Delphi
Located in the green prefecture of Fokida, Delphi is the site of the
famous Oracle of Apollo on the slopes of Mt. Parnassos. The magnificent
landscape chosen by the ancient Greeks for their sanctuary, framed
by the Phaedriades rocks (the twin "Shining Rocks" that tower above
the Oracle) with the Gulf of Itea gleaming in the background, is truly
unique. The sanctuary of Athena, the ruins of the temple of Apollo,
the Gymnasium, the Stadium, the ancient theatre, a 4th century BC
construction, and the Castalia Fountain are just some of the wonders
to admire amidst Delphi's majestic atmosphere.
Don't miss the museum, which houses the important finds excavated
at the site. Among the most impressive are the famous bronze statue
of the Charioteer, the gold and ivory heads of Apollo and Artemis
and the Roman copy of the "Navel of the World".
A usual stop for people heading to Delphi is Arahova, a mountain town
little touched by modern development. At an altitude of 940 meters,
its quaint houses are built up the slopes of Mt. Parnassos. This is
a good place to buy hand-woven fabrics, "flokates" (rugs) and colored
shoulder bags, and you shouldn't miss trying the local specialties
in one of the town's many tavernas. |
|
|
View of Delphi
Mt. Parnassos |
