Day 7 (and 8, 9 & 10): In the place of the Oracle

"A remote place, richly endowed by nature, Delphi became a sacred place from earliest antiquity, then a refuge for the mariners who eventually became its priests and finally a crossroads and the navel (omphalos) of the earth" P.M. Petsas, Delphi, Monuments and museum

According to myth, Apollo built a temple at Delphi to purify himself of the crime of killing the serpent, Pytho, who guarded the spring of Kassotis.  In his temple, the high priestess, known as Pythia, served as the Oracle of Delphi, giving prophecies under divine possession (enthusiasmos) by Apollo . One theory is that these "enthusiasmos" were caused by fumes from a crack in the earth below the temple. 

From 7th Century BC to the 4th century AD, the Pythias were among the most powerful women in the classical world. Before consulting the Oracle, supplicants had to present gifts, which made the priests managing the site very rich indeed. Additionally, the Pythian Games were held here. The ruins at Delphi include the Temple of Apollo, various treasuries, the ruins of the city, a stadium and amphitheatre.

The site was excavated in the late 19th century by the French Archaeological School. Near the site there is a museum housing the treasures found during the excavations, including these amazing massive (Alison for scale) early 6th century intact statues, the Twins of Argos. There is much to see including the first known example of music notation from 128 BC.

This brief description cannot do justice to the fabulousness of the place. The site is awe inspiring, for the ruins, the finds and the location. Highly recommended.

Handy tip: Most visitors to Delphi arrive on day trips from Athens by tour bus. These don't arrive until 10. So arriving at the site when it opens at 8 gives you a peaceful couple of hours before they arrive. It is well worth staying in Delphi overnight to achieve that.

 After leaving Delphi we drove back down the coast of the Gulf of Corinth and then North up to Preveza on the Ionian Sea, where we would be spending the rest of our time in Greece. 

The surroundings of our accomodation did not look promising, flat agricultural land, greenhouses and dusty lanes. So we were beginning to worry about having to spend three days in the area. Until we opened the door to our room and saw the view!

We spent the next few days very happily gazing out to sea, watching the boats, and the swallows dipping in our pool. And starting this blog.

Handy tip: Mereviglia Slow Living is a wonderful place to chill, but we highly recommend Rooms 1 and 7 which have their own gardens, bigger swimming pools and more space to relax. Definitely worth the extra money if you can afford it.