Day 3: Axis Mundi

On my final day in Athens, I journeyed to the center of the world, Mount Delphi. This place, as you can see by the photos, is tucked in the mountain side with winding marble stone ways and stone platforms cascading up and down the levels of the city temple. It was not only the spiritual center, but the political and cultural center of Greece.

Apollo's temple in Mount Delphi housed the Delphic oracle. She was not only a mythical homeric character, but a real priestess and vital member of Greek culture. She resided in Mount Delphi where great political figures from surrounding colonies would come to her for answers and guidance on important matters.

Besides Apollo's temple, there were numerous other sanctuaries. Mount Delphi was the common ground for all the Greek colonies. Even if there was war, each colony could come peacefully to Mount Delphi and honor their gods, families, and heritage.

Other than the temples and sanctuaries, there was one other key element to Mount Delphi that I was able to see: The Navel of the Earth! Apparantly, this is the stone that Kronos swallowed and threw up after mistaking it for Zeus...pretty gross...but cool! That is the tooth like stone structure in the one photo.

It was a long bus ride back to Athens, but I think this was a great way to end my time in this ancient city. Onto Nafplio!