Plan a cultural stay in Delphi around two nearby but distinct points of reference: the present-day village and the archaeological site. The site is 400 metres from the present-day village, on the road between Arachova, Amfissa and Itea. The distance locates the site in relation to the village, while the road provides a second geographical reference point.

Sanctuaries, the way and ancient games

In the wider area of Delphi, the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia lies to the south and the Sanctuary of Apollo to the north; the modern road separates the two ancient sanctuaries. The Sacred Way ends at the Temple of Apollo, where the Oracle of Delphi was located in antiquity. This provides two distinct points of reference for orientation: the north–south locations of the sanctuaries and the end point of the way. This distinction helps you understand the ancient site spatially, rather than treating the sanctuaries and the way as a single place.

The theatre and stadium at the archaeological site are also part of the history of the Pythian Games: in antiquity, they were held at these two venues every four years. This adds another facet to the sanctuaries and the oracle: ancient games held at specific locations. For a cultural stay, religious sites and the history of the competitions can therefore be considered as distinct interests.

Museums and accessibility

The Archaeological Museum of Delphi is fully accessible to people with physical disabilities. The permanent exhibition can be reached by lift and has a specially designed, unobstructed route. Accessibility therefore covers both access to the permanent exhibition and the route through it. Check the current accessibility information before your visit, as facility details may change. One exhibition was designed to highlight the Charioteer, among other things, as well as gold and ivory statues.

The Museum of the Delphic Festivals offers a different historical point of reference. It was built on the western heights of the city of Delphi at the time of the first Delphic Festival (1920). This provides a later historical marker alongside the ancient sanctuaries and games: the festival history and the ancient sites belong to different periods in Delphi’s cultural history.

A special vehicle is available in the wider area of the archaeological site for people with limited mobility to visit as far as the Temple of Apollo. The Ephorate of Antiquities of Phocis must be notified at least seven days in advance. Allow for this lead time and confirm availability before travelling. The museum and the special vehicle address different practical questions: at the museum, accessibility involves the lift and route through the exhibition; at the site, it involves vehicle service to the temple.

Discover more destinations: Mariolata, Lilaia, Monastiraki, Skaloma, Polydrosos Parnassos, Chrisso, Trizonia, Eptalofos.

For the broader travel overview: Phocis.