Delphi archaeological site, Listed archaeological site on Mount Parnassus, Greece
Delphi archaeological site spreads across the slopes of Mount Parnassus and includes ruins of temples, treasuries, a theater, and a stadium from ancient times. The structures are arranged across different levels of the mountainside, with each building showing its purpose within the ancient sanctuary.
The sanctuary served as the main oracle center from the 8th century BCE until 394 CE when Emperor Theodosius I ordered the closure of pagan temples. Its long history made it a continuous draw for people seeking guidance and spiritual direction.
The Temple of Apollo drew pilgrims from across the ancient world seeking guidance from the priestess Pythia, who delivered prophecies within its walls. The gifts and offerings left behind by visitors over centuries shaped the physical landscape of this sacred sanctuary.
The site is open throughout the year and sits on a mountainside, so comfortable shoes are important for navigating the uneven paths. An adjacent museum displays artifacts and sculptures discovered during excavations, providing good context for what you see outside.
At the sacred spot stood the Omphalos, a stone marked with two bronze eagles that the ancient Greeks identified as the center of the world. This point represented for ancient visitors the middle of the entire known universe.
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