Day 4, September 25, 2024, Delphi

Today we traveled to the heart of the Greek mainland to Delphi, site of the Oracle that predicted, among other things, the fate of Oedipus. 

According to Greek mythology, the Oracle prophesied that Oedipus would kill his father then marry his mother. Despite his father’s attempt to kill the young boy, Oedipus grew up to do just as the oracle predicted. 

In the end, his mother hanged herself and Oedipus blinded himself — the quintessential Greek tragedy that still resonates today. Beautifully situated on the slopes Mt. Parnassus, the ancient site overlooks the Gulf of Corinth. 

Delphi was regarded by the ancients as the center of the earth; legend has it that when Zeus released two eagles at opposite ends of the earth, they met here. Delphi overflows with spectacular ruins, including the Sanctuary of Apollo; the Sacred way; a road once lined with treasuries and statues; a magnificently preserved 4th century BCE theater still in use today; the reconstructed Athenian Treasury; and the best preserved stadium in Greece.

Our touring here also includes the Delphi Museum, housing fragments from the Athenian Treasury along with the prized “Charioteer of Delphi” bronze dating from 5th century BCE.

We enjoyed lunch at a local restaurant then return to Athens late afternoon, where we have dinner tonight on our own.