One of the most imposing places of the world, the "Navel of the World" according to ancient Greeks. Just two hours from Athens, it is the natural "gateway" to the Municipality of Delphi and a favorite tourist destination. A World Heritage Monument according to UNESCO with the archeological site leaving an unforgettable experience in Greece (according to a survey by the Greek National Tourism Organization - NGTO).
Mythology and history meet at a stunning geophysical landscape that leaves the visitor breathless and floods him with positive energy. With a large hospitality, dining & modern shopping network, an extensive network of ancient and modern paths and located between mountain and sea, it constitutes the ideal base for discovering the splendid Delphic land.
In ancient times, Delphi was the most important pan-Hellenic oracle. It was listed among the 100 most sacred sites in the world. In the past, kings, mortals, politicians, and generals would flock here for a favorable oracle from god Apollo. The Oracle of Delphi has indelibly marked Greek and international history. Its first settlement dates back to the Mycenaean period (14th-11th century B.C.) and was the seat of the Delphic Amphictyony (6th century B.C.). The Sanctuary reached its peak of glory around the 4th century B.C - 4th century A.D. with the Pythian Games constituting their point of reference. The 1882 excavations brought to light the ruins of the sacred site. From 1883, the settlement is transferred 300m to the west, the current location of modern day Delphi.
Near the archaeological site of Delphi is the homonymous modern town, which has a remarkable tourist infrastructure and offers great views of the surrounding area with olive groves and the bay of Itea.
Delphi may well be the starting point excursions in Amfissa, capital of the Regional Unit of Fokida, Itea, modern coastal town, and Galaxidi, very scenic with great maritime tradition with organized beaches.
Access to the bus Fokida see winter and summer service here
Source: www.visitdelphi.gr
SIGHTS
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF DELPHI
The archaeological site of Delphi revealed by the systematic excavations of the French Archaeological School in the late 19th century, followed by restorations and reconstructions. The major artistic centers of antiquity represented by high-quality projects (all categories inscriptions, statues, miniature works and parts of decoration of buildings).
The most important monuments of the archaeological site of Delphi is the following:
The Doric temple of Apollo (4th century BC), within which was the sanctuary, the seat of the oracle of Delphi. It was built on the temple site in the 6th century BC, with the same patterns.
The Treasury of the Athenians, Doric building with rich sculptural decoration. Erected in the late 6th or early 5th century BC to house their offerings to Apollo.
The altar of the Chians. According to the inscription was engraved on the crown, constructed at the expense of Chios in the 5th century BC
The Gallery of Athens, Ionic. According to the inscription on the facade of the pillar, erected by the Athenians, after 478 BC, to house their naval trophies.
The theater, which were predominantly lyrical and dramatic races in major celebrations of the sanctuary. Built in the 4th century BC and it took its current form in the beginning of the Roman Imperial Times.
The stadium, built in the 5th century BC to conduct the Pythian, nation-wide celebration in honor of Apollo (held every four years and comprised musical, athletic and equestrian events). Renovated by Herodes Atticus in the 2nd century AD
The high school building complex in which new Delphi exercised and trained.
The Kastalia source (according to one version, named after the Nymph Castalia), beneath the steep Phaedriades (Yampeia and Nauplia) where Thermia Artemis worshiped. From the sacred spring survived two monumental fountains, the later one is carved into the rock Roman, with niches for offerings to the Nymph Castalia.
The Dome, perhaps the most characteristic monument of Delphi, an impressive circular building (built around 380 BC), which dominates the area of the Athena Pronaia sanctuary.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF DELPHI
It includes primarily architectural sculptures, statues and miniature works of offerings of the sanctuary. The interest of visitors gather famous exhibits as statue of Hniochos, wonder of the ancient bronze sculpture (cluster section dedicated to Apollo, the tyrant of Gela Polyzalos in commemoration of his victory in the Pythian Games, in 478 BC), archaic statues representing Argos brothers Kleovi and Biton or the Dioskouroi (610-580 BC), the masterpiece frieze Treasure Siphnian (mature archaic art, 525 BC), the parts of the decoration of the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia (late 6th-early 5th century BC), the metopes and capes with equestrian amazons of the Treasury of the Athenians (around 490 BC), the marble statue of Antinoou, beautiful new, Hadrian's partner (2nd century AD).
EUROPEAN CULTURAL CENTRE OF DELPHI
Congress Group of the European Cultural Centre of Delphi located on the western edge of the village of Delphi. It stretches in a private wooded area of 100 acres and includes a Convention Center, Guesthouse and outdoor theater.
The Conference Centre has two main and four auxiliary meeting rooms, library and secretarial facilities. The Hostel is modern hotel midsize unit, with a total of 46 rooms, terraces, bar and restaurant area, lounge and reception. In 2005 it was added to the infrastructure of the Centre for the outdoor theater Phrynichos to plans of architects Helen Chatzinikolaou and Solon Xenopoulou, in the style of the ancient theater, with stone coating capacity of 1,100 seats. It has ground floor multipurpose room suitable for exhibitions and seminars. At the same time, the gardens and the pine groves of the Conference Center, there is a Sculpture Park with important works of contemporary Greek and foreign artists.
For more information about events, the International Meetings, the Art Programs, and Collections Educational Programs - Seminars conducted consult the website wwww.eccd.gr
Source: www.wikepedia.gr
