Delphi full day (10 hours)

7
Z

Highlights

  • Archaeological Museum Delphi
  • Sanctuary of Delphi
  • Ancient Gymnasium
  • Castalian Fountain & The Tholos of Athena Pronea
  • *Monastery of Osios Lucas

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In this tour we visit Delphi, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in having had a phenomenal influence in the ancient world. We see that by the rich monuments built there by most of the important ancient Greek city-states, demonstrating their fundamental Hellenic unity.
We start with a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Delphi. Delphi was since ancient times a place of worship for Gaia, the mother-goddess connected with fertility. The ruins of the Temple of Delphi, the Sanctuary of Apollo, visible today date from the 4th century BC. Inside was the “adyton”, the centre of the Delphic oracle and seat of Pythia.
See next the Gymnasium, a series of buildings used by the youth of Delphi. The buildings consisted of two levels: a stoa on the upper level providing open space, and a palestra, pool and baths on lower floor. These pools and baths were said to have magical powers, and imparted the ability to communicate to Apollo himself.
Drink some sacred water at the Castalian Spring, in the ravine between the Phaedriades at Delphi, is where all the pilgrims to Delphi, stopped to wash themselves and quench their thirst; and where Pythia and the priests cleansed themselves. Nowadays a modern fountain stands close to the street leading to the archaeological site of Delphi to offer respite to the travelers.

Finally notice the Tholos at the sanctuary of Athena Pronea (“Athena of forethought”), a circular building that was constructed between 380 and 360 BC. It consisted of 20 Doric columns arranged with an exterior diameter of 14.76 meters, with 10 Corinthian columns in the interior.

 

Our last stop is at the Monastery of Osios Loukas, one more of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, a historic walled monastery. It is one of the most important monuments of Middle Byzantine architecture and art.

Comfortably return to Athens on our coach after a visit to the navel, the center of the world, according to ancient Greek mythology.

Notes

All our tours are private so that you can enjoy personalized service suited to your own needs and desires.
Please keep in mind that you will need some cash for entrances fee to archaeological area and museums.
Our rates include taxes, tolls, gas and carrying luggages.