Central among the number of imposing ruins that are interspersed on the Southern slopes of Parnassos Mountain is the temple of Apollo. It is an imposing temple of the Doric order whose existence was woven through the turbulent history of the site, and endured numerous incarnations before it settled to the ruinous state we find it today. If the ancient Greeks hadn't chosen Delphi as their navel of the earth and built the Sanctuary of Apollo here, someone else would have thought of a good reason to make this eagle's eyrie village a tourist attraction. Its location on a precipitous cliff edge is spectacular and, despite its overt commercialism and the constant passage of tour buses through the modern village, it still has a special feel.

THINGS TO DO:

• The Treasury of the Athenians is one of the most important and impressive buildings designed to hold treasures sacrificed to Apollo at Delphi
• The Sanctuary of Apollo in Delphi is a compellingly beautiful and mysterious place full of history and myth, and one of the most atmospheric with magnificent views
• Delphi Archaeological museum houses the ancient artifacts that were found in Delphi
• The Sanctuary of Athena consists of several altars, temples, two treasuries and the mysterious Tholos. It is home to some of the most picturesque ruins at Delphi.
• The Monument of Aemilius Paullus, the earliest known Greco-Roman monument that depicts a historical event.