Cassotis, Sacred spring at Temple of Apollo, Delphi, Greece
Cassotis is a spring that flows from the slopes of Mount Parnassus and disappears underground close to the Temple of Apollo within the Delphi sanctuary. The water emerges through rocky terrain and creates visible streams before sinking beneath the earth near the ancient religious structures.
The spring was named after the naiad Cassotis in ancient mythology, as recorded by the geographer Pausanias in his descriptions of Greek sacred sites. For centuries this water source remained integral to the oracle sanctuary's religious operations and ritual functions.
The spring played a central role in oracle ceremonies, where priests and visitors used its waters for ritual purification before consulting the god's prophecies. You can still sense how this sacred location was woven into the spiritual practices that drew pilgrims from across the ancient world.
The spring is accessible within the archaeological site through established pathways, though the terrain can be steep and slippery in places. Wear sturdy footwear and exercise caution during wet weather, as the ground becomes treacherous and paths are often narrow.
Ancient writers described how this spring's water flows underground and resurfaces elsewhere as the Kastalian spring, creating a hidden connection between two sacred water sources. This subterranean link between the two waters fascinated the ancient Greeks and added to the mystical character of the sanctuary.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
