Phocis Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)

★Trip Moments In My Life★ M.007: Arachova, a quaint village sitting on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, is undoubtedly the queen of Parnassos. - Oct.05, 2013

At the foot of Mount Parnassos, within the angle formed by the twin rocks of the Phaedriades, lies the Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, which had the most famous oracle of ancient Greece. Delphi was regarded as the centre of the world. According to mythology, it is here that the two eagles sent out by Zeus from the ends of the universe to find the navel of the world met. The sanctuary of Delphi, set within a most spectacular landscape, was for many centuries the cultural and religious centre and symbol of unity for the Hellenic world. The history of Delphi begins in prehistory and in the myths of the ancient Greeks. In the beginning the site was sacred to Mother Earth and was guarded by the terrible serpent Python, who was later killed by Apollo. Apollo's sanctuary was built here by Cretans who arrived at Kirrha, the port of Delphi, accompanied by the god in the form of a dolphin. This myth survived in plays presented during the various Delphic festivals, such as the Septerion, the Delphinia, the Thargelia, the Theophania and, of course. the famous Pythia, which celebrated the death of Python and comprised musical and athletic competitions. The earliest finds in the area of Delphi, which date to the Neolithic period (4000 BC), come from the Korykeion Andron, a cave on Parnassos, where the first rituals took place. The remains of a Mycenaean settlement and cemetery were discovered within the sanctuary, but traces of occupation are rare and very fragmentary until the eighth century BC, when the cult of Apollo was established and the development of the sanctuary and the oracle began. The first stone temples of Apollo and Athena, who was also officially venerated under the name of “Pronaia” or “Pronoia” and had her own sanctuary, were built towards the end of the seventh century BC. According to literary and archaeological evidence other gods were associated with the sanctuary; these included Artemis, Poseidon, Dionysus, Hermes, Zeus Polieus, Hygeia and Eileithyia. #mynovgetaway #mynovgetaway

Exploring archaeological ruins at Delphi

#createwithtrip #historywalk Standing in front of the theatre at Delphi that was built further up the hill from the Temple of Apollo, I gasped in awe at the spectacular view of the entire sanctuary below and the valley beyond. I could only imagine what an amazing spectacle it was to enjoy live plays, poetry readings and musical events during the various festivals that took place periodically in ancient times. There were 35 rows in all, some of which were already in ruins, that could accommodate around 5000 spectators.

Delphi is 150 kilometers from Athens and takes 3 hours by bus. It is said that Zeus is happy to determine where the center of the earth is. Two two eaglees are released from the two poles of the earth. The two hawks meet in Delphi, so they will circle. Shaped stones are placed in Delphi as a symbol of the world's navel. Delphi ruins are still quite tired, because on the high slope, it takes half an hour to go one way, the highest point is the stadium, the Delphi Temple is outside the exit, and after watching the stadium, go down the gate. Turn left and walk straight for 5-10 minutes and then go downhill for 3-5 minutes in the direction of the sign to see the Temple of Delphi. There are about 600 Delphi gods handed down, which were regarded as the voice of God at the time. In about 1100, it has been the most mysterious place in the Western world. And the most important legacy it has left for the modern people, probably the two rumors written on the wall of the Temple of Apollo written by the legendary "Seven sages": (know yourself, Know yourself) ), (do not overdo everything). The little temple was baptized with a sense of mystery and mystery. When I went all the way, I met many Greek junior high school students. It may be a history education class organized by the school. When they met us, they were very enthusiastic to say hello in Chinese. When they got a response, they would still cheer. Super cute. I guess they may have to take Chinese lessons in peacetime. The relationship between Greece and China is not bad. I hope the motherland is stronger.