Roam around the ruins of Delphi, home of the ancient gods and once thought to be the centre of the world. Panoramic views and brilliant museum displays add to the charm.

Delphi in Greece has a spectacular setting: cypress and olive tree clad mountainsides, with the valleys falling away to a stunning view of the waters of the Gulf of Corinth. The ancient Greeks thought it to be a fitting site for the home of their god Apollo. They built a temple where his oracles sat on their traditional three legged stools, and answered, ambiguously, questions put to them by kings, rulers and ordinary mortals.

Picturesque Ruins

There is much to see and marvel at in this lonely, lovely spot, where the very stones are saturated with history. If at all possible, try to visit either early or late in the day, so you can roam unhindered amongst the ruins, soaking up the atmosphere and spirit.

Museum Displays

Unlike some other archaeological excavations in Italy, Greece, and Turkey, many of the finds can be viewed in the museum that adjoins the "garden of ruins".

Navel of the World

There’s the huge rock, covered with enigmatic carvings, which was once revered as being the centre of the world and housed in the room with the Oracles. The tale: two eagles, released by Zeus, flew from opposite ends of the earth, and the stone marks the place where they met - the centre, or navel, of the world.

Charioteer of Delphi

Among the treasures is the Charioteer of Delphi, a bronze statue of a boy dating from approx. 474 BC. The expression on the face, the painted eyes and eyelashes are still to be seen after so many centuries.

Debussy's Inspiration

Don’t miss the winged sphinx, the marble kouri, and the silver bull. Lovers of music will also want to see the Dancer’s Room, with the Thyriad group that inspired Debussy to write "Dancers of Delphi" after he saw them.

Temple of Apollo

The main attraction, then as now, is the Temple of Apollo, where three Pythias – oracles – served, relaying the words of Apollo. At the entrance of the temple, you can admire what is left of the great altar, dating from the 5th century BC. The Athenian Treasury has been partially restored. It gives you some idea of what the site must have looked like in the past. The sculptures that belonged to the building are now housed in the museum.

Other Sights

As well as these two masterpieces, there is also a theatre and stadium, where you can still see two strips on the ancient stones - the starting line for past events.

Athena's Sanctuary

Athena’s sanctuary, across the road from the main site has three Doric columns, standing in splendid isolation against the blue/green mountains and the sky.

Castalian Fountains

Pause for a moment by the Castalian Fountains next to the garden of ruins. Think of the people - kings, beggars, rich and poor, who must have stopped here in the years gone by, to refresh themselves, and to collect their thoughts before, or after, meeting the representative of the god.

Panoramic Views

The energetic can get an overview of Delphi by hiking up the trail that rises into the hills beside the fenced off ruins. Climb up and up on the switchback track that goes higher up the mountain, breathe deep of the warm, fresh air, redolent with the scents of cypress, wild oregano, violets, and other herbs and wild flowers. A panoramic view of the whole area - the mountains and valleys, the picturesque ruins nestled into the hillside, the small modern town beside it, the sunshine sparkling off the sea in the distance rewards your exertions.