Everything you need to know about visiting the archeological site and museum in Delphi from Athens, Greece.
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If you are looking for amazing ancient Greek archeological sites then a visit to Delphi should be added to your list. Delphi is the perfect day trip from Athens and the scenery is stunning.
Delphi sits on the side of Mount Parnassus offering gorgeous views and is known for the oracle of Apollo. In ancient Greece, pilgrims would visit the oracle to hear prophecies through Pythia, the high priestess, from the Greek god Apollo. Delphi is also believed to be the naval of Earth.
Today the Archaeological Sites of Delphi are a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. The archaeological sites and museum in Delphi are exceptional and I highly recommend a visit to it if you have the time.
If you are planning a trip to Athens you may also be interested in this post. It shares a three-day itinerary for what to see and do in Athens, Greece.
Getting to Delphi
Delphi is the perfect day trip from Athens as it is about a two-hour drive. The best way to get to Delphi is by renting a car or booking a tour group. We hired a driver for the day who picked us up at our Airbnb in Athens, drove us to Delphi, stopped for photo opportunities, dropped us off at a restaurant for lunch, drove us to the Monastery of Hosios Loukas, and then dropped us back off at our Airbnb. For tours to Delphi click here.
What to See in Delphi
Archaeological Sites of Delphi
Built on the side of Mount Parnassus, the ancient sites are scattered up a trail that ends with the ancient stadium. It is an uphill climb the entire time, however, it is completely worth it to go all the way to the top for the views.
Along the way, some of the best sites to see are:
- Temple of Apollo – Dedicated to the Greek God Apollo, the god of light and music, the temple housed the oracle where the high priestess, Pythia, would speak prophecies from Apollo.
- Ancient Theatre – Built in the 4th century BC from local limestone just above the Temple of Apollo. Today it hosts plays and events during the summer with stunning views.
- Ancient Stadium – The highest spot at the archaeological site was built to host Pythian games.
- Treasury of the Athenians – Built in the 6th century BC to host offerings made to Apollo and the oracle.
Archaeological Museum of Delphi
Located next door to the Archaeological Site (just a short walk) is the Archaeological Museum of Delphi which is included with your admission to the Archaeological Site. The museum is where you will find many of the original pieces from the Archaeological Site. The museum is made up of 14 rooms that are arranged in chronological order.
Some of the most famous pieces at the museum include:
- Charioteer of Delphi
- Frieze of the Siphnian Treasury
- Sphinx of Naxos
Sanctuary of Athena Pronea and Tholos
Located just to the south of the Archaeological Site and can be visited for free is the Sanctuary of Athena Pronea and Tholos. The Sanctuary of Athena Pronea and Tholos consisted of several altars, temples, two treasuries, and the Tholos (circular building with a roof). In ancient Greece, pilgrims would visit the Sanctuary of Athena Pronea and Tholos with an offering before visiting the Temple of Apollo
Bonus
If you are visiting Delphi, you may also want to stop at the Monastery of Hosios Loukas, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Byzantine monastery is situated on the slopes of Mount Helicon and was built in the 10th century with gorgeous views. The grounds of the monastery are beautiful with stone archways and courtyards to wander through between buildings. The inside of the churches are home to some of the most spectacular mosaics and frescoes.
There is a dress code at the monastery, so be sure to dress appropriately.
