Monday 18 November 2013

Thursday, 7 November 2013 – Delphi, Greece

We drove to the village of Delphi to visit the World Heritage listed archaeological site.

Delphi was in a spectacular location on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, surrounded by tall pines.

Looking down on The Sanctuary of Athena Pronea

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On the way to Delphi we drove through acres and acres of olive groves below the mountain.

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Our first stop was the Archaeological Museum. On display were bronze and ceramic vessels and figurines, statues and architectural sculptures that had adorned the various temples.

In ancient times Delphi was revered throughout the Greek world for its Oracle which foretold the future.  It was also the site of the omphalos (belly button) stone, the centre of the universe.

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The Sphinx, one of many traces of Egyptian influence

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Pair of kouri (athletic male figures)

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The highlight of the collection was a life size bronze sculpture of a charioteer which was well preserved after a shipwreck.

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Looking good for his age

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Apollo playing his lute

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The site was very large and extended over a series of terraces – but much of it was in ruins.

The stadium, on the highest terrace

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The amphitheatre

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The ruins of a tholos (circular building) at the sanctuary of Athena Pronea

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After we finished exploring the archaeological site, we drove down the hill and went for a walk in the olive groves

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