Impregnated with ancient myths, the mysterious country has an incredibly vibrant culture, and traveling around it, getting acquainted with the main sights, is a pleasure. Many tourists dream of visiting the cradle of mankind, who appreciate the unique opportunity to combine a beach holiday and exciting excursions in Greece.
Delphi is a symbol of the country, shrouded in legends, and a mystical corner with the strongest energy that unites gods and ordinary people. A sacred place protected by UNESCO, many will recognize by the image of the famous temple of the Pythian Apollo.
Legend of the origin of the city
What do the myths of Ancient Greece say about the spiritual and religious center?
Delphi is the territory where two eagles met, which were released by Zeus the Thunderer from different parts of the earth so that they would find its middle. Having learned where the birds met, the formidable sky god threw a stone into this place - a monolithic block, thereby marking the center of the world. The ancient cult object was called the "navel of the Earth".
According to the legends, originally there was a sanctuary guarded by the serpent Python. The patron of the arts, Apollo, destroyed the monster, and a new temple appeared on this site, which was erected by the Cretan sailors who arrived here, accompanied by the god reincarnated as a dolphin.
This myth about the victory of the son of Zeus over Python was often played out at constant performances in the ancient city that grew up around the sanctuary.
Modern resort and archaeological museum
It must be said that Delphi (Greece) consists of two parts: a modern urban resort and an archaeological reserve on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. A popular tourist center that welcomes thousands of guests was established in 1892, and according to official data, the territory of the sacred place was settled by tribes in the 14th century BC.
The rise and fall of the sanctuary
It is known that only after the reign of the cult of Apollo were the first temples erected. The political and religious influence of the city gradually grew, expanding its borders. The second most important Greek competition after the Olympics, the Pythian Games, were held here every four years.
Between the 6th and 4th centuries BC, the greatest flowering of the sanctuary is observed. Hundreds of people flock to Delphi (Greece) to receive the prophecy of the oracles and ask for the advice of the gods. Rich offerings of grateful residents even overshadowed the majestic temple with luxury. For example, a sculpture of Apollo cast in gold was such a generous gift. Numerous donations enabled the city to build a stadium and a theatre.
However, already during the period of Roman rule, the attitude of emperors towards the religious center wasambiguous: some rulers treated the city favorably, while others plundered it mercilessly.
With the spread of rationalism, the glory of the oracle begins to fade. In 394, the Byzantine emperor by his decree put an end to the activities of the sanctuary, which influenced the course of world history, and after the reign of Christianity, Delphi (Greece) became an episcopal see. Over time, the ruins that the sanctuary has turned into go underground, and in the Middle Ages no one remembered about it. At this place, the settlement of Kastri appears, where connoisseurs of ancient artifacts began to arrive.
The main temple of Ancient Greece
Historical corners, which are well-groomed ruins, where specialists work, turn into museums and are called archaeological parks (sites). It is such a place that the sanctuary of Apollo is recognized - a true treasure of the country. Travelers flock to Delphi (Greece), whose sights are known to many from the school desk, to get acquainted with an important religious monument.
Prophecies of the Pythians
In ancient times, sacred rites related to the cult of the god of light took place in the temple, and the prophecy procedure was the main one. Here was the main oracle of Ancient Greece, and thousands of pilgrims, looking for answers to exciting questions, came to the city. All the inhabitants of Hellas wanted to know their future, and soon the settlement turns into the most revered sanctuary.
Tourists notice that the temple is located above a deep crack, from under which there are manycenturies ago, incomprehensible vapors flowed. The fact is that the city of Delphi (Greece) is dotted with geological faults. The gases released to the surface produced a slight narcotic effect and put the soothsayers into a trance.
The residents believed that it was the stinking breath of the serpent thrown down by Apollo that made its way through the stone foundation. The Pythia breathed in vapors and fell into a frenzy, and when she spoke prophecies, it was believed that Apollo himself spoke through her mouth. The priests of the temple - the profits - gave chaotic statements a poetic form, interpreting the messages of God in their own way.
Delphic soothsayers, who became both very young girls and women of age, predicted the Trojan War and the campaign of the Argonauts.
The story of the Temple of Apollo
According to the myths, the first building dedicated to Apollo was built from laurel branches, later huts appeared from beeswax and copper, and the last consisted of tuff - a rock made from volcanic ash.
In 548 BC, a fire raged in the city, and the building died in the fire, after which the Athenian family of Alkmeonides thought about building a majestic temple in honor of the deity. The rectangular building, built on contributions from local residents, surrounded by columns, surprised with decorated pediments, the main character of which was Apollo. Unfortunately, the Delphi of Ancient Greece suffered from a strong earthquake, and the sanctuary was completely destroyed. It wasn't until 330 BC that the new temple was born.
It is his ruins that are watchingnow tourists, and fragments of the pediments are exhibited in the archaeological museum of the city. Very little is known about the interior of the sacred place. According to scientists, the altar of Poseidon, the monumental statue of God, the image of Homer made of copper were lost.
Symbol of the center of the world
The temple also contained the famous omphalos, a cone-shaped stone with unusual patterns, which is known as the “navel of the Earth.”
Currently, it is in a museum, and in the archaeological reserve, tourists see only a copy of the artifact that Delphi (Greece) is rightly proud of. Enthusiastic tourists love to take photos of an unusual exhibit, striving also to touch the stone. It is believed that this will bring good luck for life.
Open Museum
About forty years, until 1901, there were archaeological excavations of the ruins of the temple. After clearing, they became available to all tourists who came to Delphi (Greece). The sights, the photos of which will make the heart beat with delight, will take visitors many centuries back. The museum, open to all guests, will introduce unique exhibits of the early Christian era.
The ruins are always crowded. There are many who want to see the greatest shrine with their own eyes, and such interest is explained by the diversity of the architectural complex.
Treasury of the Religious Monument
The most significant building of a religious building is the treasury of the Athenians, made of marble. In a small room that appeared at the turn of the VI - V centuries BC,not only objects dedicated to Apollo were stored, but also the spoils of war that were taken to Delphi (Greece).
During the long existence of the temple, the most outstanding works of art have accumulated here. It is curious that the treasury is the only well-preserved monument of the ancient city, which was restored to its original appearance by French specialists in 1906 under the close supervision of the mayor of Athens. She can now be seen on her way to the shrine.
Delphic theater
In the temple of Apollo there was also an amphitheater for five thousand spectators, about which modern scientists know almost everything. Religious holidays and sports games were held in the spacious building. The famous landmark, which has undergone several restorations, acquired its current appearance in the Roman era. Unfortunately, over the centuries, the architectural monument has been badly damaged by time.
What else to see in Delphi?
- The ruins of a water pipeline passing next to the highway. Created in the period BC, a rectangular structure hidden underground surprises tourists with the power of engineering thought of ancient masters.
- Antique stadium. The structure, located above the sanctuary of Apollo, is closely connected with the history of the Pythian games.
- The sacred road is the main thoroughfare of the temple, which facilitated the movement of pilgrims.
- Castal spring, revered as a sacred place. Supplying water to the ancient city, it was repeatedly rebuilt. ATsteep cliffs you can see carved niches for offerings to the nymphs.
- City Museum. Rich collections will introduce the history of the country and share interesting facts related to the exhibits.
It is very easy to make an informative excursion into the past - just visit Delphi, which has a special atmosphere of Greek grandeur. A real masterpiece, presented to all mankind by an ancient civilization, will touch the delicate strings of the soul and give tourists unforgettable moments.
