Temple of Apollo, Greece
Idea About: place
Country: Greece
Temple of Apollo, Delphi
|
Idea DescriptionGeneral Information
Country:
Greece (5)
Description
The Temple of Apollo in Delphi (Greek town located on the slopes of Mt Parnassus (8,060 feet or 2,460 meters), high above the Gulf of Corinth) was constructed in the 4th century BC. It was built on the ruins of two temples: one was burned in 548 BC and the other was destroyed by an earthquake. Believed to be the center of the world and the dwelling place of Apollo, Delphi was crowded with pilgrims from all over the ancient world. For a long period in Greek history, Delphic Oracle became the most prestigious and authoritative oracle. Kings, nobles, rich and poor came to the Oracle of Delphi to ask Apollo's advice. After a pilgrim made a sacrifice, the Oracle (the sibyl or priestess of the oracle at Delphi was known as the Pythia) prophesied. The prophesies were cryptic and were translated by a priests serving the Temple. What Makes It Special
Delphi, with The Temple of Apollo, is one of the most famous cult sites in Greece, known as the sanctuary of Apollo and the shrine of his oracle. The site on a par with the Acropolis in Athens, Olympia and the island of Delos is considered as one of the most important sites of the classical Greek period. Delphi was famous for The Pythian Games held in honor of Apollo. Numerous treasuries were built in the Sanctuary of Apollo to house votive offerings of pilgrims. In 394 BC, the Byzantine emperor Theodosius, who made Christianity the official religion of the Byzantine Empire put an end to the services of the oracle of Delphi. Archaeological Site of Delphi is one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Directions To Destination
Athens airport is a major hub in the Aegean, Balkan and East Mediterranean region. Continental, Delta and Olympic maintain nonstop flights from North America, while a large number of European carriers fly directly to Athens. Delphi is 90 miles (145 km) from Athens. There are several buses a day from Athens to Delphi. The trip takes three hours and cost about $10. It is a good idea to book tickets in advance, space is scarce in summer. You can hire or rent a car. If you are planning to rent a car and drive from Athens to Delphi, check out Swift Rent-a-Car they can pick you up from the airport. Best Time To Go
Late summer or fall. Where To Stay
- Aegli Resort & Spa: at 1050 meters altitude, five-star hotel from $203 per night during high season. Activities
There are a lot of places to see, among them: The Amphitheater, Castalian spring, Sanctuary of Athena. Delphi area offers mountain walks, hiking and winter sports, mainly on Mt Parnassus (8061feet/2,457meters). There are beaches where you can swim: at Itéa, Kírra and Galaxídi. The view from Delphi is worth the whole trip. Useful Visitor Information and Tips
A couple of hours should be enough to explore the site. The town is set on a mountainside and you have a fantastic view over the area and all the way to the sea. Set aside a few hours more just to sit in one of the many cafes and restaurants enjoying breathtaking views. Ticket prices for the Temple of Apollo: adult - €6; museum and site - €9 (free admission for children 18 or under and students from EU) Additional InformationTags: Amphitheater; Athens (2); Athens airport; Castalian spring; Delphi; Mt. Parnassus; Oracle of Delphi; Pythian Games; Sanctuary of Athena; Temple of Apollo |
Navigate Ideas
|
|
||||