Things to do in  Delphi

Delphi is one of Greece’s most famous archaeological sites, with its remarkably preserved ruins dotted along the southern slopes of Mt. Parnassus. The town has drawn visitors since the eighth century BC, when pilgrims flocked to the Temple of Apollo to ask for guidance from its oracle, Pythia. Aside from its UNESCO-listed ruins—which also include a theater, stadium, and treasury—Delphi is known for its serene natural beauty, with opportunities for skiing and hiking nearby.

One of the homes of the Muses in myth, 8,061-foot (2,457-meter) Mount Parnassus (Parnassos) is one of the star attractions of Parnassos National Park. Activities on offer run the gamut from skiing and snowmobiling to hiking, climbing, and mountain biking, but most travelers experience it only on a visit to the ancient site of Delphi.

From the 8th to 6th centuries BC, Delphi was home to a sanctuary with a revered status throughout the ancient world. That’s because it was here that the Oracle of Apollo issued prophecies that changed the course of history. Today, Delphi is a UNESCO–listed archaeological site and museum. Though only a few weathered pillars remain, the Temple of Apollo is considered one of its most important monuments.

From the 8th to 6th centuries BC, Delphi was a sanctuary, known as the sacred abode of Apollo, the Olympian god of light, music, and knowledge. It was here that the Oracle of Apollo delivered prophecies that impacted the ancient world. Today, the area is a protected archaeological site and its treasures are housed in this museum, including the famous Charioteer of Delphi.

The Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia is a cluster of ruined temples and subsidiary buildings that once welcomed pilgrims to Delphi, and is now home to the site’s most-photographed spot: the circular “tholos” temple with its three remaining columns and a fragment of frieze. The tholos looks spectacular framed against the rugged mountain backdrop.