Connect with your Future Self at the Oracle of Delphi
Would you like to see your future? Here's the option presented: tonight's dream will be so real that what you see in it will be a vision of your future. Would you accept it, or would you prefer to sleep without this dream?
Second option: a soothsayer can see your future and describe it according to their understanding. It could be a complete or partial narrative, more or less impactful, with more or less detail, but you are the one who ends up interpreting it. Would you want to hear it?
The Oracle of Delphi received thousands of people in the ancient world and was in full operation for over twelve hundred years. Anyone capable of reaching the sanctuary had the option to consult it. Nonetheless, the availability of the priestess and the hierarchy or power of those present limited access. Only those most fortunate could hear her prophecies.
The sanctity of the place is no trivial matter. Among the remains preserved today, there is evidence of the rites that were practiced, the prophecies that turned into legends, and the myth that describes its origin. Are you convinced to visit it, or would you like more details?
The Entrance and the Purification of the Spirit
Of those altars, sculptures, and monuments from its glorious era, only remains and stone ruins are left. Nevertheless, after a good while driving around Mount Parnassus, the majesty of the sanctuary captures your gaze as it appears. Breaking the chain of firs that populate the mountain, tall and slender cypresses surround the complex of ancient temples, as dictated by the tradition of any place of worship or hospitable reception.
In the past, reaching the sanctuary was not as easy as it is today. Although there were paths that also skirted the mountain, the vast majority of pilgrims made their way on foot or by carriage.
Access to the sanctuary was preceded by the Castalian Spring. All those who wished to enter, whether for religious or athletic reasons, had to purify themselves through a bath with the cold water of the spring, thoroughly washing their hair. Even the Oracle herself would approach to bathe there before beginning her prophetic rites.
In contemporary times, after studying its history, the site has attracted artists and creators seeking inspiration. For example, the British poet Lord Byron travelled to this place to bathe in the spring, believing that it would enhance his poetic spirit. Today, unfortunately, the spring is not accessible to the public.
What is it then that makes this place so sacred?
The Centre of the Earth and the Auguries of Apollo
Legend has it that Zeus, the supreme god of Olympus, placed two eagles at opposite ends of the earth, and they began to fly in opposite directions. Just at the moment when the animals crossed paths, Zeus dropped a stone from the sky that landed in Delphi. That point marked the centre of the Earth. The stone in question, called the omphalos and still present at the sanctuary, is one of the points where auguries were narrated.
Delphi is one of the homes of Apollo —god of prophecy, music, and medicine— since the end of the 8th century BC. For this reason, the largest temple in the sanctuary is dedicated to him. The gift of seeing the future was his and his alone. However, the communication of the auguries was only possible through the Pythia or Oracle, a veteran priestess.
The chosen pilgrims who enjoyed the predictions of the Pythia had to follow the following procedure: anyone who wanted to ask a question had to pay a fee and sacrifice an animal at the temple altar in honour of Apollo. Then, a priest would convey the question to the Pythia, who would enter a trance state, partly due to the inhalation of mysterious vapours. This altered state of consciousness allowed her to communicate with Apollo, who dictated the answer to the question. The responses were always somewhat ambiguous.
One of the most famous examples is the prediction that Pythia made to Croesus of Lydia. When asked whether he should attack Persia, he received the answer that he would destroy a great empire if he decided to cross the river. The paradox of the story is that the empire he ended up destroying with that decision was his own.
The Sanctuary on the Mountain Slope
If you want to enjoy a magnificent visit to the remains of the sanctuary, you should reserve at least two hours. Three hours would be ideal.
The visit is divided into three parts: the museum, the sanctuary of Apollo and the sanctuary of Athena. It is recommended to start with the museum. When excavation began in 1892, many sculptures and pieces that have survived the centuries due to the robustness of the materials were found. Thanks to the identification and restoration efforts, today it is much easier for us to imagine the beauty that the sanctuary once held.
Next, you can access the remains of the sanctuary. Like a small village on the mountain slope, you can follow the Sacred Way that was constructed there and discover the remains of buildings and monuments that withstand the test of time. Each element is well identified and explained as you progress.
The quintessential location where the Pythia performed her rituals and predictions was the temple of Apollo, the jewel of the sanctuary. Little remains of the temple today. However, thanks to a small reconstruction of the columns, we can enjoy a taste of the beauty and magnitude that the monument represented. It should be noted, however, that before the construction of this temple, the Pythia had to choose a place to start her prophecies. The most suitable, due to its mythological significance, was where the small omphalos of Zeus was located.
Other significant monuments of the sanctuary include, firstly, the great theatre, which offers fantastic views over the valley. On the day of the visit, do not forget to take a panoramic photo that includes the ruins. Secondly, the stadium, one of the best-preserved in the country. Over the years, this place also saw the birth of the Pythian Games, the second most important sporting games in the Greek calendar after Olympia.
The Sanctuary of Athena
The final part of the visit is located in the southern area, exiting the sanctuary of Apollo. Right next to the Castalian Spring, there is a second sanctuary. The water flowing from the spring descended to this area, where a large gymnasium was established for athletes competing in the Pythian Games. Thus, the athletes could enjoy cold baths after their training sessions.
Right next to the gymnasium, the sanctuary dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom, craftsmanship, the arts and war, was constructed. This area contains two temples now in ruins: one at the entrance and another at the end. Between them lies the Tholos of Athena Pronaia, the most famous monument of the site. Although its purpose is unknown, the circular building had twenty columns and appears to be the most significant element of the sanctuary. In 1938, three of the columns were restored to give an idea of the monument's beauty. It is worth taking a moment to imagine how it must have looked in that era and to take a good photograph.
From Oblivion to Restoration
With the arrival of the Romans in the area in 191 BC, pilgrimages to Delphi began to wane. As vividly depicted in the film Agora, by 391 AD all pagan rites were prohibited. With the lack of visitors and activity, the abandonment of the sanctuary became inevitable.
Thanks to historical recovery and tourism, the memory of this mystical place has been restored. A great curiosity discovered when visiting is the number of cats present at the sanctuary of Apollo. What explanation would you give? Whether it's due to a connection with the beyond or the beauty of the place, only you can interpret this detail.
Whether you come for the mythology, the history, or the beauty of the mountain, Delphi guarantees a connection with the gods of Olympus. Now, although the Pythia is no longer there, do not discount the possibility of finding moments of inspiration to write the next chapter of your life. Are you ready to explore its mysteries?
More information
- Official tourist information of the Archeological Site of Delphi
- Story of Hercules visiting the Oracle of Delphi
