The idea to visit Delphi was borrowed from author Sue Monk Kidds, "Travelling with Pomegrantes". Her memoir recounting a trip with her daughter in which she shared how much they enjoyed visiting this sacred site.
Bob, Maxine and I arrived late enough in the afternoon, that all the tour buses had left. So we wandered the sanctuary in peace and quiet. Historians say it is the gateway to Apollo and is dedicated to the worship of the earth Goddess, Athena. 3 Doric columns stand dramatically on the site of the most known building, Tholos. Originally 20 columns formed a round, stone chamber who's purpose is still questionable but architecturally a masterpiece. This site was built between the 5th and 4th century BC, as a shrine to Athena, patron of labour, arts, sciences and there are many supposed spiritual connections (wisdom, reason, purity, fertility). The setting is surrounded by olive trees and spread along a terrace, on the mountainside.
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| Pomegrante |
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| Tholos |
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Tholos
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| Olive trees |
The sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi extends over a series of terraces, nestled in the foothills of Mount Parnossos. for many centuries this was the religious and spiritual centre of the ancient Greek world. Legend also says this is the geographic centre of the world, as it is where the two eagles sent by Zeus, from both ends of the world, met.
Tour buses descended on the following morning as we climbed above the gymnasium, treasuries, the theatre, temples and the Sacred Way. Most interesting was the stadium and site of the Pythian games. Here judges officiated foot races from stone seats, with backs. Easy to visualize ancient contests taking place here.
In Greece cats are everywhere and right on the very steps of the Temple of Apollo, a tabby was enjoying the morning sun, oblivious of the history and us.
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| Theatre |
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| Stadium track |
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| Stone benches with backs for thr judges |
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