The small town of Delphi was the cultural center of Ancient Greece, a cult place for any inhabitant.
Despite its relatively small size, there is a lot to see here. The city is named after the son of Apollo Delphi. The population of the city is about 2 300 people.
A huge number of ancient buildings, a unique Mediterranean climate and excellent cuisine will make your vacation unforgettable and will leave an indelible impression on any tourist.
At the end of the 19th century, a group of German and French geologists, conducting excavations on the southern side of Mount Parnassus, discovered an ancient temple and related buildings. Today, these are the remains of the foundation and marble columns, however, its dimensions are impressive and make it possible to judge the power and luxury of the ancient structure. With a length of 60 m and a width of 24 m, it had a rectangular shape and was decorated with twelve-meter columns along the perimeter.
The cost of the entrance ticket today is 6 euros. You can visit the complex from 8:30 am to 15:00 pm. Regular excursions are organized to the place, but you can visit it yourself, getting from Athens by taxi or rented car.
Before the divination, the Pythia, according to legend, washed in the waters of the Kastalsky spring, located at the foot of Mount Parnassus. In ancient times, the source was revered as the sacred key of the god Apollo. Later, the great Russian classic A.S. Pushkin wrote about him:
With a wave of inspiration in the mundane steppe, the Kastalsky key watered the exiles ...
According to legend, in the waters of the stream, Lord Byron nourished his inspiration before writing poems. The location of the spring is quite picturesque and surrounded by ancient olives. In fact, two springs strike in one place, the first of which appeared about a thousand years before the birth of Christ. To this day, it is considered a source of inspiration for creative people.
The most visited museum in Greece today is the museum in Delphi. Every curious tourist cannot but be impressed by the number of permanent exhibits - about 6000... All of them were found during excavations by French archaeologists and are truly unique.
Walking through any of the 14 bright, spacious halls of the museum complex, you can see such magnificent sculptures as the Naxos Sphinx, the Delphic charioteer, ivory heads, presumably belonging to the statues of Apollo and Artemis.
A notable feature of the museum is its impressive size and light-filled halls. Fans of photographing ancient artifacts can do it for free, and the cool air of the premises will hide from the sweltering summer heat.
One of the buildings of the complex, well preserved to this day, the Delphic Theater, has a high artistic value. Partly natural, partly man-made, the bowl of the theater is surrounded by two rows of stone benches. The front edge of the theater was decorated with a bas-relief with scenes of the exploits of Hercules. The total capacity of the theater is striking. At that time, it numbered more than five thousand people!
During the excavations, restoration work was carried out that well recreated the original appearance of the theater. Unfortunately, fragile limestone steps are subject to natural decay. Anyone who wants to see them firsthand should hurry.
At the very height of the mountain, to the north-west of the theater, there is a cult building of that time - the Antique Stadium Delphi. The sports part of the Pan-Greek Pythian Games took place here. Originally built in the 5th century AD, it was modernized and equipped with stone benches, donated by Herod Atticus. At the same time, a triumphal arch was erected at the entrance to the stadium.
It is noteworthy that a piece of the wall on the south side, on which the date of the first construction of the stadium is carved, has survived to this day.
One of the most interesting and mysterious buildings in Delphi is the tholos of Athena Pronoi. Scientists still do not know its direct purpose. The building is a classic example of the architecture of the time. The Parian marble and the Eleusinian limestone used in the construction determine its multicolor nature. Built around 380 BC, the circular structure still retains the remnants of its former grandeur. Parts of the frescoes that adorn the stone pillars of the rotunda have been moved to the museum.
In any religion, there is a place where the main sanctuary is located. And they call it the Navel of the Earth. Legend has it that Zeus himself determined the location of the center of the Earth in Ancient Greece. To do this, he released two eagles in opposite directions of the world, and in the place where they simultaneously landed, circling the globe, the supreme god and threw a smoothly hewn stone. You can still see him today. To do this, it is enough to visit the southwestern slope of Parnassus in Delphi.
One of the most significant religious buildings of the temple complex is the Treasury of the Athenians. In this relatively small building, trophies obtained in great battles, sacrificed to Apollo, were kept.
Parian marble was used as a building material, which has perfectly preserved its shape to this day. During the reconstruction of the complex in the twentieth century, the treasury was restored almost to its original appearance. All inscriptions and images on the wall were transferred to the museum. Plaster casts took the place of the originals on the walls and columns.
In the XI-XII centuries. at a distance of 37 km from the city of Delphi, the world famous monastery of St. Luke. An excellent example of early monastic architecture strikes the eye with the correctness of forms and the perfection of the execution of wall frescoes. It will be a good end to a fascinating journey through the ancient city and will shelter you from the hustle and bustle of the world.
The small town of Delphi was the cultural center of Ancient Greece, a cult place for any inhabitant. Despite its relatively small size, there is a lot to see here.
The mysterious country steeped in ancient myths has an incredibly vibrant culture, and it is a pleasure to travel around it, getting acquainted with the main attractions. Many tourists dream of visiting the cradle of humanity, who appreciate the unique opportunity to combine beach vacations 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 site, protected by UNESCO, many will recognize by the image of the famous temple of Apollo the Pythia.
The legend about the origin of the city
What do the myths of Ancient Greece say about the spiritual and religious center?
Delphi is the area where two eagles met, which Zeus the Thunderer released from different ends of the earth, so that they would find its middle. Having learned where the birds met, the formidable god of the sky threw a stone at this place - a monolithic block, thereby marking the center of the world. The ancient cult object was named the "navel of the Earth".
According to legends, originally there was a sanctuary here, guarded by the serpent Python. The patron saint of arts Apollo destroyed the monster, and a new temple appeared on this place, which was erected by the Cretan sailors who arrived here, accompanied by a god reincarnated into a dolphin.
This myth, which tells 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
I must say that Delphi (Greece) consists of two parts: a modern urban resort and an archaeological reserve on the slopes. ad.
The heyday and decline of the sanctuary
It is known that only after the accession of the cult of Apollo the first temples were erected. The political and religious influence of the city gradually grew, expanding its borders. It hosted the second most important Greek competition after the Olympic Games - the Pythian Games, which were held every four years.
Between the 6th and 4th centuries BC, the greatest flourishing of the sanctuary is observed. Hundreds of people flock to Delphi (Greece) to receive the prophecy of the oracles and ask the advice of the gods. The rich offerings of grateful residents even overshadowed the luxury of the majestic temple. For example, such a generous gift was the sculpture of Apollo cast in gold. Numerous gifts have enabled the city to build a stadium and theater.
However, already in the period of Roman rule, the attitude of the emperors to the religious center was ambiguous: 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 accession of Christianity, Delphi (Greece) became the episcopal see. Over time, the ruins, which turned into a sanctuary, 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
Historic corners, which are manicured ruins, where specialists work, are turned 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. In Delphi, which are known to many from school desks, travelers flock to get acquainted with an important religious monument.
The prophecies of the pythias
In ancient times, sacred rites took place in the temple, which were related to the cult, 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 incomprehensible vapors flowed many centuries ago. The fact is that the city of Delphi (Greece) is dotted with geological faults. The gases escaping to the surface produced a slight narcotic effect and introduced the soothsayers into a trance.
The inhabitants believed that the stinking breath of the serpent thrown by Apollo was breaking through the stone foundation. The Pythia breathed in pairs and fell into a frenzy, and when she uttered prophecies, it was believed that Apollo himself spoke through her mouth. The priests of the temple - profits - gave chaotic statements a poetic form, interpreting the messages of God in their own way.
The Delphic soothsayers, who were both very young girls and women of age, predicted the Trojan War and the campaign of the Argonauts.
The history of the appearance of the temple of Apollo
According to myths, the first structure dedicated to Apollo was built of laurel branches, later huts of beeswax and copper appeared, and the latter consisted of tuff - a rock made of volcanic ash.
In 548 BC, a fire raged in the city, and the structure died in the fire, after which the Athenian family of Alkmeonids thought about building a magnificent temple in honor of the deity. Built on contributions from local residents, the rectangular building surrounded by columns surprised with decorated pediments, the main character of which was Apollo. Unfortunately, the Delphi of Ancient Greece was hit by a strong earthquake, and the sanctuary was completely destroyed. Only in 330 BC a new temple was born.
It is its ruins that tourists now observe, and fragments of pediments are exhibited in the archaeological museum of the city. Very little is known about the interior of the sacred site. According to scientists, the altar of Poseidon, a monumental statue of a god, an image of Homer made of copper were lost.
World center symbol
The temple also housed the famous omphalus - a conical 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, which Delphi (Greece) is justly proud of. Enthusiastic tourists who also strive to touch the stone adore taking photos of this unusual exhibit. It is believed to bring good luck for life.
Outdoor museum
For about forty years, until 1901, archaeological excavations of the ruins of the temple took place. After clearing, they became available to all tourists who came to Delphi (Greece). Sights, photos of which will make you beat with delight of the heart, will take visitors many centuries back. The museum, open to all guests, will acquaint with unique exhibits of the early Christian era.
The ruins are always crowded. There are many people who want to see the greatest shrine with their own eyes, and this interest is explained by the diversity of the architectural complex.
Treasury of a religious monument
The most significant building of the religious building is the marble treasury of the Athenians. In a small room that appeared at the turn of the 6th - 5th centuries BC, not only items dedicated to Apollo were kept, but also the trophies of war that were taken to Delphi (Greece).
For a long time of the 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. Now she can be seen on the way to the sanctuary.
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 present appearance in the Roman era. Unfortunately, over the centuries, the architectural monument has been badly damaged by time.
What else to see in Delphi?
It is very easy to make an educational excursion into the past - just visit Delphi, which has a special atmosphere of Greek grandeur. A real masterpiece, presented to all mankind by the ancient civilization, will touch the delicate strings of the soul and give tourists unforgettable moments.
Delphi was an ancient Greek city, known as the "navel of the earth", where the most important religious center of antiquity was founded and flourished.
In ancient times, the sanctuary of Apollo was located in Delphi, it performed various functions: it was a place of worship for pilgrims, mainly people came to hear the prophecy of Pythia (the priestess-prophetess of the Delphic oracle); a place of political influence; the Pythian Games were also held here, sports competitions were on a par with the Olympic ones in importance; the site served as the city treasury; people came here for healing, judging by the buildings dedicated to the god Asclepius and the god Hypnos.
To hear the advice of the Pythia in everyday or global issues, people traveled great distances to find out the answer to their question. Although under an hour, the Pythia gave a completely indistinct answer, and sometimes she just shouted and then the priests interpreted it as best they could. It is known that the Pythia chewed a bay leaf and breathed in vapors of poisonous gases coming out of the crevice, which caused ecstasy.
Archaeological excavations began here in 1987. Now Delphi is a monument that is under the protection of UNESCO, it is located on the southern slopes of Parnassus and maintains a steady historical and archaeological interest of visitors.
Delphi attractions:
Ruins of the Temple of Apollo
The ruins of the Temple of Apollo, which we see today, date from the construction of 330 BC. Fires and earthquakes destroyed the former temples on this site. The Temple of Apollo is the most important part of Delphi, as the main ceremonies were held here. The nave of the temple is divided into three parts with two rows of columns, each of which had eight Ionic columns. At a lower level, in the nave, there was a sanctuary where the Pythia was located, and only priests had the right to enter this sanctuary. The god Apollo and the giants were depicted on the pediments of the temple.
Sanctuary of Athena Pronia (Pronaia). Tholos
Perhaps the most magnificent building in Delphi is the preserved remains of the sanctuary of the goddess Athena Pronia (Athena the Prophet) - 12 columns. According to archaeologists, they had the greatest thinning and are considered the most slender in all Hellenic architecture. Nearby there was a round building - Big Tholos, made of Pentelian marble, surrounded on all sides by columns. Tholos is a round temple surrounded by columns on all sides. This architectural structure dates from the late 5th and early 4th centuries BC.
Kastalsky spring
The holy water of the spring was used to wash everyone entering the holy land of Delphi. First of all, ritual ablution was performed - the pythia, the clergy, the staff of the temple, then those who came to listen to the oracle and the reader of thoughts. It was believed that Kastal water cleanses from filth. The Kastalsky spring originates in the Fidriadon rock (Φαιδριάδων) and flows east of the sanctuary of Apollo, then it flows into the Pleist River flowing through the gorge.
The name of the source is associated with the mythical nymph Castalia, who was pursued by the loving Apollo and the girl had to jump into the water to escape his pursuit.
Treasury of the Athenians
The treasury of the Athenians was one of the most significant and impressive buildings of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. It was a kind of repository of Athens, which kept trophies of important military victories of the city and other objects dedicated to the sanctuary of Apollo. The treasury was built during the reign of the Athenian democracy, in the late 6th or early 5th century BC.
This is a small Doric temple, made of Parian marble, the exploits of Hercules and Theseus were depicted on relief metopes. Ancient inscriptions with texts were found on the walls of the temple itself, which were especially important for the study of the ancient life and customs of the Greeks. On the southern side, closer to the eastern corner, unique ancient texts-hymns to Apollo were found, now they have found a worthy place in the archaeological museum in Delphi.
Theater in Delphi
In the northwestern part of the complex, there is the ancient Delphic theater, the time of the construction of the theater - 4th century BC. e., its restoration took place in the II century. This is one of the few theaters of antiquity, about which there is precise data both the date of creation and its purpose, which it had over the centuries. The theater was designed for 5 thousand spectators, it hosted performances, concerts of instrumental music and vocals, as part of the glorification of the Pythia and various other religious holidays.
Ancient stadium Delphi
The ancient stadium Delphi is the only stadium in Greece with an arched triumphal entrance. The design of the stadium resembles a hairpin - two parallel stripes are connected in a semicircle. The total capacity of 5000 spectators, the length of the stadium is 177.55 m and the width is 25.50 m, the construction time is 5 BC, the stadium was used to host the Pythian Games.
Archaeological Museum in Delphi
The Archaeological Museum of Delphi is undoubtedly one of the most important museums in Greece. The Archaeological Museum in Delphi is visited by over 700,000 visitors every year, making it the second most trafficked one after the Acropolis. Here, in the best possible way, you will get acquainted with the history of the famous Delphic temple and the famous oracle, inside a rich collection of sculptures, statues, metopes, etc.
For information on the archaeological site of Delphi, call: +30 22650 82312
The archaeological site of Delphi is open daily: from 08.00 to 20.00 (last entrance at 19-30)
Single Ticket: Archaeological Site of Delphi and Archaeological Museum in Delphi - € 12, € 6 (concessional)
Where to dine near the archaeological site of Delphi:
Tavern "To patrico mas" ("Το Πατρικο Μασ"). A tavern with traditional Greek cuisine, located on the main street on the road to Delphi, offering excellent views of the surrounding area. The food tastes like homemade, be sure to try the local wine. For dessert, we offer homemade kadaifi pie with nuts, etc.
Tel. +30 22650 82150
Price: from 15 euros / person (with a glass of wine)
Tavern "Furla" ("Φούρλα"), located in the village of Chryso, it will charm you with its picturesque beauty: charming mansions, churches, a central square with a large plane tree. The tavern will delight you with delicious rustic food and a large terrace with panoramic views.
Tel. +30 22650 82908
Cafe "Ichor" ("Ιχώρ"). After enjoying a delicious lunch or at other times of the day, you can visit the café-bar "Ιχώρ". Here, wonderful coffee is brewed, delicious snacks, cocktails are served, be sure to try always fresh apple pie (μηλόπιτά), cheesecake and chocolate soufflé. The café's unrivaled trump card is its breathtaking scenery. Tel. +30 22650 83095
In this article, you will learn:
Most of the historical sites have been conserved and are well-kept ruins. Archaeologists, culturologists work here, museums have been created. Such places are called archaeological sites (parks).
The Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi is one such archaeological site. It is under the protection of UNESCO.
Coming to Delphi, many expect to see and even visit ancient Greece. This is true. You will visit Ancient Greece, but you will have to use all your imagination and knowledge in order to see the most famous place of ancient Greece - the sanctuary of Apollo in Delphi on the site of stones, steps, ruins of temples and treasuries.
This is how the reconstruction of the sanctuary looks like. This is how it was during the heyday and power of Delphi.
Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi and its history
Delphi today is a tourist town, in winter it is a ski resort. The main attraction of these places is in Delphi. As in ancient times, people from all over the world flock here, but now not only the Hellenes.
This is the Delphi map. The sights can be divided into 3 conventional parts.
- The sacred territory where the agora (ancient city) is located, religious buildings, an amphitheater, temples. Behind her is the stadium. There is also a museum. (Paid part).
- The territory where the source is located is the Kastalsky Key. On the Delphi map, all this is to the left of the road.
- The territory on the opposite side (to the right of the road) Gymnasium and Sanctuary of Athena (Free part of the site).
How to get to the Sanctuary of Apollo in Delphi
From the town of Delphi to the archaeological site about 15 minutes on foot.
How to get? Leave the town and follow the wide road (you can drive to Athens along this road).
You can come to the Sanctuary of Apollo from Athens. But packing the trip and sightseeing into one day will be difficult. First, fatigue after the road; secondly, walking through the archaeological park, you will have to constantly go up and down the steps. It seems - nothing complicated, but at the end of the day you will hardly want to go back to Athens. Plus, I advise you to enjoy the place without the hassle. Delphi deserve it.
Delphi Greece opening hours. What's the cover charge
The archaeological site (park) is open daily:
- in summer - from 7.30 am to 7.30 pm
- in winter - from 8.00 to 17.00
The ticket costs 9 euros. This is the entrance to the site and the entrance to the museum.
We also recommend visiting the archaeological museum. Find out more about the museum
- Ticket sales stop half an hour before closing time. It's not worth coming back to back.
- Put your ticket in a safe place. The entrance to the site and the entrance to the museum are carried out with the same ticket. You must present your ticket upon entering the museum.
So, we leave the point on the plan designated as Modern Delphi and follow the road.
On the left is Mount Parnassus - the abode of the golden-haired Apollo and the muses. There are terraces on Parnassus; partly of natural origin, partly hollowed out by the ancient Greeks. On the right, there is a picturesque gorge with olive and cypress groves, behind you can see the strip of the Corinthian Gulf. Ahead of the mountains Fedriada.
While we walk to the archaeological park, I will tell you about the origin of the word Delphi and give a short excursion into history.
Mount Parnassus
Parnassus is not one mountain, but a mountain range with valleys and gorges. The array takes its name from the name of the god Parnassus - the son of the god of the seas Poseidon. Parnassus gave people such a kind of fortune-telling as ornithomancy - fortune-telling by the flight of birds.
Mount Parnassus is also interesting because, according to the ancient historian Ovid, it became the place of salvation of mankind after the Flood.
The Flood did not raise doubts among historians, but the place of the rebirth of people in different religions is different. From here a blasphemous thought creeps in: maybe Noah was not the only one saved? Perhaps other localities had their own saints who listened to their gods and acted in accordance with their command (or warning). But these are just my thoughts, inspired by the road leading to the sanctuary of Apollo. We are interested in that before Apollo, the god Parnassus lived in these places, who knew how to predict the future.
Andrea Mantegna. Parnassus (fragment of the picture).
The origin of the name of the area Delphi
There are many versions. I will tell you about three, in my opinion, the most natural.
The first version is mythological. She introduces us to the world of the ancient Greeks, who, with the help of myths and legends, explained and created their own picture of the world.
After defeating the serpent Python, Apollo began to settle in a new place. He needed the priests of a new cult. The first servants were the sailors from the ship. Apollo appeared to the sailors in the form of a dolphin and led the ship behind him. On the shores of the Gulf of Corinth (you can see a piece of the gulf in the photo), the sailors disembarked and began their new duties.
To betray the high style of my story, I will quote Homer's lines from the hymn to Apollo. Compare: the same story, but with a hexameter:
“Since for the first time from the foggy sea in the form of a dolphin near a speedboat I rose before you,
Now pray to me henceforth as Delphinia, and may this altar be called Delphic. And he will be glorious forever. "
View of the Corinthian Gulf
The name Delphi (Δελφοι) appears for the first time in Heraclitus and in the Homeric hymn to Artemis. Previously, this place was called Python. Both names are associated with the legends about the origin of this most famous sanctuary of Apollo in Greece. Despite the fact that the image of a dolphin is found on Delphic coins, the name Delphi most likely has nothing to do with Apollo Delphinius and comes from the word Δελφ - "hollowed out", which would correspond to the character of the local mountain landscape.
K. Mikhailovsky “Delphi. Art and Culture of the Ancient World ". Ed. Arcade. Warsaw. 1977 year
At the moment, the version about the origin of the name "Delphi" from Δελφ - "hollowed out", is considered the closest to the truth. But on the other hand, there are arguments in favor of a different interpretation of the origin of the name.
Third version:
According to the Delphic calendar, the year began with the month of Apellaios in the middle of summer (Bikerman), but at the same time, at midnight, the constellation Dolphin rose over Delphi. And the zodiac rise of this constellation fell on the winter solstice or the middle of the year.
Thus, the principle of the unity of space and time was observed. Delphi was the center of Greece, just as Dolphin's zodiac rise was the center of the annual cycle.
Therefore, the version of the origin of "Delphi" from "Dolphin" can be considered at least parallel.
I like all three versions. Each is beautiful in its own way. The third seems to me the most consonant with fortune-telling and the Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi. You can choose your own. And we will continue our journey.
By the beginning of the 20th century, in classical literature and painting, Apollo looks like such a cute handsome man with a cithara or onion, accompanied by muses. One of the favorite sculptural themes of park and backyard architecture.
The feeling of a place in Delphi does not correspond to this light image in any way. The nature is beautiful here. The sky is high and blue. The air is clean. You breathe as you drink. But the power of this place is such that it somehow doesn’t feel good to flutter and have fun. The sensations are unfamiliar, strange, I would say - archaic.
Places of power in Greece. Delphi - a place of power
Many travelers are looking for places of power. There are several such places in Greece. The Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi, one of the main ones. And not only in Greece, but also in the world.
So far, we have noticed that this place is surprisingly attractive to gods and strange creatures. Python, Parnassus, Poseidon, Apollo. And this is not a complete list!
Pausanias, describing in the second half of the 2nd century A.D. his trip to Greece, mentions the existence here already in ancient times of an oracle that belonged to Gaia, as well as to Poseidon. Later, Gaia handed over the sanctuary to the goddess of justice Themis, who presented it to Apollo. Poseidon voluntarily yielded to him and settled on the island of Kalavria.
Greece is a big country. Why were the gods drawn to this particular place?
The history of Delphi dates back to the 16th century BC. During excavations, scientists discovered traces of earlier sanctuaries. It was inhabited by the worshipers of the goddess of the earth Gaia. The finds date back to a time when the pantheon of the Olympian gods (the religion with which we associate ancient Greece) had not yet taken shape.
It was this Mother Goddess Gaia who gave birth to the future gods of Olympus. But all this will still only be, but for now there is a cave in these places, the entrance to the bosom of the goddess, which is guarded by the Son of Gaia - the mighty and terrible serpent Python. He burns and destroys everything in his path, devours people, ravages villages. But Mother Earth loves him, like all her children.
And we draw our conclusion: people already in those distant times were striving for this place. Python, on the other hand, strictly guarded the restricted area.
Scientists suggest that at different times there were religious buildings belonging to different beliefs. So even before Apollo, one of the "owners" of this place was Poseidon, Dionysus also lived here.
Legends are layered on top of each other, forming tangle of riddles. While you are puzzling over them, you begin to understand how humanity has changed. I don't know if we will ever be able to truly understand what was happening here and why.
Before Apollo became the full-fledged (albeit not quite) master of this place, he had to defeat the guardian of the goddess Gaia - the snake (if I did not get entangled in family ties, the snake Python was Apollo's uncle). When Python died, Gaia was outraged, could not be comforted and called Zeus to judge, who "punished" Apollo and imposed on him the duty to predict the fate of people.
What is the connection here? The serpent guarded the place, devoured people, and Apollo predicted the future and attracted people. Apparently, the legend reflects matriarchal and patriarchal ties. And it refers to the period when the patriarchy gained its strength, i.e. the cult of the supreme gods - men (Zeus, Poseidon, Hades) replaced maternal law and women's cults.
The name itself is also mysterious - Apollo. Scientists have not yet revealed the secret of its origin.
In early times, Apollo was not such a radiant god. He was associated with the light, the sun, with the cult of death, with the afterlife.
Why did Apollo choose this particular gorge, this particular slope of Mount Parnassus?
Why are there so many different cults in this particular place?
And why is Delphi the navel of the earth?
Every stone, every name in Delphi carries a historical and cultural meaning.
By the way, in the town of Delphi, where we stopped for the night, the names of all hotels are named after the gods.
Strange legend
Of course, everyone knows the legend that one day Zeus decided to find out how great his lands were and released two eagles from the east and west. To be honest, the legend seems to me too simplified, adapted, something like a children's fairy tale, but without much meaning.
I see too many holes in this story: how could Zeus not know the size of his possessions, if he released eagles from different borders of his possessions? If you know where the boundaries of the territory are, then here they are - dimensions.
The eagles flew for a long time and met at Delphi. Delphi is the middle of the world. Zeus threw a stone here and thus marked the navel of the earth. This famous Stone is called omphalus. It is located in Delphi on the grounds of the Sanctuary of Apollo.
From numerous articles and books on this topic, I was surprised to learn that some authors call this stone the navel of the earth. In fact, the navel is a serious matter! Without a doubt, this is a place of power. It connects the mother and the already living, but not yet born child. The fact that a terrible snake guards such an important place, I can understand, but how can a stone that can be dragged from place to place can perform the function of a connection between the born-unborn, hidden and manifested?
Some articles say that omphalus covers the navel of the earth. There are also stories in which the omphalus is a stone lying on the site where the serpent Python is buried. According to legend, the snake was killed near the Kastalsky spring. But there is no stone there. Again, there is a problem.
Places of power
People of different beliefs and religions, inquisitive travelers and researchers of the mysterious, sick and begging are looking for places of power on our planet.
In addition to Delphi in Greece, there is another place called the navel of the earth - the temple of Demeter in the city of Enna in the center of Sicily.
This place is also connected with the world visible and invisible, manifested - not manifested. Hades - the underground god kidnapped Persephone in this place. The earth parted, and the chariot of Hades carried Persephone to the kingdom of the dead.
In the main church of the Christian world in Israel in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (Resurrection of Christ) In Jerusalem, exactly under the dome, on a special vase-stand, there is a marble hemisphere denoting a place called "mesomphalos" - "the navel of the Earth." In this place, the son of God died and was resurrected.
In Kazakhstan, the village of Urguntas is the mountain of Reason. From the prospectus of the tour company: “Amazing things are happening in the village of Ungurtas near the Mount of Mind. In this place everyone finds what he is looking for. "
There are many ancient caves in Urguntas, here there is a stone that marks the navel of the earth.
Indians, Yakuts, Indians, Finns, Russians have the concept of the navel of the earth.
Where is the Navel of the Earth and what is omphal
And what is in the sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi?
The Encyclopedia of Mythology says: Whether we are talking about a human or a cosmic navel, it is designated by one word (cf. Russian navel, German Nabel, English navel, Old Greek "ομφαλός, OI nabhi). P. z. Is explained by its connection with the birthplace, with the fact that it bears a trace of the origin of man, the universe (expanding after an explosion: compare others -ind. Nabh-, "explode", "burst") and the earth ( in some Central Asian traditions, it grows around P. z. as its center)
Wikipedia: The Navel of the Earth is the cosmological concept of the center of the world in various religious and mythological traditions. Omphal (ancient Greek ὀμφαλός - navel) is an ancient cult object (bytil) in Delphi, which was considered the navel of the Earth. Omphal is a stone on which adornments in the form of ribbons wrapped around it go ”.
The shape of the omphala is a hemisphere. In Delphi, this stone was decorated with sculptures of two eagles.
Now this omphalus is kept in the museum of the archaeological site.
But on the open territory of the site there is another stone - also omphalous in shape. Among the photographs that adorned our hotel room was one with the image of this particular stone. The shape is a hemisphere. Stone on a pedestal. We did not see any signs nearby. What kind of stone ?!
It is interesting that many authors apply photographs of this stone as an illustration to the same legend about Zeus and eagles.
Conclusion: there are no ribbons and images of eagles on this omphale. So the stone is different.
There is another legend in Delphi. About the stone associated with the birth of Zeus. This omphalus is also kept on the grounds of the Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi.
As you know, the father of Zeus, Kronos, was fertile, but he was afraid that the children would deprive him of his power, so whenever his wife Gaia (the Earth goddess) gave birth to another child, Kronos devoured the child. All the numerous offspring of Kronos were safely stored inside himself. If we consider that Kronos or Chronos is time, then the children from one nothingness passed into another timelessness.
The goddess could not stand it, and after the birth of Zeus, she planted a stone for her husband instead of a newborn baby. Kronos swallowed the stone. Zeus Gaia hid in a cave in Crete. For the time being, Zeus grew up there and gained strength. Then he appeared before his father, defeated him, ripped open his stomach and released all his brothers and sisters into the world.
It seems that the omphalus standing in the open area of the archaeological site is this very stone. It is associated with Gaia, Chronos, being-nothingness, womb, death and life.
- Which of the stones did Zeus throw?
- Why did Zeus keep the stone from his father's womb?
- Why did he deposit this stone in Delphi?
- What, from a mystical point of view, is in Delphi?
- And what does this navel in Delphi connect? (After all, the purpose of the navel in humans and animals is not at all in order to indicate to the curious where we have the middle of the body).
Naturally, I have no clear answer to these questions. I think, having visited Delphi, and having seen everything with your own eyes, you will find your answers. Or just feel the power of this strange and wonderful place.
And we will return to the history of Apollo.
So Apollo chose Delphi. In those days, the place was called differently - Python. The name is associated with the name of the serpent Python. Hence the Pythias and the Pythian games, but more on that later.
For the final approval, Apollo had to fight for a place with Hercules and Dionysus. As a result, Apollo and Dionysus entered into an alliance. Apollo lived in Delphi in a warm season, and for the winter he departed for Hyperborea - the country of eternal spring. During the winter months, the rule of Dionysus began in Delphi. In the temple of Apollo there was an image of Dionysus.
In ancient times, the sanctuary of Apollo served various functions. It was a place of worship, a place where pilgrims flocked to hear the predictions, a place where sports were held - the Pythian Games (one of the 4 most important places for athletes to compete in strength, on a par with the Olympic Games), a place of political influence, the greatest treasury and "bank »Of the ancient world, a place where people came to be healed (this is evidenced by buildings dedicated to the god-healer Asclepius (Roman name - Aesculapius) and the god Hypnos.
Now the sanctuary of Apollo is an archaeological park. But only. Fortunately, we have not seen pilgrim tourists raising their hands to the sky, wishing to receive strength, health or the fulfillment of desires. Everything is cultural, calm, interesting without ecstasy, euphoria and sacrifices.
This concludes my review on the history of the origin of the Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi. In the next article, information about other attractions, the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, the Pythia, the treasury of the Athenians, the Pythian games, performances. About the museum, exhibits and opening hours.
Delphi, one of the oldest cities and was famous in the ancient world for its the temple of Apollo and the famous Delphic oracle, to which pilgrims from all over Ecumene gathered for fortune-telling. The ancient Greeks gave the temple of Apollo located in Delphi and Delphic oracle great value. Now the archaeological sites of Delphi are under the protection of UNESCO and are included in
Delphi is located at the foot of Mount Parnassus - the habitat of the god Apollo, patron of the arts, and his companions - nine muses. According to the ancient Greeks, this was the center of the earth. This is how Delphi were depicted on ancient maps. Here, among the ruins of an ancient sanctuary, the "navel of the Earth" was found - a marble statue, on the surface of which ribbons pulling it are depicted. The Greeks called him Omphalos.
The sanctuary in Delphi originated in ancient times and was traditionally associated with the soothsayers of fate. Here, as the writer of the III century wrote. Justin, there was “a small platform with a deep crevice on it, opening for oracles. A cold stream of air, driven upward by some force, like the wind, comes out of this crevice, drives the minds of soothsayers into a frenzy and, filling them with divine inspiration, makes them give answers to the questioners. " The soothsayers (pythias) sat over a crevice from which intoxicating couples emerged and, falling into a trance, began to pronounce the words that the priests of the temple - profits - listened to and wrote down as a prediction, as a rule, giving it a literary form, usually in the form of poetry. Initially, the Pythia were young girls, but then the Pythia began to choose an elderly woman at least fifty years old.
Legend tells that first Delphic oracle did not belong to Apollo, but to the goddess of the Earth Gaia and the nymph Daphne was the first soothsayer. Apollo took possession of the sanctuary, killing Typhon, the dragon-serpent who guarded the oracle, and Daphne, pursued by Apollo to escape, turned into a laurel tree. Since then, the laurel tree has become the sacred tree of Delphi. And in honor of the oracle Apollo, sports competitions - the Pythian Games - were regularly held in Delphi. The last games took place at Delphi in 394 AD.
The Temple of Apollo at Delphi played a huge role in the life of the ancient Greeks at all times of their history. Not a single serious matter, whether it was of a private nature or concerned the interests of an entire state, began without the advice of the Delphic oracle. The tsars Midas of Lydia, Tarquinius the Proud, the legendary rich man Croesus, the great commander Alexander the Great came to the Delphic Pythias for advice. The prophecy of the Delphic oracle, given by him to the Lydian king Croesus, who was going to go to war, became a textbook: "Croesus, crossing the river Gallis, will destroy the great kingdom." The delighted Croesus, deciding that the oracle predicted victory for him, started a war, but his own kingdom was destroyed ...
Anyone entering the temple of Apollo had to first bathe in the waters of the Kastal spring. The water of the spring was considered sacred, it cleansed the servants of the temples from the filth, participants of the competitions drank it before the Pythian Games. The Kastalsky key is located at the foot of the rock of Fedriada, and in its wall, in ancient times, small niches were carved out, intended for gifts brought by pilgrims, and a pool was built in the rock under the key.
From the Kastalsky brook, the road went to a sacred piece of land - temenos, on which the temple of Apollo and the oracle were located. Temenos was surrounded by a high stone wall with several gates. The central entrance was opposite the Kastalsky Key.
Over the long centuries of its existence, many outstanding works of art, marble and bronze statues have been accumulated in the Temple of Apollo. The kings and peoples of the ancient world brought generous gifts to the oracle to the Delphic temple. On the territory of the sanctuary, beautiful structures once stood. Few of them have survived to this day.
Along the Sacred Road from the Central Gate to the Temple of Apollo, there were once numerous statues - gifts and donations from various Greek cities, many of which are now kept in the museum of the city of Delphi. The inhabitants of the island of Kerkyra installed a copper bull here, the citizens of the city of Tegea - many statues of gods and heroes. The Spartans commemorate the victory over the Athenians at the end of the 5th century. BC. donated statues of Dioscuri, Zeus, Apollo, Artemis and Poseidon. There were also the gifts of Athens - the statues of Athena, Apollo, Erechtheus, Cecrops, the Athenian commander Miltiades, the conqueror of the Persians at Marathon. All of them were created by the great sculptor Phidias. Even further away were the gifts of Argos - statues of gods, heroes and leaders, including the commander Amphiaraus, sculptured along with his war chariot, and a copper horse by the sculptor Antiphanes.
Any Greek citizen could donate a statue to Apollo. The great sculptor Praxitel donated a statue of Phryne of his own work to the temple, and the famous physician Hippocrates donated a copper statue of a person exhausted by illness. There were a huge number of sculptures in the sanctuary, their number reached three thousand. These treasures were later partly plundered and partly destroyed. Only the Roman emperor Nero removed from Delphi about five hundred statues. A three-headed copper snake with three bodies, taken from Delphi, later adorned the palace of the Byzantine emperors.
Temple treasuries stretched behind the statues. Especially precious gifts to Apollo were kept here. Many treasuries were "family" - gifts from the inhabitants of certain cities and regions accumulated for centuries. The ancient historian Pausanias writes about the treasures of the Athenians, Thebans, Sikionians, Sifnosians, Potideans, Cnidians and Syracusans. Some of the treasures are in ruins, others - for example, the treasury of the Athenians - have been restored and restored. Many of the treasuries are made of marble and are decorated with numerous images and sculptures carved in stone on themes from mythology and Greek history. Numerous fragments of these sculptures and reliefs have survived to this day.
ancient Delphi
At the walls of the sanctuary, travelers were met by the Naxos Sphinx standing on a high column. It was donated to the sanctuary by the inhabitants of the island of Naxos. His figure has survived and was found by archaeologists in 1893. The fantastic monster sculpted from marble has a height of 2.32 m and resembles another sphinx that once stood in the legendary homeland of Apollo - the island of Delos.
And in the center of the sanctuary was the building of the temple of Apollo itself. He was surrounded by many marble and bronze figures. The temple was built in 366-339. BC, on the site of several successive beds, the earliest of which dates back to 548-547. BC. But even before her, there were at least three more temple buildings-predecessors in this place.
Nowadays, several columns and foundations have survived from the majestic Temple of Apollo. The temple is 60 meters long and 23 meters wide. Once it was surrounded on all sides by six columns at the ends and fifteen at the long sides. It was a classic ancient Greek temple called periptera. "Peripter" means "feathered", that is, surrounded by columns on all sides. Blank walls of marble towered behind a solid colonnade.
The pediments of the Temple of Apollo were richly decorated with multi-figured reliefs and marble and limestone sculptures. Only the figure of the goddess of victory Nike and fragments of the figure of the goddess Athena have survived to this day. According to Pausanias, in addition to Nike, the temple was decorated with statues of Apollo, Artemis, Leto, Helios, Dionysus.
The entrance to the temple was on the east side. It is characteristic that it was forbidden to enter the temple for people who in any way tarnished their name and reputation. "Temples of the immortals are open to honest people!" - the ancient Greeks were convinced. In front of the entrance to the temple there was a white-stone altar, built of white marble slabs by the inhabitants of the island of Chios at the beginning of the 5th century. BC. Near the altar, the ceremony of freeing slaves to freedom was carried out.
Naos - the main interior of the temple - was divided into three parts by two rows of columns. Once there was an altar and an unquenchable fire burned. In the western wall there was a door leading to the main sanctuary - aditon. Here, over the crevice of the rock, from which the intoxicating vapors came out, was the famous golden tripod, on which sat the soothsayer-Pythia. Here stood the "navel of the Earth" - Omphalos, and a laurel tree grew - the symbol of Delphi. Aditon was consecrated by a statue of Apollo, cast in pure gold.
The inner walls of the temple were decorated with the trophies of the Athenians taken in the Battle of Marathon - Persian shields and armor, the armor of the Gauls - a gift from the Aetolians. The best and most precious gifts to Apollo were kept in the temple. There were marble statues of the great Homer, statues of the goddesses of fate Moira, Zeus and Apollo.
In the 1st century. BC. the sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi was captured and plundered by the Roman general Sulla. The Romans took away from here a lot of precious things, gold and silver items, monuments of art glorified throughout the ancient world, marble and bronze statues. But the Delphic oracle continued to exist for several more centuries, until in the IV century. was not forbidden by the emperor Theodosius - the time of Christianity was coming.
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