| 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 can admire his
personal items (clothing,piano,photo collection, etc).
Arachova-Parnassos
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.
Amphissa
Amphissa, 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
 Itea:
The second most populous town in Phocis is a port on the Corinthian Gulf, 12km south of
Amphissa. 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 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, 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 Profete Helias
Built 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
Το site του είναι 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.) |
