Ancient Delphi on Mount Parnassus

We left the Peloponnese this morning, crossing the bridge from Patra to the mainland.

On the road to Delphi

and just arriving at the archaeological site.







Ancient Delphi is the site of the 4th century BC Temple of Apollo, once home to a legendary oracle.  This extensive mountainside archaeological complex on Mt Parnassus, behind the present day town of Delphi, is one of the most popular ancient sites and destinations in Greece.  It contains the remains of the sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena Pronaia, as well as an ancient stadium and theatre.

For me, the most striking thing about the site is its location.  Built on the side of the mountain at the base of the cliff, high above and looking down on the deep valley below.  Unfortunately, it is just not possible to capture this on a photograph.

The best preserved monument of the Apollonian Treasury, built of white marble from the island of Paros.  It was dedicated by Athenian citizens and it is believed the edifice served as a treasury for the Athenian offerings to Apollo, including trophies seized after great military victories of Athens.

The ever present Greek theatre, this one built at the base of the cliff and showing off the location overlooking the valley.

The sacred ompholos of Delphi, believed to have fallen from the heavens, was shaped like a conical stone devoid of artistic shaping.  It looks very much like a piece from a meteorite. The omphalos held an important place in the divination at the oracle.

The stadium is much smaller and modest in size and proportions to the one at Messini but the location of it at the top of the whole archaeological site, above all the sanctuaries and ruins, remains a wondrous engineering feat.

After Delphi we drove a short 10 kms to a village in the mountains which serves as a ski resort in winter, for our last night together.  The village is called Aharova and it is a very nice village nestled on the mountainside.

Next morning we drove back to Athens, returned the rental car and said goodbye to the Fitzes.  We have had an exciting and adventurous four weeks together, seeing many sights and enjoying lots of meals.  They are flying to Rome tomorrow for a few days and we are off to Rhodes for our further fortnight.  We said a fond farewell to each other.