Sacred Way
Sacred Way is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Delphi audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~30 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type historic
- Suggested visit ~30 min
- Delphi Delphi guide
About Sacred Way
The processional road climbing through the sanctuary to Apollo's temple, once lined with about twenty treasuries and a forest of victory monuments raised by rival Greek cities.
The Sacred Way is the processional road that ascends through the Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi, running from the sanctuary entrance up to the terrace of the Temple of Apollo. It was flanked on both sides by treasuries and votive offerings that Greek city-states dedicated to commemorate military victories and important events. Roughly twenty treasuries lined the route, including those of the Athenians, Siphnians, Sikyonians, Thebans and Boeotians.
Near the top of the route stood the Tripod of Plataea, or Serpent Column, dedicated in 479 BC by thirty-one allied Greek cities from the spoils of their victory over Persia at Plataea; its bronze base was later removed to Constantinople and still stands in Istanbul. Other dedications included the Monument of the Admirals, set up by the Spartan general Lysander after Aegospotami in 405 BC. The traveller Pausanias described the road as crowded with statues and offerings.
Did you know? The Serpent Column's bronze base did not stay at Delphi. Constantine the Great moved it to Constantinople around AD 330, and it still stands in Istanbul's Sultanahmet square; a copy marks its old Delphi spot.
How long should you spend at Sacred Way?
Plan about ~30 min at Sacred Way. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Sacred Way worth visiting?
Sacred Way is one of the 12 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Delphi, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Delphi
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Sacred Way and read more:
Day 1 of the Delphi in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Sacred Way
Preview the Delphi tour free in the Gingerguide app.