Acropole Delphi Hotel
Delphi Area of Interests
Delphi
Delphi, with a population of 1,500, is one of the
most beautiful and impressing landscapes of Greece, and the centre -"Omphalos "-
of the world, according to the ancient myth. It was already inhabited in the prehistoric
times and later -especially during the classic times- obtained great historic importance,
as it has been linked with the most significant events of Greek history. Apollo, the God
of catharsis and the genuine oracle, dominated earlier forms of worship in the Delphi. He
taught people the "metron", that is prudence and modesty, which became the most
ethical and peaceful expression of the Greek spirit. The famous Oracle of Delphi, where
the god's divination was given through the mouth of Pythia, was directed by the so-called
priesthood, that is priests with deep mystic education.
Moreover, Delphi with the renowned Amphictyonic
institution, gave the signal for friendship, brotherhood and peaceful coexistence of
peoples, as a fundamental goal of the Delphic idea. A quite spectacular proof of the
world-wide prestige enjoyed by the temple of the God of Light was the amount of votive
offerings by leaders, towns and rich citizens, great in both quality and artistic value;
unfortunately, very few of them have survived through the time.
The town of Delphi and its holy monuments lie at
the bottom of two gigantic rocks of Parnassos named Fedriades. These two rocks offer a
peculiar and incomparable beauty to Delphi's landscape.The long mountain Kirfis is all you
ever see opposite the rocks and the Plistos river flows through a valley planted with
olive trees. The civilization flourished here from the 9th century b.c. to 83 b.c.
House of Sikelianos
The place in which lived the famous poet with his
''muse'' Eva Palmer it now has been a museum in which we canadmire his personal items
(clothing,piano,photo collection, etc).
Arachova (Arahova)
Arachova-Parnassos
Arachova is only 8 km from Delphi, This route is recommended to mountain climbing and
skiing enthusiasts. The road that crosses the slopes of Parnassos leads to Arachova.
Arachova's history is linked with the chieftain Georgios Karaiskakis. In 23 November 1826
a party of chieftains with leader Karaiskakis isolated the army of Mustafabay on the
slopes of mt. Parnassos, under adverse weather. Karaiskakis' feat was denigrated by his
raising a trophy of 300 Turkish heads, and sending those as gift to the Athens government.
The architecture with its stone houses and narrow streets is distinctive. There are lots
of tourist shops and taverns where you can taste the excellent cuisine. The road among fir
trees, leading to the two skiing resorts of Parnassos - Fterolaka and Kellaria - starts
from Arachova. Parnassos is suitable for climbing, too. Corikion Andron, a cave with
stalactites and stalagmites, is on the same route to the skiing resort. According the
Mythology here is the exact place where 9 Muses lived. The road continues up the
mountainside of Parnassos to the amazing village Eptalophos where you can taste local lamp
chops and local wine. Going down to Lilea the road leads us to the mountains of Giona to
the village Gravia.
Amfissa
Amfissa, (15 km from Delphi) the capital of
prefecture Fokida and one of the ancient Etolic cities. The acropolis is dated from the
600 b.c. Here you have the opportunity to visit the ancient monastery (11th century a.c.)
of the "Saver" on the west side of the city. The valley, which spreads around,
is very fertile with olive trees and takes us back again to Delphi.
Itea-Kirra
Only 15 km from Delphi. The second most populous
town in Focis is a port on the Corinthian Gulf, 12km south of Amfissa. Itea is well
appointed with facilities for the growing number of visitors. It is built close to the
harbour of ancient Kirra (1km from Itea), an Early Helladic settlement from which traces
of the walls and the mole have survived. In the modern seaside village of Kirra, with its
long beach, one of the most popular in the area visitors can enjoy swimming and sea sports
in the sparkling waters and fresh fish in the waterfront tavernas.
Chrisso
Situated between Delphi and Itea (5km from
Delphi) in a beautiful setting with brooks, old plane trees and an unhindered view of the
Gulf of Itea and the olive grove of Amphissa. A short distance to the south archaeologists
have uncovered traces of ancient Krissa, the powerful Phocian city that was master of the
oracle at Delphi. There is evidence of habitation since prehistoric times. On the shores
of the Corinthian Gulf, opposite the coast of the Peloponnese, are quaint fishing
villages, old seaside towns and busy holiday resorts in the sheltered coves with fine sand
and clear sea: Sarandi, beach at Distomos, Antikyra, Aghios Isidoros, Galaxidi, Aghioi
Pandes, Erateini - not far from ancient Tolophon - , Aghios Nikolaos, Glyfada, Spilia,
Marathias, Skaloma, Monastiraki, Chiliadou. Visitors with a boat can enjoy the beaches,
visit the islets of Trizonia, Ai-Yannis, Prasoudi and moor in the harbours of Itea and
Galaxidi for refueling and replenishing supplies of food and water.
Galaxidi
An old commercial port with a maritime tradition,
30 km from Delphi, Galaxidi flourished during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today it
retains its couleur local thanks to its renovated mansions, picturesque streets, old
shipwrights' yards, its customs and traditions.Among the many interesting churches are:
Saint Nikolaos with its fine woodcarved iconostasis, Saint Paraskevi with the zodiac cycle
depicted on its floor and a sundial in the forecourt, Saint Ioannis with an icon by
Damaskenos. Not far away, in a lovely setting with a marvelous view, is the renovated
monastery of the Metamorphosis (Transfiguration of the Saviour). The Galaxidi Maritime and
Ethnological Museum (tel. 22650/41795), housed in a 19th-century building, revives
memories of the town's past glory and nautical tradition. Exhibits include ship models,
old maps, seascapes, weapons from the 1821 War of Independence, historical documents and
publications. Galaxidi today is a bustling modern town with high standard accommodation,
restaurants, tavernas and night life. Those visiting Galaxidi on Shrove Monday should not
miss the alevromoutzouroma (lit. fouling with flour), a local custom marking the end of
Carnival and the beginning of Lent, which is followed by merrymaking.
MONASTERIES
Monastery of Profit
Helias
 Distance from Delphi: 10 kmBuilt in a wonderful
round-area, the Monastery of Profete Helias provides perfect view of the Corinthian Gulf
and the olive grove of Itea. It was established in the 16th century and its history was
closely related to the independence of the local area, against the Turks. It was from here
when the Greek chieftain Panourgias declared war (24 March 1821) in the Monastery's
backyard. Later on, the monastery was destroyed by the Turks as a reprisal. Despite that,
the wonderful woodcut icon screen was saved, except some small parts. In 1988 became a
nunnery.
Monastery of Osios Loukas
The site is www.culture.gr
ODYSSEUS /List of Museums (alphabetical) Monastery of Osios Loukas
TREKKING
From Delphi to cave of
Coryceio Antro
Known as Kakia Skala, this ancient trail begins
from the upper level of the village (near the Museum of Angelos Sikelianos). The
cobblestone path climbs to the Kroki and provides with an extravagantly unique view of the
Pleistos valley and the archaeological site. (1 h.) From the edge of the plateau, follow
the path beside the riverbed that leads to a dirt road. From this point (spring, Santa
Paraskevi's Chapel, and shepherd huts) you will arrive after 3,5 km. to the foot of
Paliovouna (1h.30). 400 m. down to the road is the start point of a well-marked trail
which leads to the sacred cave of Coryceio Antro.
From the Monastery of Profitis Elias towards the
depression on Saint Nicolaos.
The trail ascends and pass through the dirt road until it's with a seasonal pool. Then it
crosses the dry slopes of Pournaralona.
Other trails Many alternative trails, parts of
old mule paths which are still in use, are convenient for trekking. Some of the most
important are:
Kalivia Arachovas plateau-Prontoli-Gerontovrachos-Liakoura
Starting from the eastern end of Kalivia, you can follow the faint trail of green slopes
to Prontoli (a depression with shepherd huts. 2h.). Go on following the riverbed to the
double well (1h.30). By the traverse you arrive to the base of Liakoura (1h.). From this
side you can climb to the peak. (45min.) |
