Exploring the Ancient Wonders of Delphi

Echoes of Athena and the Ascent to the Stadium

Today, Hans and I ventured deeper into the heart of Delphi, seeking out the whispers of its ancient past beyond the famed Oracle. It was a day of exploration, physical exertion, and profound connection with the landscape. We started with the iconic Tholos of Athena Pronaia, and ended with a well-deserved glass of wine, reflecting on the many wonders we had experienced.


Discover the Tholos of Athena Pronaia in Delphi, a breathtaking historical landmark reflecting the glory of ancient Greek architecture and spirituality.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Agora Cafe. Fuelled up on coffee and pastries, we set off to explore the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia. The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of pine and wildflowers, a welcome change from the bustling streets of Berlin. The walk to the sanctuary was a gentle descent, offering panoramic views of the valley below. The Tholos of Athena Pronaia stood majestically against the backdrop of Mount Parnassus. Its elegant columns, partially reconstructed, evoked a sense of timelessness. I tried to imagine the rituals that once took place here, the prayers whispered to Athena, the protector of Delphi. Hans, ever the pragmatist, was more interested in the architectural details, pointing out the Doric columns and the intricate carvings that adorned the structure. The sanctuary, as I learned, was the first one met by visitors who came to Delphi on foot from the eastern road. Excavations have revealed that this spot was likely an older cult site, possibly dedicated to Gaia, reminding us of the deep roots of spirituality in this place.

We spent a good hour wandering around the sanctuary, taking photographs and soaking in the atmosphere. The Tholos, in particular, captured my imagination. Its circular form seemed to represent the cyclical nature of time, the endless dance of creation and destruction that defines human history. It's amazing how such a structure, even in its ruined state, can still inspire awe and wonder.

From the sanctuary, we began our ascent towards the Ancient Stadium of Delphi. The path was steep and winding, testing our endurance. Hans, with his youthful energy, bounded ahead, while I lagged behind, pausing frequently to catch my breath and admire the view. As we climbed higher, the landscape transformed, the olive groves giving way to rocky slopes and scrubby vegetation. The air grew thinner, and the sun beat down mercilessly, reminding me of the importance of sunscreen, one of the essentials I packed for this trip. I was grateful for my comfortable walking shoes, another essential that has proven its worth time and again.


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

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, we reached the stadium. Perched high on the hillside, it commanded a breathtaking view of the valley below. I could almost hear the roar of the crowd, the cheers of the athletes, the pulse of ancient competition. The stadium was built in the 5th century B.C., but it was reconstructed many times over the centuries. Its present form dates back to the 2nd century A.D., when Herodes Atticus financed the stone seating and the arched entrance. The track is 177.55 m long and 25.5 m wide.

We walked along the track, imagining the athletes who had competed here, their bodies honed to perfection, their spirits fired by ambition. I pictured the Pythian Games, held every four years in honor of Apollo, a celebration of athleticism, music, and poetry. It was inspiring to think that this remote spot had once been a center of cultural and sporting excellence, drawing visitors from across the ancient world. As I stood there, I felt a profound connection with the past, a sense of belonging to a lineage of travelers who had sought inspiration and enlightenment in this sacred place.

The past is never dead. It's not even past.

After exploring the stadium, we descended back into Delphi, our legs weary but our spirits high. It was time for lunch, and we were both ravenous. We chose Taverna Gargadoyas, a charming family-run eatery known for its traditional Greek cuisine. The taverna was a welcome respite from the midday heat, its shady terrace offering a cool and inviting atmosphere. We ordered a selection of local dishes, including moussaka, Greek salad, and grilled lamb chops. The food was simple but delicious, the flavors fresh and authentic. The owner, a friendly woman with a warm smile, welcomed us like old friends, offering us complimentary dessert and sharing stories about her family and the history of Delphi. It was moments like these that made our travels so rewarding, the chance encounters with locals who shared their culture and their lives with us.


Experience authentic Greek flavors at Taverna Gargadoyas in Delphi – a culinary delight steeped in tradition and warmth.

With our bellies full and our energy restored, we embarked on our final adventure of the day: a visit to the Corycian Cave. Located high on Mount Parnassus, the cave was a sacred site in ancient times, dedicated to the god Pan and the Corycian Nymphs. The hike to the cave was challenging, the path steep and rocky, but the views were spectacular. As we ascended, the landscape became wilder and more remote, the air filled with the scent of pine and the sound of birdsong. We passed through ancient forests, their trees gnarled and twisted by the wind, their branches reaching towards the sky like supplicating arms. The silence was broken only by the rustling of leaves and the occasional bleating of goats.


Discover the enchanting Corycian Cave in Delphi, a mythical site with stunning geological formations and rich history of ancient Greece.

Finally, after several hours of strenuous hiking, we reached the cave. Its entrance was hidden behind a cluster of rocks, a dark and mysterious portal leading into the heart of the mountain. I hesitated for a moment, feeling a sense of trepidation. The cave was said to be haunted by spirits, a place of ancient rituals and forgotten gods. But my curiosity overcame my fear, and I stepped inside.

The cave was cool and damp, the air thick with the smell of earth and stone. As my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I began to make out the contours of the cave, its walls lined with stalactites and stalagmites, its floor strewn with rocks and debris. The cave was vast and echoing, its depths shrouded in shadow. I felt a sense of awe and wonder, a feeling of being transported back in time to a world of myth and magic. The cave was utilized since the Neolithic era both as a place of worship and as a shelter. The locals used it through the centuries to hide away from the occupying forces, be it Persians, Turks or Germans. At other times it served as a sanctuary of the god Pan and the Corycian Nymphes.

We explored the cave for a while, marveling at its natural beauty and its ancient history. I imagined the rituals that had taken place here, the dances performed in honor of Pan, the offerings made to the nymphs. I felt a connection with the people who had come before me, their hopes and fears echoing through the centuries.

Leaving the cave, we began our descent back to Delphi. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the landscape. The air was cool and still, the silence broken only by the sound of our footsteps. As we walked, I reflected on the day's adventures, the sights we had seen, the experiences we had shared. I felt a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to explore this ancient land, to connect with its history and its culture.

Back in Delphi, we treated ourselves to dinner at Elia Restaurant Delphi, savoring traditional Greek flavors while overlooking the ancient theater. As the day drew to a close, we found ourselves at Astra Cafe Restaurant, where we enjoyed a well-deserved glass of local wine. The cafe was buzzing with activity, locals and tourists alike mingling and chatting, their voices blending into a harmonious hum. We sat on the terrace, gazing out at the twinkling lights of Delphi, reflecting on the day's adventures.


Discover authentic Greek flavors at Elia Restaurant in Delphi—where every meal is a celebration of Mediterranean culture and tradition.


Experience authentic Greek cuisine at Astra Cafe Restaurant, a culinary treasure in Delphi offering delicious dishes and a welcoming atmosphere.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Holy Monastery of Hosios Loukas, Treasury of the Massaliots, and Water source/ Eleonas. I am looking forward to another day of exploration, discovery, and connection with the rich history and culture of Greece. Hans is especially excited about visiting Meandros Souvenir Shop.

As I sipped my wine, I felt a sense of contentment. Delphi had exceeded my expectations, its ancient ruins, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality weaving a spell that would stay with me long after I had left. It was a place of magic and mystery, a place where the past came alive, a place where I felt truly connected to the world.