Delphi is located in upper central Greece, on multiple plateaux along the slope of Mount Parnassus, and includes the Sanctuary of Apollo, the site of the ancient Oracle.This semicircular spur is known as Phaedriades, and overlooks the Pleistos Valley. In myths dating to the classical period of Ancient Greece (510-323 BC), Zeus determined the site of Delphi when he sought to find the centre of.

Official name Archaeological Site of Delphi Type Cultural Criteria i, ii, iii, iv and vi Designated 1987 (12th ) Reference no. State Party Region Delphi (;: Δελφοί ), formerly also called Pytho (Πυθώ), is famous as the ancient sanctuary that grew rich as the seat of, the who was consulted about important decisions throughout the ancient classical world.

Moreover, the Greeks considered Delphi the (or centre) of the world, as represented by the stone monument known as the. It occupies an impressive site on the south-western slope of, overlooking the coastal plain to the south and the valley of.

It is now an extensive archaeological site with nearby. It is recognised by as a in having had a phenomenal influence in the ancient world, as evidenced by the rich monuments built there by most of the important ancient Greek city-states, demonstrating their fundamental unity. Delphi among the main Greek sanctuaries Delphi is located in upper central Greece, on multiple plateaux along the slope of, and includes the Sanctuary of (the god of light, knowledge and harmony), the site of the ancient. This semicircular spur is known as, and overlooks the Pleistos Valley. In myths dating to (510-323 BC), Zeus determined the site of Delphi when he sought to find the centre of his 'Grandmother Earth' (). He sent two eagles flying from the eastern and western extremities, and the path of the eagles crossed over Delphi where the, or navel of Gaia was found. Earlier myths include traditions that, or the Delphic oracle, already was the site of an important oracle in the pre-classical Greek world (as early as 1400 BC) and, rededicated from about 800 BC, when it served as the major site during classical times for the worship of the god.

Apollo was said to have slain, a 'drako' a serpent or a dragon who lived there and protected the of the. 'Python' (derived from the verb πύθω ( pythō), 'to ') is claimed by some to be the original name of the site in recognition of Python which Apollo defeated. The recalled that the ancient name of this site had been Krisa. Others relate that it was named Pytho (Πυθώ) and that Pythia, the priestess serving as the oracle, was chosen from their ranks by a group of priestesses who officiated at the temple. Excavation at Delphi, which was a post-Mycenaean settlement of the late 9th century, has uncovered artifacts increasing steadily in volume beginning with the last quarter of the 8th century BC. Pottery and bronze as well as tripod dedications continue in a steady stream, in contrast to. Neither the range of objects nor the presence of prestigious dedications proves that Delphi was a focus of attention for a wide range of worshippers, but the large quantity of valuable goods, found in no other mainland sanctuary, encourages that view.