Sanctuary of Apollo, Delphi

Sanctuary of Apollo, Delphi

The Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi was the most important sacred site in Ancient Greece, and considered as the centre of the world by the ancient Greeks.

The Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi was the most important sacred site in Ancient Greece, and considered as the centre of the world by the ancient Greeks. Inhabited since post-Mycenaean times (14th - 11th century BC), early settlements in Delphi are believed to have worshipped Gaia, the Mother Earth deity. The worship of Apollo as the god of sun and light was brought from Crete to mainland Greece in the 8th century BC, after which the site grew in significance. Most of the complex was destroyed in the 4th century AD when the Roman Emperor Theodosius converted the Byzantine Empire to Christianity.

The Castalian Spring in the ravine of the Phaedriades was used for ablutions before entering the complex. Follow the Sacred Way to reach the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, which date back to the 4th century BC. Originally, the hexastyle Doric temple had 6 columns on the front and 15 on the sides, of which only 1 complete column and 5 partial ones remain. Also visible are the foundations of the outer colonnade and the interior sekos. In front of the temple is the Altar of the Chians in black marble.

The Stoa of the Athenians is an Ionic colonnade with 7 columns forming a portico, dating back to the 5th century BC.

Built to commemorate their victory over Persians at the Battle of Marathon, the Athenian Treasury is a Doric-style building, with Greek inscriptions and hymns to Apollo.