The centre of the world

After packing up and leaving Patras I was bound for Arachova. On the way though I noticed the Castle of Nafpaktos was en route. I am sure you have noticed by now that I quite like castle ruins. This one is in pretty good nick and was built by the Venetians on the site where the old ancient acropolis used to be. Even the walls that stretch to the sea include parts of ancient walls. Driving up to the Castle’s entrance you even get to drive between a gap in the walls. This Castle views the bay of Patras, which I also got to drive over coming in across the Rion-Antirion Bridge. It took about 3 minutes to drive across and cost €13.70, it’s a lot more impressive a bridge to drive over than the West Gate. Coming around this way though let me see the castle and it also reduced my trip by about an hour forty five.

I then continued onwards to the centre of the world, Ancient Delphi. Mythology has it that Zeus sent two golden Eagles off in opposite directions; one to the east and one to the west in search of the naval of the world. The Eagles met at what became Delphi and Zeus threw down a stone and marked the spot of their meeting. This stone was then held in the Temple of Apollo at Delphi on top of Phython’s tomb.

It’s believed that the sacred site belonged to Gaia and was guarded by her son Python. Until Apollo came along and killed Python and founded his oracle there. It really is that grand of a site that it’s worthy of Gods all wanting a piece of it. The Apollo and Athena Temples were built towards the end of the 7th Century BC but there is archaeological evidence that a Mycenaean settlement was there around 1600 – 1100 BC and a sanctuary devoted to Gaia (or Athena) in 1400 BC.

This site was incredible! I think it’s one of my favourites. If I was a God and someone wanted to build me a temple and sanctuary this is a wonderful spot and I wouldn’t be complaining about it. I would probably come and visit often and chill out. In fact I managed to find a seat in some shade overlooking the Temple of Apollo and the incredible view and happily sat there for some time just taking it all in (and sharing it on my insta stories of course). One thing I really enjoy about visiting these sites on my own is that I can just sit as long as I want somewhere without feeling like I am annoying somebody else, or holding them up, or any of that. I get to just be.

I actually stopped in at the archaeological museum first before visiting the site. It really does make a difference helping form the visuals of what things may have looked like and imagining the people that were there. By the time I finished looking around I was perfectly timed to continue 15 minutes down the road to Arachova and check in to my accomodation.

This is a lovely mountain village and the host of where I was staying was amazing, and so was the place. I chilled out for a little bit and then I went for a walk and got some dinner, scoping out the village along the way. It was nice to have such a lovely space to be in and not having anything specific planned as seeing Delphi was the plan in this area and I had done that. The next day I actually just took it really chill, I went and looked at the Arachova Folklore museum, picked up some food to take back to my accomodation, and I just relaxed. I decided not to go anywhere to see anything instead I spent the rest of my day mostly on the couch. It was really nice to let myself have a day off especially as I knew I had a 4 – 5 hour drive coming up the next day.