Delphoi

Delphoi is the Greek name for Delphi, the ancient sanctuary and settlement in central Greece, and it also refers to the inhabitants associated with the site. The location lies on the slopes of Mount Parnassus in Phocis, near the Gulf of Corinth, about 150 kilometers northwest of Athens. In antiquity, Delphi developed into a panhellenic religious center, renowned for the cult of Apollo and the Oracle.

The most famous feature of Delphoi was the Oracle of Apollo, where the Pythia, a priestess, delivered prophecies that were interpreted by priests for individuals and city-states. Delphi was considered the omphalos, or navel of the world, a symbolic center of the ancient Greek world. The site hosted the Pythian Games in honor of Apollo and was surrounded by treasuries erected by Greek city-states, temples, and sanctuaries connected by the Sacred Way.

Archaeological remains at the site include the Temple of Apollo, the precinct around the oracle, the Theatre, the Stadium, and the Castalian Spring, along with numerous treasuries and votive offerings. The Delphi Archaeological Museum houses many finds from the sanctuary and surrounding area, illustrating its religious, artistic, and political significance in ancient Greece.

Delphoi was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 for its exceptional extent of well-preserved remains and its role as a major center of ancient Greek religion and culture. Today, the modern town of Delphi serves as a gateway for visitors and researchers, preserving the legacy of Delphoi in study and tourism.