The big historical site in Delphi is called the Sacred Precinct. It clings to the side of a hill. The Sacred Way (a ceremonial road) starts here at the Roman Forum.
Legend has it that Zeus released two eagles, and they met at Delphi. Thus, they decided that this was the belly button of the universe. This stone cone (a replica), called an omphalos, marks the spot.
The Sacred Way is lined by several "treasuries", lovely little temples that housed offerings for the gods. This one is the Treasury of the Athenians. It's is a faithful reconstruction completed in 1906.
On the black rock once stood the Sphinx of Naxos. She now stands in the Delphi Museum.
Here's another gift from the Athenians: the Athenian Stoa. They used it to display their their plunder from wars with Persia.
Behind us is the Polygonal Wall. Above that is the destination of the Sacred Way: the Temple of Apollo. Only a few columns still stand.Back in the day, pilgrims would arrive with two gifts for the gods. At the Great Alter (just outside the temple), they would present one and then proceed inside the temple where they would present the other one. Then the oracle, sitting on a tripod in a giant cauldron, would go into a trance and mumble or screech or whatever, supposedly predicting the future. The priests would interpret her babbling into a little poem. Then you'd head back the way you came, likely no wiser than when you arrived.
The rest of the Sacred Way was closed for our visit. A sign said it was due to "technical problems". There was some speculation as to whether that meant the French were doing research there, or whether a rock slide had happened (or was imminent).
