war also resulted in Delphi becoming entirely free for pilgrims to access, leading the site to become one of the pivotal religious epicentres of ancient times.
Growing Religious Centre and Ultimate Abandonment
At this point, the history of Delphi becomes heavily intertwined with the site’s mythology, with the temple of Apollo becoming famous for housing the Oracle of Apollo, who was believed to confer directly with the god of prophecies.
As such an important location within the Greek world, it is only natural that Delphi passed between various dominant superpowers over the following centuries, with Macedonians, Aetolians, and Romans all conquering the site for a time.
Throughout all of this, Delphi remained largely independent and an important pilgrimage site until the end of the 4th century CE, at which point the Byzantine emperor Theodosius outlawed pagan religion, leading to the abandonment and destruction of the sacred precinct of Delphi.
Despite its centuries long abandonment, the site of Delphi remains some of the best preserved ruins in Greece today and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Things to See and Do in Ancient Delphi
1. Temple of Apollo
The Temple of Apollo is the most prominent collection of ruins set within the centre of Delphi’s religious precinct and is actually the 5th temple to have occupied the site, having been built in the 4th century BCE following a devastating fire that destroyed the previous temple approximately 200 years earlier.
While only five columns and the foundations of the temple remain today, visiting the historical home of the Oracle of Delphi is a quintessential experience in immersing in the religious importance of the archaeological site.
2. Ancient Theatre
Set just above the Temple of Apollo, the ancient theatre also dates to the 4th century BCE, features 35 rows and is said to be able to accommodate up to 5,000 people. The theatre offers breathtaking views of the entire Delphi sanctuary and surrounding region and even continues to host cultural events and plays throughout the summer months.
3. Sanctuary of Athena Pronea
Located to the southeast of the Temple of Apollo, the Sanctuary of Athena Pronea was the first religious sanctuary visited by historical pilgrims visiting the site along the eastern road. The sanctuary contains the ruins of several altars, temples, two sanctuaries, and the iconic Tholos, which is among one of the site’s most famous attractions.
4. The Sacred Way
Starting from the Castalia Spring at the bottom of the ancient precinct and ending at the Temple of Apollo at the pinnacle of the site, The Sacred Way is the historical route that ancient pilgrims would have followed through the sanctuary of Delphi before visiting the Delphic Oracle.
Modern pilgrims can still walk the historical path, which guides them through all of the significant landmarks of the Archaeological site, including its various treasuries, the Altar of the Chians, the Stoa of the Athenians, and more.
5. Archaeological Museum of Delphi
Located directly next to the historical ruins, no exploration of ancient Delphi would be complete without first touring the Archaeological Museum of Delphi. Founded in 1903, the museum houses all of the most significant finds during excavations of the site, including the mythologically enshrouded Omphalos rocks, various friezes, and hundreds of breathtaking sculptors.
How to Get to Ancient Delphi, Greece?
As one of the most popular tourist attractions in Greece, getting to the Archaeological Site of Delphi is super accessible. The cheapest way is by KTEL bus, but the most convenient way is by private transfer, private vehicle, or with a tour group.
Where to Stay Near Ancient Delphi, Greece?
While it is easy enough to make a day trip to the Archaeological Site of Delphi, the best way to experience the site is by staying nearby in the modern village. These are the best hotels located within walking distance of Delphi.
FAQS About Ancient Delphi, Greece
Where is Ancient Delphi, Greece?
Located in central Greece, ancient Delphi is located north of the Gulf of Corinth and is tucked between two towering rocks along Mt Parnassus in the Regional unit of Phocis.
How Much is Admission at Ancient Delphi, Greece?
Tickets to the Archaeological Site of Delphi cost €12 for general admission. However, the price is reduced to €6 per ticket during the low season and for various age groups/students.
How Long Do I Need to Explore Ancient Delphi, Greece?
Ancient Delphi is one of the most extensive archaeological sites in Greece today. As such, I recommend spending 3 to 4 hours exploring everything the site offers, including the ruins and the associated museum.
What Are Some Other Archaeological Sites Near Ancient Delphi, Greece?
If you enjoyed touring the religious Centre of the ancient world, you should definitely plan on checking out these other historical sites located nearby.
- Archaeological Site Oracle Trophonius (46 km)
- Ancient Kirra-Itea (18 km)
- Distomo Archaeological Collection (27 km)
- Agioi Pantes Pholida Archaeological Site (244 km)
