Delphi: Greece’s ancient treasury and living legacy

Just a week ago, we drove the road from Arachova toward Nafpaktos to visit the ancient site nestled below Mount Parnassos. As a Greek who loves history and has explored many of our archaeological sites, I was still left breathless by the view.

Archaeological site of Delphi

Delphi lies about 180 km northwest of Athens, roughly a 2½‑hour drive, but it feels like another world. The place travels you back in time and makes you imagine life in ancient Greece. Cool mountain air drifts down from Parnassos (ski resort, too) behind you, while the blue line of the Corinthian Gulf is only 15 km ahead.

Each step climbs toward the Temple of Apollo. Archaeologists uncovered most of what we see today in the 1890s, but some walls date to the 8th century BC. My favourite part is the polygonal wall supporting the temple's terrace: massive stones cut so perfectly, proof of how enduring human skill can be.

Temple of Apollo

Long ago, Delphi was the heart of Greece. City‑states that often fought each other laid down arms here to ask the oracle, the Pythia, for advice. Her words guided wars, trade routes, and the rise and fall of kings. Standing amid the temple ruins last week and as an Olympian, I felt a bond between that ancient gathering of cities and today's Olympic venues, where nations compete yet stand together in respect.

I heard French, Japanese, and Russian voices mingling with Greek during my visit. People still come from everywhere to learn about the history of these ruins.

*Delphi: Like modern‑day Switzerland, famed for safeguarding global wealth, ancient Delphi functioned as a secure "bank" of its era, where city‑states stored priceless offerings, trusting the sanctuary's sacred status to keep them safe.

Stadium

Given my years of competition, the stadium above the sanctuary moved me the most. Athletes raced in the Pythian Games there more than 2,300 years ago. I felt small yet proud to belong to this nation's long line of competitors.

Practical note: the combined ticket for the site and museum costs €20 for adults, while visitors under 25 enter free with ID. The museum is worth every cent, marble statues, bronze tripods, and the famous Charioteer of Delphi (Heniokhos) help you picture the sanctuary when it was alive with color and sound.

If you plan a day trip, add a sunrise walk on Parnassos' lower trails or an evening swim at Galaxidi on the coast. Mountain and sea frame Delphi like two bookends.♡ A week later, the place is still on my mind. Delphi teaches that life is a balance of questions and answers. I left with more questions than I brought, one reason I will return. I hope this short story encourages you to make the journey as well.