Dawn over Delphi
Greetings and welcome to the continuing story of our trip back to the USA. After Olympia and the long drive to Delphi we had a good night of sleep and started out just after dawn to visit the ruins of Ancient Delphi.
The Sanctuary of Apollo
For those that remember their Greek history/mythology, Delphi was home of the famous Oracle (in the form of a series of women who fullfilled the role), who was consulted for essentially every major question or decision made by the leaders of the various Greek states. The Oracle delivered her prophecies from the Sanctuary of Apollo, the most impressive building at the site.
Athenian Treasury (reconstructed)
In addition to the Sanctuary, the complex contained treasury buildings from each of the Greek states, where they would store and display all their donations and offerings to the Oracle.
Theater, Delphi
Delphi was also a worship center of Dionysis, and festivals were held in his name featuring the arts as well as the Pythian Games, second in importance only to the Olympics.
Stadium, Delphi
In addition to the main complex, Delphi was also home to an important tholos (round) Temple of Athena.
Temple of Athena, Delphi
After Delphi we hadded North towards Meteora, passing by Mt. Parnassos, home of the mythical Roc, and accross the high plains that are the breadbasket of Greece.
Mt. Parnassos
Greek plains
Along the way we passed a lot of trucks from Bulgaria, all of whom seemed to be carrying the Bulgarian version of Red Bull
Pit Bull, stronger than Red Bull
Finally, we arrived in Meteora, home of the ‘Stone Forest’ a collection of towering stone pinnacles topped by orthodox monasteries.
Meteora
The next day we visited several of the monasteries, getting a pretty good workout in the process and climbing A LOT of steps.
Grand Meteora Monastery
Monastery of St. Varvaras Rousanou
Holy Trinity Monastery
In addition to being spectacular from the outside, the monasteries are richly decorated within.
Icons, Holy Trinity Monastery
After Meteora we had a long drive back to Athens, stopping on the way at Thermopolae to check out the monument and statue of Leonidas. It was here that the Spartans held back the massive Persian army for 3 days.
Statue of Leonidas