Picturesque view on Apollo temple

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Ancient Delphi

Delphi


Of all Greece's archaeological sites, Ancient Delphi has the most potent spirit of place. Centring on the mountainside Sanctuary of Apollo, home to the ancient world’s most renowned oracle, this sacred spot was never a city. To this day, the haunting ruins – a short walk east of the modern town – look out over an unbroken expanse of olive trees, sloping down to the Gulf of Corinth.

As well as the sanctuary itself, the site also includes the Delphi Archaeological Museum (entry is by the same ticket, on successive days if you prefer), and the nearby Sanctuary of Athena Pronea, to which access is free.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Delphi attractions

1. Delphi Archaeological Museum

0.09 MILES

Delphi’s magnificent modern museum, 500m east of town, perfectly complements the ancient site alongside. Which you visit first doesn’t matter, but the…

2. Sanctuary of Apollo

0.09 MILES

Serving as the heart of Ancient Delphi, the hillside Sanctuary of Apollo is where pilgrims would journey to hear prophecies from the god Apollo, voiced…

3. Sikelianos Museum

0.22 MILES

Fans of Greek drama should head to this intimate 1920s mansion-turned-museum, which overlooks Delphi both ancient and modern. It's dedicated to Greek poet…

4. Gymnasium

0.29 MILES

The ruins of Delphi’s ancient gymnasium stand south of the Sanctuary of Apollo and west of the Sanctuary of Athena Pronea, in an area known as the…

5. Church of Agios Nikolaos

0.34 MILES

Even if it’s just for the views, it’s well worth the short climb up the steps from opposite Hotel Tholos to reach the Byzantine-style stone church of…

6. Sanctuary of Athena Pronea

0.42 MILES

For ancient pilgrims, Delphi’s first stop was the Sanctuary of Athena Pronea, now set just below the road 800m east of the Sanctuary of Apollo. This…

7. Folklore Museum of Chrisso

1.78 MILES

An imposing mansion and former school in the traditional village of Chrisso, 6km southwest of Delphi by road, now holds an enjoyable museum of local life…

8. Moni Profiti Ilia

3.64 MILES

East of Amfissa towards Delphi, the 19th-century convent of Moni Profiti Ilia rests on a hillside with superb views across the olive groves to the Gulf of…

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