A trip through central
Greece will take you through some beautiful landscape, scenery and of course
Delphi.
One of the most important
sanctuaries in ancient Greece nestled on a hillside was Delphi (photos
#1-2). The Greeks also believed that this was the center of the universe.
The first oracle established at Delphi was dedicated to Gea and Poseiden.
The serpent Python was installed in a nearby cave and he communicated with
the Pythian preistess. Python in turn was slain by Apollo. To celebrate
this, the Pythian games were established here and took place every 8 years.
Over one thousand years Greeks made their pilgrimage here to seek divine
directions in matters of war, worship, love or for any other matter requiring
prophecy. Even Alexander the Great came here before his conquest. The pilgrims
would offer their sacrifice and wait as the Pythian priestess would chant
her prophecies. A priest would then interpret and relay her chants back
to the pilgrim.
There are many ruins of temples,
treasuries and other buildings on the site. The most important temple on
this site is the Temple of Apollo where the oracular chasm or cave entrance
was supposed to be found, though none can be seen. Only the foundations
and a few columns of this temple can still be seen. There is also a small
museum on the site with some interesting finds.
Just north of Kalambaka you
will find the monasteries of Meteora (photo #3-4). They are really amazing
to see, photograph and visit since they are perched atop virtually inaccessible
pinnacles of rock. Meteora means 'rocks in the air". The monasteries and
churches within are really interesting to visit. It was also here that
a scene from a James Bond movie was filmed in 'For Your Eyes Only'.
Description of Photos:
1. Delphi
2. View of Delphi site and
Temple of Apollo in foreground
3. Meteora
4. Monastery at Meteora
