Itea and Delphi
We woke up early in the morning and found ourselves in the quaint port town of Itea in the Gulf of Corinth. Such a wonderful way to start the day with the sun rising over the massive mountain range of Parnassus!! It was where we drove for visiting the sanctuary of Apollo.
We left Itea behind, drove through the dense olive forest of Amifissa, with its millions of olive trees, and arrived in the sacred land of Apollo in Delphi. According to the ancient Greek mythology the site was chosen by the god himself, the best, the most ideal place for setting his sanctuary, his place of worship. It was so obvious why: so perfectly “balanced,” rocky and steep, but, on the other hand, so peaceful and quiet; scenery that projected the nature of its patron god. Apollo was the god of sound, light and music but he was also the god of spirituality – inner peace – tranquility and moderation.
First we visited the archaeological site: we walked on the Sacred Way, we saw the remains of the buildings and temples, of the precious gifts and offerings as well. Even judging by the remains we could clearly understand how rich and wealthy, how important and prestigious the oracle was throughout the ancient times. People of antiquity travelled from all over, tried to be there on time in order to consult the god about their uncertain future – they had faith, they believed, they never doubted the will and wish of the Apollo.
After the time that we spent in the site, we visited the archaeological museum of Delphi where some of its precious, nicely preserved finds are kept through which we could capture not only the prosperity and the wealth of the ancient sanctuary but also the revolution of Greek art and primarily of sculpture.
The best example of all the emblematic figures of the museum’s collection is the famous bronze statue of the Charioteer. There it stood, in the last exhibition room: the young charioteer, calm and confident after his victory in the chariot race. What attracts attention and admiration is not only how it has been wonderfully preserved – not only its elegance, charm and grace but above all the genuine amazing vibrant eyes. It gives you the feeling that it is so alive, that it is about to move, that it will tell all about its long history and life and above all you can feel his eyes “following” you wherever you find yourself in the room.
We left the sacred land of Apollo and we followed our way back to the port of Itea where Panorama was waiting for us. To visit Delphi was an experience that cannot be forgotten.
