Legend states that Zeus once sent two eagles flying from opposite ends of the world and, after circling the globe, Delphi was the point at which they met.
Once the sanctuary of the famed Pythia – the high priestess of Apollo – the site was also the focus of pilgrimages as few major political decisions were taken in ancient Greece without first consulting the Oracle. The sprawling complex set high on the slopes of Mount Parnassus includes the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo where the Oracle prophesied, monuments constructed by pilgrims who visited, as well as the stadium and theater where the Pythian Games were held. Put aside at least three hours to explore the archaeological site: the all-day ticket for the site includes a visit to the Archaeological Museum which presents exhibits of mind-blowing beauty like the perfectly intact bronze statue of the Charioteer, among many others.
Epicure Greece’s TopTip: The walk to the stadium is well worth the effort. Amaaaazing views!
Delphi was once considered to be the center of the Earth and a significant spiritual center of the ancient Greek world. Legend states that Zeus once sent two eagles flying from opposite ends of the world and, after circling the globe, Delphi was the point at which they met.
Visited throughout the year by an estimated 500,000 tourists from around the world, the UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site of Delphi is one of the most stunning in the world.
The theater at Delphi presented the seated audience with a spectacular view of the entire sanctuary below and the valley beyond. It was built in the 4th c. B.C., from local Parnassus limestone. Its 35 rows would have accommodated around five thousand spectators who, in ancient times, enjoyed plays, poetry readings, and musical events during Delphi’s various festivals.
Also known as the Heniokhos (Ηνίοχος), meaning the rein-holder, the Charioteer of Delphi is one of the world’s finest bronze statues of antiquity. It is probably the most famous exhibit in the Archaeological Museum of Delphi. This statue was discovered by French excavators in 1896 in the Sanctuary of Apollo, in the ancient site of Delphi.
Delphi was the location of one of the four Panhellenic Games, which included both athletic and non-athletic events in honor of the god Apollo. There were running, chariot racing, horse racing, wrestling, boxing and even musical contests. Greeks from all over the Mediterranean and the Black Sea would attend these Delphic or Pythian games.
The most popular dish round these parts is Rooster in red wine sauce (or Kόkoras Krasάtos) which is slowly braised rooster in a rich and fragrant tomato and wine sauce. You’ll find it on the menu at most of the tavernas and it’s a nice ‘mountain meal’
Delphi isn’t a fine dining kind of destination but, if you’re in the mood for hearty traditional fare, you can’t go too far wrong with To Patriko Mas. It’s a restaurant that has been in the same family for five generations, they serve ‘good for the soul’ Greek cuisine and have a lovely terrace with gorgeous views over Mount Parnassos. Try the ‘bekri mezze’, pair it with a Mythos beer, and enjoy the surroundings.
If you are looking for something simple, quick but also deliciously tasty, a gyros is always your best shot. The Dionysos Souvlaki Gyro shop in the centre of town will scratch your pitta and souvlaki itch.
Half an hour away from Delphi, the town of Galaxidi lies on the mouth of the Gulf of Itéa. One of the most beautiful seaside settlements of the region, it is located on the grounds of the ancient ‘Hellion’, Galaxidi was always a strategic naval settlement of the Corinthian Gulf.
If you’re hunting nightlife, Delphi’s probably not your best bet as it’s literally one street long. In our days as tour guides, we used to make the joke that we were about to commence the driving tour and thirty seconds later, we had finished. So, if a party is what you’re hunting for, it might be worth making your way to nearby Arachova. Instead, embrace Delphi’s sleepy vibe and, after dinner, go and enjoy a beer at Telescope Cafe and have a chat with the lovely owner, Theodore.
Put aside at least three hours to explore the archaeological site: the all-day ticket for the site includes a visit to the Archaeological Museum which presents exhibits of mind-blowing beauty like the perfectly intact bronze statue of the Charioteer, among many others. Epicure Greece’s TopTip: The walk to the stadium is well worth the effort. Amaaaazing views!
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