If you can’t get enough of ancient ruins during your stay in Athens, you should take a day off your sightseeing and head to Delphi, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece and a hugely popular day trip among Athens visitors.

History
In Greek mythology Delphi was the place where two eagles released by Zeus to fly across the universe met and determined the Navel of the World. A major temple dedicated to Apollo and his victory over the terrible serpent Python was built there in 7th century BC. The local oracle was a religious centre where pilgrims, commoners and kings alike from all over Greece came to consult Pythia on important or everyday matters, like whether to go to war with a rival city, or about family and personal affairs. Pythia the priestess of the sanctuary mumbled her infamously ambiguous oracles in a state of intoxication and the other priests translated them in a way that could accommodate opposite interpretations. One of the most famous oracles was given to Croesus when he asked if he should go to war with the Persians. The answer was “if you go to war you will destroy a great empire”. The oracle turn out to be right, except it was his own empire that he destroyed.

Archaeological site
These days Delphi is a small touristy village 180 km from Athens, built on the top of a cliff, next to the main archaeological site on the slopes of mount Parnassos. There is an impressive 2300 sqm museum (first built in 1903 – last renovated in 1999) housing findings from the local excavations that started by German archaeologists in 1892. The main highlights of the museum are offerings by the oracle visitors to express their gratitude, the famous Charioteer of Delphi and of course ‘Omfalos’ the sculptured religious stone that represented the Navel of the World. The archaeological site consists of the Temple of Apollo - the centre of the oracle and the seat of Pythia (built in the 4th century BC on the site of the original temple), as well as various treasuries built by Greek cities to host their gifts to Apollo. There is also a stadium high on the hill, an ancient theatre that can seat 5,000 with a wonderful view of the valley and Delphi’s best known landmark (and a favourite for photographers), the Tholos, a circular building with three of its original twenty Doric columns restored, part of the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia.”

How to get there
The best way to get to Delphi is by car. Take the national motorway to Lamia and at the Kastro junction (110 km) turn left to Orchomenos and Levadia and follow the road signs to Delphi. In the village you will find numerous cafes and restaurants catering to the hundreds of day visitors. Alternatively you can head for Amfissa, a tranquil little town with a small archaeological museum, or Itea a lovely seaside village where you can enjoy fresh fish and seafood in one of its many tavernas by the sea. If you have time on your way back stop at nearby Arachova, a base for the skiers visiting Parnassos slopes (see opposite page). The picturesque town is riddled with flashy clothes shops, trendy bars, tavernas and during weekends, traffic similar to that of the centre of Athens.
If you’re not up for driving, there is a regular intercity bus service from Athens KTEL station. Finally you can opt for an organised tour. See our travel agents listings (pg 74)

Info
KTEL Bus Station: Liosion  260. tel. +30 210  8317096 From Athens: 07:30, 10:30, 13:00, From Delphi: 16:00, 18:00 and on Sundays 21:00. Tickets cost €13.60 one way.
Museum and Site: tel. +30 22650 82346, +30 22650 82313 Open: daily 08:30-15:00, Good Friday 08:30-12:00, closed on public holidays (see our Basics pages). Separate tickets for the museum and the archaeological site cost €6 each (concessions €3). A combined ticket will get you into both for €9 (concessions €5)