Do you spend a few days in the Greek capital? Don't miss visiting the archaeological site of Delphes from Athens!
For history and archaeology enthusiasts, Greece is undoubtedly a must-see destination. This cradle of Western civilization houses ancient treasures and many historical monuments. If you spend a few days in the Greek capital, do not miss visiting the archaeological site of Delphes. Easily accessible from Athens, it offers you an incredible adventure in the footsteps of the Greek gods.
Do you have any questions to ask the famous Pythie Oracle? Here is everything you need to know to visit the archaeological site of Delphes from Athens.
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Delphs in a few words
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The city of Delphes hosts the pan-hellonic sanctuary of Apollo, the Olympian god of light, knowledge and harmony. According to mythology, it is here that two eagles were found to be released by Zeus, one eastward, the other westward. According to the elders, the temple of Apollo housed the Omphalos, the navel of the universe. The village was inhabited from the second millennium before Jesus Christ. From the 8th century before Jesus Christ, the sanctuary and the oracle develop.
The centre of the ancient world
In the eyes of the Greeks of Antiquity, Delphi is then the center of the world. Many pilgrims come from all over the world to listen to the advice of Pythia , the most famous priests of the time. The Oracle of Delphes was made up of older women, supposed to inherit the powers of Apollo. Under the influence of various drugs, the women of the oracle stood in a state of trance and priests interpreted their words. Delphi was considered the most important religious place in the Hellenistic world. Throughout the centuries, Delphes will maintain a major role. Kings, States, dynasties, military leaders, many are those who make precious offerings to Delphi in order to ensure the favor of the gods. The Sanctuary of Delphi is also a model of Hellenic architecture.
Today, Delphes is a small tourist village, located on the south side of Mount Parnasse, with stunning views of the valley and the sea. The site offers a unique testimony on the religion and civilization of ancient Greece.
What to see and what to do on Delphe's archaeological site?
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The archaeological area of Delphi
The archaeological area is the place where the ancient city of Delphi was located. This is also the highlight of your visit. You will discover the famous Temple of Apollo, discovered in 1892. You will then turn to the theatre, which could accommodate up to five thousand spectators. Do not miss the stadium, located nearby, where the Pythic Games took place every four years. The fountain of Castalie and the polygonal wall, where the oracles of La Pythie were held, of course, left the visit. The Delphes site also allows you to enjoy a panoramic view of the Gulf of Itéa.
Visiting the archaeological site of Delphes from Athens is an opportunity to discover one of the most eminent examples of the great pan-Hellenic sanctuaries. A day in Delphe offers you a moment of tranquility, far from the tumult of the Greek capital.
The Archaeological Museum of Delphi
Once the visit to the archaeological site of Delphes is completed, visit the Archaeological Museum of the city. This is the most important museum in Greece dedicated to antiquity. You will discover architectural sculptures, statues and objects dating from Ancient Greece and distributed in fourteen exhibition rooms. The museum features the Auurige de Delphes, a bronze sculpture commemorating an important victory at the 478 pythic Games before Jesus Christ and the Naxos Sphinx. The museum also has a cafeteria and a souvenir shop.
The visit of the village of Delphes and its surroundings
After visiting the archaeological site of Delphes, take the time to browse the alleys of the modern village. You can enjoy an incredible view of the valley from the panoramic terraces of the bars and restaurants of the city. Delphes also has pretty streets, monuments and shops. In the footsteps of Delphes, you can also go to discover the pretty village of Arachova.
How to go to the archaeological site of Delphes from Athens?
After borrowing one of the many international flights that land in Athens every day, you will have to go to the village of Delphes. From Athens, the village is only accessible by road. Take a little less than three hours to make the two hundred kilometers that separate you from the archaeological site of Delphes. The journey is already a visit in itself. On the way, you will discover the fertile plains of Béotie, the mountain range of Mont Parnasse (with its famous coloured carpets) and finally the city of Delphes.
Car
To visit the archaeological site of Delphes from Athens, you can rent a car. It is a simple solution to be perfectly autonomous and not depending on the bus schedules.
From Athens, take the E75 motorway towards Lamia about a hundred kilometers and take the exit of Castro. Follow the signs for Levadia. You can also cross the pretty village of Arachova by taking this road.
Bus
If you do not want to rent a car to visit the archaeological site of Delphes from Athens, buses are at your disposal. Visit the KTEL B Terminal, located Liosion Street n260, in the centre of Athens.
- Departure bus times 7:30 or 10:30
- Bus times on return 16:30, 18:00 and 21:00
It is strongly recommended to reserve your place on a bus, long in advance, especially during the summer. Also consider taking the first bus of the day to enjoy your visit to the archaeological site of Delphes from Athens.
Excursions
Many travel agencies offer day trips or several days to visit the archaeological site of Delphes from Athens. In a group or with a private guide, this option can be interesting, especially for families and those who wish to be taken care of from end to end.
Timetables and prices of Delphe archaeological site
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Schedule
- Wednesday to Monday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
- Latest admission 15 minutes before closing
- Closure January 1, March 25, Easter Sunday, May 1 and December 25 and 26
Note : schedules may be changed at certain times of the year. It is advisable to check this information on the website before visiting the archaeological site of Delphes and its Museum.
Rates
- Adult : 12 euros
- Child under 18 : free
- Student : 6 euros (attention, a voucher is requested at the entrance)
- Free on the following dates : 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September, 28 October and every first Sunday of the month between 1 November and 31 March.
The ticket gives you access to the Museum and the archaeological site.
BON A LEARN
1. To visit the archaeological site of Delphes, you will have to walk a little. The site is indeed at the top of a small mountain. However, the museum is easily accessible to people with reduced mobility.
2. Count One hour thirty to visit the archaeological site of Delphes and an additional hour to visit the museum.
3. In the summer, it can do very hot Greece. Avoid visits in the morning or at the end of the day.
4. Most visits to Delphes are made in English, but it is possible to find French-speaking attendants.
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