Why Delphi? A Museologist’s Perspective

We wanted to get under the skin of Delphi, to understand more about why everyone who visits feels it to be a special place, a place untouched by the ravages of the modern world and a place that seems to offer a deeper connection to oneself.

We reached out to the acclaimed museologist, and our Delphi Awakening tour guide, Penny Kolomvotsou to ask why - from her perspective - she considers Delphi to be special.

“I think Delphi is unique, because it celebrates diversity.

Everything about Delphi is inclusive: the landscape and the myths, the spirits and the Gods worshipped, the people that came and the people to come.

The “earth” and the “sky”, as they unite and everything else in this union, like the rocks, the mountains, the crystal clear limestone water and the trees contribute to its welcoming beauty. Great balance and harmony is found in every uneven pebble.

We all feel at “home” at Delphi and overwhelmed by its majestic essence. Even the name Delphoi -oi, concerns the people in the place, not just the people, not just the place, but the people in the place, and the space found within each of us.

When we tour Delphi,

• we speak about Poseidon causing earthquakes and the water. Straight ahead we see the polygonal wall which is still standing upright, after 2,500 years. It supports the fallen and yet present, in present times, temple of Apollo. Why? Because no stone in it, is like the previous stone or the next stone. Each one of them has to be equally important in order to contribute to its maximum strength. No artificial studs are needed, nor “glue”, according to a young student.

• we speak about Apollo who made space in Delphi for his brother Dionysus and we recall the mask that is used in the theatre and its power, the power to transform and to reach out for the Gods because the essence of Dionysus and the Titans are in us. Here in Delphi is the grave of Vachus and yet he is a God, he can never die…..

This is why it is important to come to Delphi.

To come with no expectations. To come alone or with friends, or to make friends.

And when you are there, you take a deep breath and close your eyes for a moment.

Not your ears, just your eyes.

This is why you have to come to Delphi …for the moment, before it’s gone, to feel complete and thankful to the life you have.

Because here, there is enough space for us all.”