Exploring Ancient Delphi: A Journey Through History

A Day Immersed in History

Today, Aoife and I spent a day wandering through the ancient wonders of Hermes Delphi Hotel, Greece. From exploring the intricate details of the Athenian Treasury to imagining the roaring crowds at the Ancient Stadium, it was a day filled with history and awe. The crisp November air added a certain gravitas to the experience, making us feel even more connected to the past.


Discover comfort and convenience at Hermes Delphi Hotel, ideally situated in the heart of Delphi, perfect for exploring ancient ruins and local attractions.

Our day began, as most good days do, with a hearty breakfast. We enjoyed a delightful meal at Delphikón. Aoife had the Greek yogurt with honey, while I opted for a more substantial omelet filled with local cheeses and herbs. Fuelled up, we set off to explore the archaeological site.


Experience authentic Greek flavors at Delphikón in Delphi – where tradition meets modern dining in a picturesque setting.

The first stop was the Athenian Treasury. What a fascinating structure!


Explore the Athenian Treasury in Delphi, a stunning historical landmark showcasing the grandeur of ancient Greek architecture and culture.

Standing before the Athenian Treasury, I felt a tangible connection to the past, a sense of awe at the ingenuity and artistry of the ancient Athenians.

It's incredible to think that this treasury was built by the Athenians to house their dedications and votive offerings to Apollo. The entire structure is made of Parian marble, giving it a pristine, almost ethereal quality. According to Pausanias, it was possibly built after their victory at the Battle of Marathon in 490 B.C. to thank Apollo. Seeing the metopes, even the reproductions, gave me a sense of the Athenian identity and how they viewed both their internal and external enemies. The treasury is distyle in antis, a design with two columns framed by two antae. It’s quite remarkable that this is the best-preserved monument in the Archaeological Site of Delphi after being reconstructed in 1906. The amount of history contained within those marble walls is staggering. It was easy to imagine the treasury filled with spoils of war, statues, and other offerings, a testament to Athenian power and piety. Aoife, ever the librarian, was particularly interested in the inscriptions on the walls, detailing political decrees and hymns to Apollo.

Next, we made our way up the hill to the Ancient Stadium of Delphi. The climb itself offered stunning views of the surrounding landscape, the valley stretching out before us in a tapestry of greens and browns. It's easy to see why the ancient Greeks chose this location for such an important site. The stadium is located on the highest spot of the Archaeological Site of Delphi. Built in the 4th century BC, or possibly after the Galatian attacks, it measures 178 meters in length. It is considered the best-preserved ancient stadium in Greece. I could almost hear the echoes of the crowds cheering on the athletes during the Pythian Games, held in honor of Apollo. These games, second only to the Olympics in prestige, included athletic competitions, musical contests, and dramatic performances. Imagine the energy, the passion, the sheer spectacle of it all! The stadium could accommodate about 6,500 spectators. The stone seats, added in the 2nd century AD by Herodes Atticus, were a welcome addition, offering a place to sit and soak in the atmosphere. The starting line, with its two rows of slabs bearing incisions for the runners' feet, is still almost perfectly intact. Standing there, I could almost feel the anticipation of the athletes, ready to compete for glory and honor. Aoife pointed out the design of the stadium, built into the natural slope of the mountain, a testament to the ingenuity of ancient Greek engineering.


Explore the Ancient Stadium of Delphi, a remarkable historical landmark in Greece, and immerse yourself in the legacy of ancient athletic competitions.

After a morning of exploring ancient ruins, we were ready for lunch. We stopped at Taverna Christos, a charming spot with a cozy atmosphere. I enjoyed a hearty moussaka, while Aoife savored a fresh Greek salad. The taverna was bustling with locals and tourists alike, all enjoying the delicious food and warm hospitality. It was the perfect place to relax and recharge before continuing our exploration.


Experience authentic Greek flavors at Taverna Christos in Arachova, where tradition meets stunning mountain views.

In the late afternoon, as the sun began to dip behind the mountains, we decided to treat ourselves to a cocktail at Mr.Rose Cocktail Bar. This place is a gem. Nikolas and Makis, the charismatic duo behind the bar, welcomed us with open arms. The bar itself is small and cozy, with a casual decor and a stone coating on the walls. It’s easy to see why it’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists. I decided to let Nikolas surprise me with a cocktail, and he concocted a delicious drink with local Greek spirits. Aoife, never one to be left out, ordered a classic martini. The music was great, a mix of SZA, Drake, and Blxst, adding to the lively atmosphere. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploring ancient wonders.


Discover the exquisite cocktails and vibrant atmosphere at Mr. Rose Cocktail Bar in Delphi, a must-visit for every traveler.

For dinner, we opted for OMFALOS, a restaurant recommended by our hotel. The food was excellent, traditional Greek cuisine with a modern twist. I had the lamb chops, cooked to perfection, while Aoife enjoyed a vegetarian dish with grilled vegetables and feta cheese. The service was impeccable, and the atmosphere was relaxed and inviting.


Discover authentic Greek flavors at Omfalos in Arachova - a perfect blend of tradition and breathtaking mountain views.

As we walked back to the Hermes Delphi Hotel, under a sky full of stars, we reflected on the day's adventures. Delphi is a truly magical place, a place where history comes alive. I am already looking forward to tomorrow, where we plan to visit the Tholos of Athena Pronaia and the Castalia Spring. And perhaps, if we have time, I might indulge in a bit of antique hunting at Jimmy’s antiques. Who knows what treasures we might find?

Tomorrow promises more exploration, with visits to the Tholos of Athena Pronaia and the Castalia Spring. I'm also keen to browse Jimmy's antiques, hoping to unearth some hidden gems. Until then, goodnight from Delphi!