We had intended that if the Archaeological site at Delphi was open until late (it sometimes closes at 1500hrs), we would go in the afternoon when the tour busses had departed. However, though the site was open until 20.00hrs we decided not to risk it on account of the forecast.
Having breakfasted over looking Parnassos National Park and the town of Itaca, on the Gulf of Corinth, we set out to walk the 500m from our hotel to the ancient site built on the slopes of Mt. Parnassos and the Gulf of Corinth.
We first visited the Museum to learn a little about the site. The wealth of artifacts discovered is astounding.
The cauldron
A painted plate
A charioteer - the only bronze pieces found on the site as it had been looted or locals had used the bronze to make utensils - among its numerous treasures.
A replica of the site (as it would have been)
On first entering the site, one enters the Agora, (market place), where pilgrims bought gifts to offer to Apollo. Continuing on the sacred way, one encounters the Athenian Treasury, once filled with the spoils of war. Nearby is the omphalos - it is said that Zeus released two eagles and placed this stone where they met - it was considered the centre of the ancient world!
On we climbed to the Temple of Apollo,
we passed the octagonal shaped stone wall that bear inscriptions referring to the emancipation of slaves.
We continued to the theatre, where music and poetry competitions were held. Games were held here, similar to Olympia, every 4 years. The theatre could accommodate 5,000 spectators!
A view of the theatre from the road to the stadium
A 0.7km path climbs to the stadium, reputedly the best preserved in Greece.
The Delphic Oracle was an important political and religious sanctuary. Worshippers came here to consult the god Apollo, through the priestess Pythia. She became entranced having breathed in vapours from chasm beneath and chewing laurel leaves. It was claimed she was infallible, even if her answers were vague. All decisions in connection with war, marriage, election of leaders and prospective journeys were done at the instigation of her visions, often to the detriment of the worshipper!
The Byzantine Emperor (also of Olympia fame) abolished the sanctuary in 4th century AD.
We retraced or steps downhill. We had spent three hours there - one in the museum and two on site - and we could have spent more.
The sky was darkening, drops of rain were falling and there was a clap of thunder as we quitted the site. Maybe the gods are angry?
There are many opportunities to hike in the area to the Korykeon Cave Walk and the Delphi to AncientbKirea hike.
We returned to Hotel Hermes (€38 per night)! The promised storm failed to materialise and the sun shone again!
Tomorrow, a 3 hour bus journey to Athens......
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