Temple of Apollo (Delphi)

The Temple of Apollo at Delphi is the central ruin of the ancient sanctuary of Apollo on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, long regarded in antiquity as the site of the Oracle of Delphi. The surviving temple remains date primarily from the classical and later classical periods, standing amid other sanctuary buildings and monuments.

Key features at the site include the temple foundations and column fragments, the nearby Treasury of the Athenians, a theatre with carved seating and a stadium located further up the slope used for the Pythian Games. The nearby Delphi Archaeological Museum displays votive offerings, sculptures and major finds such as the Charioteer.

Delphi was an important pan-Hellenic sanctuary from at least the 8th century BCE; it developed into a major religious and cultural centre where pilgrims consulted the Pythia, the oracle of Apollo. The site continued to be important through the classical period and into Roman times, after which its significance declined in late antiquity.

Delphi is located on the southwest slopes of Mount Parnassus in central Greece, above the Gulf of Corinth and roughly 180 kilometres northwest of Athens by road.

• Practical advice: Delphi sits high on the slopes of Mount Parnassus; weather can change quickly so bring layers even in summer and expect steep paths around the ruins.
• Combined visiting: The archaeological site and the museum are often visited together on a single ticket; the museum contains many of the best-preserved finds from the sanctuary.

What to See #

• Temple ruins (main structure): The temple ruins include the island of columns and foundation remains on the sacred terrace, rebuilt in the 4th century BCE on earlier foundations.
• Treasury, theatre and stadium: Nearby archaeological features include the Treasury of the Athenians, the theatre with seating carved into the slope, and a stadium higher up the slope used for athletic contests.
• Delphi Archaeological Museum: Delphi Archaeological Museum houses votive offerings, bronzes and sculptures unearthed at the site, including the Charioteer of Delphi.