City of Delphi, Greece: attractions, photo

Imbued with ancient myths, the mysterious country has an incredibly bright culture, and traveling along it, getting acquainted with the main sights, is a pleasure. Many tourists dream of visiting the cradle of mankind, who appreciate the unique opportunity to combine beach holidays and fascinating excursions in Greece.

Delphi is a symbol of the country, shrouded in legends, and a mystical corner with the strongest energy, uniting the gods and ordinary people. A sacred place, protected by UNESCO, many learn from the image of the famous temple of Apollo Pythia.

The legend of the origin of the city

What do the myths of the ancient Greece say about the spiritual and religious center?

Delphi is the area where two eagles met, which Zeus thundered from all corners of the earth, so that they could find its middle. When he learned where the meeting of the birds had taken place, the formidable god of the sky threw a stone at this place - a monolithic block, thereby indicating the center of the world. The ancient cult object was called the "navel of the Earth".

According to legend, originally there was a sanctuary guarded by the serpent Python. The patron of the arts of Apollo destroyed the monster, and on this site a new temple appeared, which was erected by the Cretan seamen who arrived here, accompanied by the reincarnated god in the dolphin.

This myth, which tells of the victory of Zeus's son over Python, was often played out on permanent representations in an ancient city that grew up around the sanctuary.

Modern resort and archaeological museum

I must say that Delphi (Greece) consists of two parts: a modern city resort and an archaeological reserve on the slopes of Mount Parnas. A popular tourist center, hosting thousands of guests, was established in 1892, and the territory of the sacred place, according to official data, was inhabited by tribes in the XIV century BC.

The heyday and sunset of the sanctuary

It is known that only after the accession of the cult of Apollo were the first temples erected. Gradually the political and religious influence of the city grew, expanding its borders. Here were held the second important after the Olympic Greek competitions - the Pythian Games, arranged once every four years.

Between the 6th and 4th centuries BC the greatest blossoming of the sanctuary is observed. Hundreds of people flock to Delphi (Greece) to receive the prophecy of the oracles and ask for the advice of the gods. Rich offerings of grateful residents even overshadowed the magnificent majestic temple. For example, such a generous gift was a gold sculpture of Apollo. Numerous gifts allowed the city to build a stadium and a theater.

However, already during the Roman rule the attitude of the emperors to the religious center was ambiguous: some rulers treated favorably the city, while others mercilessly plundered it.

With the spread of rationalism, the glory of the oracle begins to fade. In 394, the Byzantine emperor with his decree put an end to the activities of the sanctuary that influenced the course of world history, and after the accession of Christianity, Delphi (Greece) became a bishopric. Over time, the ruins into which the sanctuary has turned, go underground, and in the Middle Ages no one remembered it. At this place appears the settlement of Castries, where the connoisseurs of ancient artifacts began to arrive.

The main temple of Ancient Greece

The historical corners, which are manicured ruins, where professionals work, are transformed into museums and are called archeological parks (sites). This is the place recognized as the sanctuary of Apollo - the real treasure of the country. In Delphi (Greece), whose attractions are known to many from the school desk, travelers are flocking to get acquainted with an important religious monument.

Prophecies of Pithius

In ancient times in the temple there were sacred actions related to the cult of the god of light, and the procedure of prophecy was the main one. Here was the main oracle of Ancient Greece, and thousands of pilgrims, seeking answers to exciting questions, came to the city. All the inhabitants of Hellas wanted to know their future, and soon the settlement becomes the most revered sanctuary.

Tourists notice that the temple is located above a deep crack, from beneath which, many centuries ago incomprehensible evaporation streamed. The fact is that the city of Delphi (Greece) is dotted with geological faults. The gases that emerged on the surface produced a slight narcotic effect and introduced prophetesses into trance.

The inhabitants believed that this smashed through the stone foundation the stale breath of Apollo's snake. The Pythia breathed in pairs and was in a frenzy, and when she uttered prophecies, it was believed that Apollo himself speaks with her lips. Priests of the temple - profits - gave confused utterances a poetic form, interpreting in their own way the messages of God.

Delphic prophetesses, who became both very young girls and women of age, predicted the Trojan War and the Argonauts' campaign.

The history of the appearance of the temple of Apollo

According to myths, the first building dedicated to Apollo was built of laurel branches, later there appeared huts of beeswax and copper, and the latter consisted of tuff - a rock from volcanic ash.

In 548 BC a fire broke out in the city, and the structure was lost in the fire, after which the Alcmeonian family of Athens thought about erecting a majestic temple in honor of the deity. Built on the contributions of local residents rectangular building, surrounded by columns, surprised decorated gables, the protagonist of which was Apollo. Unfortunately, the Delphi of Ancient Greece suffered from a strong earthquake, and the sanctuary was completely destroyed. Only in 330 BC a new temple was born.

It is precisely its ruins that tourists watch now, and fragments of pediments are exhibited in the archaeological museum of the city. Very little is known about the interior of the sacred place. As the scientists say, the altar of Poseidon, the monumental statue of God, the image of Homer from copper were lost.

Symbol of the center of the world

In the temple there was also a famous omphal - a cone-shaped stone with unusual patterns, which is known as the "navel of the Earth".

Currently, he is in a museum, and in the archaeological reserve, tourists see only a copy of the artifact, which is rightfully proud of Delphi (Greece). Enthusiastic tourists like to take photos of an unusual exhibit, who also want to touch a stone. It is believed that this will bring good luck for life.

Open Museum

About forty years, until 1901, there were archaeological excavations of the ruins of the temple. After clearing, they became available to all tourists who came to Delphi (Greece). Sightseeing, photos of which will make you beat up with the rapture of your heart, will take visitors many centuries ago. Open to all guests the museum will introduce unique exhibits of the early Christian era.

The ruins are always crowded. There are many who want to see with their own eyes the greatest shrine, and this interest is explained by the diversity of the architectural complex.

Treasury of a religious monument

The most significant construction of the religious structure is the Athenian treasure, made of marble. In a small room, which appeared at the turn of the 6th - 5th centuries BC, not only items dedicated to Apollo were kept, but also captured military trophies that were brought to Delphi (Greece).

During the long time of the existence of the temple, the most outstanding works of art have accumulated here. It is curious that the treasury is the only, well-preserved monument of the ancient city, to which the French specialists returned the original appearance in 1906 under the close supervision of the mayor of Athens. Now it can be seen on the way to the sanctuary.

Delphi Theater

In the temple of Apollo there was also an amphitheater for five thousand spectators, of which modern scientists know almost everything. Religious holidays and sports games were held in the spacious building. Today's view of the famous landmark, which has undergone several restorations, acquired in the Roman era. Unfortunately, for many centuries the architectural monument has been severely damaged from time to time.

What else to see in Delphi?

• The ruins of a water pipe passing near the highway. Created in the period before our era the underground construction of a rectangular shape surprises tourists with the power of engineering thought of ancient masters.
• Ancient stadium. The structure, located above the shrine of Apollo, is closely connected with the history of the Pythian games.
• The sacred road is the main thoroughfare of the temple, which simplified the movement of pilgrims.
• The Kastal source, revered as a sacred place. Provided with water ancient city, he repeatedly rebuilt. In the cliffs you can see the niches knocked out for offerings to nymphs.
• City Museum. Rich collections will acquaint you with the history of the country and share interesting facts related to the exhibits.

To make a cognitive excursion to the past is very simple - it is enough to visit Delphi, which have a special atmosphere of Greek grandeur. This masterpiece, presented to all mankind by an ancient civilization, will touch the thin strings of the soul and give tourists unforgettable moments.