“I warn you, whoever you are, who yearn to inquire into the mysteries of nature, that, if you do not find within yourself that which you seek, neither will you find it without. If you ignore the virtues of your own abode, how can you hope to discover other excellencies? In thee resides that which is the Treasury of Treasures.” Message of the Oracle of Delphi.
For the ancient Greeks, Delphi was considered the center of the world, and for modern travelers, it is one of the most prominent stops for exploring ancient Greece. Today, Delphi is a picturesque resort town located on the southern slope of Mount Parnassus, offering breathtaking valley views.
Originally known as Pita, Delphi gained great notoriety in the Hellenic world from the middle of the 8th century BC. In ancient Greece, it is well known for its important religious sanctuary for the god Apollo. Located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus near the Gulf of Corinth, it housed the famous oracle of Apollo, which offered enigmatic predictions and advice to city-states and individuals alike.
Legend and mythology narrate that on Mount Parnassus the muses, minor divinities of song and poetry, met together with the nymphs of the fountains, known as naiads. In these ceremonies, Apollo played the lyre and the goddesses sang melodious songs. Apollo was a Greek god of great importance, associated with the bow, music and divination. He represented youth and beauty, source of life and healing, as well as patron of the arts. His radiance and power are comparable to the sun itself, making him probably the most beloved of all the gods.
Derived from the Latin “oracŭlum”, oracle is defined as a divine answer transmitted to humans through priests or other ministers. These answers could also manifest themselves through physical signs or symbols, which were interpreted by experts.
To better understand what the stones that made up the structures that included the Sanctuary of Delphi, the remains of columns and even the location reveal, the first stop should be the Archaeological Museum of Delphi. In it we will find many pieces that put together the puzzle of its composition and help us to appreciate what remains there.
Delphi, an impressive place with a great historical and spiritual value, not be missed when visiting Greece.
