Trip to Ancient Delphi and the Centre of the World

We were excited to see Delphi so we didn't stay in Galaxidi but it is trul a lovely spot.

The road to Delphi was indeed a twisty one but we could tell this was a famous site as there were plenty of guard rails along the way which is not typical for Greece.

My parents related there were none when they visited here many years ago!

When we arrived, we climbed up to the museum and decided to see the ruins first and then tour the museum.

All of the important artifacts are now housed in a very modern and beautiful setting in the museum to protect them and preserve them for as long as possible.

The site itself is very beautiful, sitting near the top of Mount Parnassus looking down into the green valleys below.

We enjoyed climbing each level exploring the site as we ascended to the top.

The largest building is the Temple of Apollo which is famous for its giant columns and location of the Oracle.

The most preserved building is the Treasury of the Athenians which is just below Apollo's Temple.  

Rob spotted an amazing wall constructed of large irregular shaped stones which were fitted together within millimeters.   This was the Polygonal Wall of Apollo, which is still one of the most famous feats of construction.   It still supports the base of the Temple today.

Delphi is very famous for the Oracle, predictions of the future and/or phrophecies delivered by high priestess'.  Two of the more famous ones are Pythia and Sibyl who correctly predicted the end of Troy.

At the top of the site is the Amphitheatre.  It is roped off but I had the pleasure of running up the stairs and sitting in the theatre with my brother and school mates on our highschool trip 33 years ago.  It was really wonderful remembering my first trip to Europe and the great time we all had here all those years ago.  

Delphi was known by the Greeks for centuries to be the centre of the earth.  It was believed the God Zeus released two golden eagles to fly in opposite directions.  He dropped a stone to the earth where their paths met at the centre of the earth called the Omphalos or 'Naval'.

  

Most of the important artifacts are now in a museum on site and we visited it after enjoying our tour through the ruins.  

We really enjoyed the museum as they did a wonderful job describing all the artifacts which helped us understand their significance.

After a great time at Delphi, we drove to Meteora which turned out to be an adventure all its own.

                View of the Valley and Gulf of Patras as we ascend Mount Parnassus 

                Huge canyon off in the distance

                Entrance to the Museum at Delphi

  Mosaic at the base of the ruins looking into the valley below

  Treasury of the Athenians - Best Preserved Building in the Sanctuary

  Amazing artistry - How did they move this marble around?

                Polyganol Wall supporting the base of The Temple of Apollo

                Still Archeological Work to be done!

                Temple of Apollo with its famous columns

                Amphitheatre - Used for Atheltic and Lyrical Contests - Greek Idol?

    Model of the Site-Temple of Apollo is the largest building near the top

                Classic spot for a family photo!

                Entrance to Apollo's Temple

                The Polyganol Wall - In front the 3 smaller coloums are from a small building that was an Ancient Greek Trophy Case

  The Sphinx - Stood on a Column 30 feet in the air just in Front of the Temple of Apollo

  This is what it would have looked like....

                You Scratch my Back.....   Actually this is a Frieze of Aphrodite, Artemis and Apollo helping eachother dress and do their hair for a celebration/ceremony

  From the Treasury to the Siphnians

                This Gold was all found under one of the Treasuries but not until 1939  -  It was hidden for Centuries as a result of an earthquake

         Nice Accessories!!!

       The Centre of the Earth                                The Omphalos 'Naval'

    Like a Flower Blooming....

  The Charioteer - The most famous and prized Bronze Statue found  - It was preserved due to its being covered by an earthquake

                The Eyes are Onyx and are the Original - Tough to See but even the Eye Lashes are in tact

                 Another good model I found in Delphi Town - You can see the Sphynx in front of the Temple next to the 'Trophy Case'  -  The Charioteer to to to top Right