During my recent Big Fat Greek Road Trip, I stopped off to consult the oracle in Delphi, Greece, and discovered the Tholos of Athena Pronaia nearby. Planning a day trip to Delphi? Read about how to make the most of your day there.
Delphi, Greece
After the Acropolis, the archaeological site of Delphi is the most popular in Greece. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is situated near a village of the same name about 3 hours drive from Athens. Whilst it is perfectly possible to make a day trip to Delphi from Athens, it would make quite a long day, and so it might be better for most people to stay nearby. There is a range of accommodation in Delphi, Greece, and also nearby Arachova. We were staying in Arachova anyway, and I would recommend this to anyone planning to visit the site.
About Delphi
Ancient Delphi was an important religious area, and considered to be the centre of the universe. It was where heaven and earth met, and the priestess Oracle ‘channelled' messages from the god Apollo, and dispensed advice. Consulting the Oracle at Delphi, Greece was a major religious experience for ancient Greeks.
Today, perhaps a little of the mysticism of The Temple of Apollo at Delphi has gone, especially when a dozen bus loads of tourists turn up! Even so, there is still something special about this ancient place.
It is definitely one of the more photogenic archaeological sites that I have visited!
The word photogenic is rarely applied to me though! At least it wasn't an extreme close up!
Surprisingly few people take the walk all the way to the top of the complex. Here, there is a large stadium where the Pythian Games were held.
It's a shame, because the views looking down over the Delphi archaeological site are stunning.
Seeing Delphi, Greece
The site takes a minimum of an hour to enjoy, although I would recommend longer. This way, you can wait for the clumps of tourists to clear, and experience a little tranquility! After the site itself, the next place to visit is the museum. This is rated as one of the top 5 museums in Greece, and rightly so. It is very informative, and well laid out. It is about a ten minute walk from the site, and again, a good hour should be put aside to make the most of it. I'm not going to write about the museum here though, because instead, I want to write about the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia.
The Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia at Delphi, Greece
About a mile to the south east of the main complex, and on the other side of the road, is the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia. The sanctuary, or Marmaria as it known, is most recognised for its circular temple, or Tholos. When comparing the two areas of Delphi, I much preferred this one. Perhaps it was because there were not so many tourists there, maybe it had a better setting. It definitely had a ‘special' feeling about it though. In my humble opinion, this area was actually better than the more famed Temple of Apollo across the road.
The ‘Tholos' is a circular structure, which is unusual for Greek temples.
Coming from England, I thought of Stonehenge straight away. Could the ancient builders of Delphi, Greece have journeyed to England and seen the standing stones there?
The setting was stunning, and we timed it perfectly to arrive after all the buses had taken the tourists back to Athens. Travel tip for Delphi, Greece – Visit the main site before lunch, the museum during the peak heat of the day, and the Sanctuary of Athena after about 15.00.
After spending a while at the Sanctuary of Athena, it was time to head back to Arachova. It would be Easter Sunday the next day, and a lot was due to happen, all of which you can read about in the next travel blog update.
Beyond Delphi, Greece
Are you interested in finding out about more ancient sites in Greece? Take a look at these articles:
Delos UNESCO Island – Temples and sanctuaries await at this incredible island just a short jaunt away from Mykonos. There's a great interview with the man who guards the ancient sites here.
Ancient Athens – My article about places to see in Athens.
Mycenae – Read all about one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece here.
Laura says
What a cool site! I’ll be visiting Greece for the second time this July, but opting for the islands instead of hitting up the ruins. But, it looks like such a fascinating place! That stadium is amazing.
Dave Briggs says
Which islands are you heading for? Hoping to spend a couple of weeks on Crete in August.
Olga says
Greece has been on my bucket list for oh so long!
I should finally make it there soon!! Otherwise it’s getting a bit ridiculous – admire the Greek culture so much, and yet never travelling to the country itself!
Dave Briggs says
It’s a country with a lot more beneath the surface than on top of it, if you get my meaning 😉
Amanda Zeisset says
Great post Dave! Love the pictures, especially the one from ground level, where the stones are in the foreground.
April says
Such magnificent sites to see! Did you find that the place was packed with tourists or were you able to get your space to enjoy these seemingly tranquil locations. There don’t seem to be many folks in your photos which is a good sign that you can travel here and enjoy the space in peace.
Dave Briggs says
The second ‘site’ of the Sanctuary of Athena we had to ourselves. Most of the tour buses leave around 3 😉
Ryan Biddulph says
I’d agree 1000% that this site is photogenic Dave! Super interesting shots. Few places really are stunning when it comes to ancient sites because the history and energy trumps what degradation has done to the place. I recall when my wife visited Rome. She was intrigued but a bit disappointed in the sites because everything was so broken down. Thanks for the eye-catching images!
Ryan
Yvonne says
Greece is definitely on my bucket list. Now that I live so close (in Brussels) I have been eyeing is as a possible vacation destination. Great list! Can’t wait to go!!
RaW | Ramble and Wander says
Delphi is pretty cool, I went there a few years back but it was only a day trip from Athens.
You’re right that not many visitors walked all the way up to the stadium, which is such a shame as the view from up there is very nice. Stopped by Arachova too, which was quite lovely.
Sonja Riemenschneider says
I love the views from the top! So worth the climb!
deafinitelywanderlust says
What a great post! Glad you had a chance to stop over Delphi especially after when the tourists left. I’ve never actually heard of this place so I am glad to learn about it and would definitely include it if I ever visit Greece 🙂
Alli says
I loved my time in Delphi. It felt like such a spiritual place!
Francesca @onegrloneworld says
Good for you making the effort to go to the top! The view looked much better!
Vicky and Buddy says
I’ve been wanting to go to Greece since I was a little kid. Hopefully I get to go one day! I’m also surprised that more peope didn’t walk to the top of the complex in delphi; the view looked amazing!
Natalie says
After watching “My Life in Ruins” it is on my bucket list!
cgeorgantzos says
Laura, Santorini is a must see so make sure you dont miss that one , maybye the best island to go , astomishing views but the beaches ate volcanic ones so no golden sand here, if you like something trendy and party go to mykonos plenty of golden sand here and people partying all day long in the beach bars .
You can check most in visitgreece.com.gr
john bacarinos says
hi everybody, if you travel to greece, to see the archeological sites i would recommend any time between october and january. the weather is still mild,not hot, often you can swim until december and there are fewer tourists…..also there is a european cultural center in delfi with some interesting modern sculptures in the gardens….enjoy.