Delphi Ancient Town

Founded more than 2,500 years ago, the world-renowned city of Delphi is a true treasure. In ancient times, this cultural and historical gem was considered the headquarters for most of Greece's major religious institutions. Its Acropolis was the site of a major temple to Apollo and was the ceremonial seat of power for many important oracles. The renowned sanctuary there is still in operation; it has seen some of its most famous visitors, including Alexander the Great, Charles Darwin and Winston Churchill.

Temple of Apollo

The Temple of Apollo, also known as the Pythian oracle and the oracular shrine to Apollon, consists of over 100 columns in the largest Doric peristyle ever constructed. The oracle at Delphi was established in the 7th century BC. The Pythian Games were celebrated there every four years and in 467 BC these games were replaced by a Pythian festival that continued annually until it was closed by Christian authorities in AD 393. The site remained active until the 12th century, when it was sacked by invading pirates led by the Norman adventurer Bohemond III of Antioch.The name "Olympia" is derived from the Ancient Greek word "Olympia," meaning "Pelvic." The site, however, had no building in its original sense. The various sports and athletic contests were originally held within the opening of a natural stadium in the valley and were not part of any building.