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Ancient Stadium of Delphi: A Testament to Athletic Prowess

Explore the Ancient Stadium of Delphi, home of the Pythian Games, and witness a remarkably preserved monument to athletic competition and ancient Greek history.

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Perched high above the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Ancient Stadium of Delphi is a remarkably well-preserved sporting venue dating back to the 5th century BC. Once host to the Pythian Games, it accommodated 6,500 spectators and stands as a testament to ancient Greek athletic competition.

A brief summary to Ancient Stadium of Delphi

  • Delphi, 330 54, GR

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the path to the stadium involves a 10-15 minute uphill walk from the main sanctuary.
  • Bring water, especially during the warmer months, as the climb can be strenuous.
  • Consider visiting during the spring or autumn for milder temperatures and fewer crowds.
  • Allow at least an hour to fully explore the stadium and enjoy the panoramic views.
  • Check the opening hours before visiting, as they vary seasonally.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the exit of the Delphi Archaeological Site, follow the clearly marked path that winds uphill towards the stadium. The walk takes approximately 10-15 minutes and offers scenic views of the sanctuary. There are no additional costs involved in reaching the stadium from the main site, as access is included with the Delphi Archaeological Site ticket.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus at the Delphi bus station, walk towards the Delphi Archaeological Site entrance. From there, follow the walking directions to the stadium. Bus tickets from Athens to Delphi cost approximately €15 one way. Once at the archaeological site, access to the stadium is included in the entrance ticket.

  • Taxi

    From the town of Delphi, a taxi to the Delphi Archaeological Site entrance is readily available. Expect to pay around €10 for the short trip. From the entrance, follow the walking directions to the stadium. Remember that access to the stadium is included in the Delphi Archaeological Site ticket.

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Discover more about Ancient Stadium of Delphi

The Ancient Stadium of Delphi, located on the highest point of the Delphi archaeological site, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Situated northwest of the Temple of Apollo, the stadium was integral to the Sanctuary, hosting the athletic events of the Pythian Games. These games, second in importance only to the Olympic Games, were held every four years in honor of Apollo. Originally constructed in the 5th century BC, the stadium underwent several renovations, with its current form largely attributed to the 2nd century AD contributions by Herodes Atticus, a Roman senator. He financed the construction of stone seating and the monumental arched entrance. The stadium's design incorporated the natural slope of the mountain on its north side, while the south side was supported by a constructed terrace. The stadium's track measures 177.55 meters in length and 25.5 meters in width, capable of accommodating up to 20 athletes simultaneously. The starting and finishing lines were marked with stone slabs, featuring cavities for the athletes' feet and wooden posts to separate them. Today, visitors can explore the stadium, imagining the roar of the crowds and the intensity of the ancient competitions. While entry to the field is restricted to preserve the site, the stadium can be viewed from the sides.

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