Tholos of Athena Pronaia — Attraction in Delphi Municipality

Our visit to the Tholos of Athena Pronaia was a peaceful and captivating experience that offered a unique contrast to the main Delphi Archaeological Site. This ancient sanctuary, a short drive from the central Delphi site, is nestled within Greece's beautiful, rugged landscape, bringing a sense of serenity to those who venture here.

After our time exploring the Delphi Archaeological Site and Museum, we headed towards the Tholos. Arriving at around 14:00, we parked alongside the road close to the entrance, finding it conveniently accessible. A few road signs pointed us in the right direction, and the main entrance, marked by a railing, provided a helpful landmark. We came prepared with water bottles, as the summer sun was intense, making hydration essential for a comfortable experience.

The path leading to the Tholos has a rustic charm, winding through patches of dirt and cobblestone that add to the site’s ancient character. The walk was enjoyable, but those with mobility challenges should be mindful, as the terrain can be uneven. As we reached the Tholos, we were greeted by the serene beauty of the circular structure surrounded by olive trees and green grape bushes. The contrast between this quiet grove and the grandeur of Delphi’s main sanctuary was striking, making this site feel almost like a hidden sanctuary.

The Tholos itself is an impressive piece of ancient Greek architecture, featuring Doric columns on the outer ring and Corinthian columns within. Dedicated to Athena, this circular temple stands as a testament to the refined craftsmanship of the Greeks, showcasing their ability to balance artistry with spiritual reverence. Standing amidst these columns, one can imagine the rituals and reverence that once filled this place.

Entry to the Tholos of Athena Pronaia is completely free, and the site is open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., allowing ample time to fit it into a day of exploring Delphi. This spot is a must-visit for anyone in the area, offering a unique, quieter perspective on ancient Greek spirituality and a tranquil place to reflect amidst stunning surroundings. We wholeheartedly recommend making the trip to experience this...

It requires a few minutes downhill walk to get here so be aware of that and bring appropriate shoes.

Parking: There is a car park towards the museum and also plenty of parking spots available on the side of the road.

Opening hours: the museum shuts early on some days so be aware of that when planning if you want to visit all sites.

The site location: The museum, the theater (and other sites on that side of the hill) and the Tholos of Athena are a few hundred meters walk from each other, you can either walk across to each or if it’s not so busy on the road then park by each location.

Ticket prices: are 12e each and the museum entry and all sites are included in the price.

Toilets: No toilets up on the hill where the temple of Apollo, stadium, theater etc are so be aware of that.

This is a must visit if you have the time when in Greece, it’s 2.5-3h drive from Athens but totally worth it.

Weather: Visiting in April was good because it wasn’t too hot yet. 20ish degrees. It’s outside and mainly exposed so if you’re visiting on the summer or hot times then bring sun protection.

Accommodation: There are hotels within 5min driving distance and most of them seem like good quality. I stayed at Nidimos in...

The sanctuary of Athena Pronaia is located roughly half mile from the main buildings at Delphi located on the terrace. The shrine was originally built at the gateway to Delphi and dedicated to the goddess Athena because it was her duty to protect her half brother Apollo. The terrace on which the sanctuary is situated was created through the use of the peribolos walls around the sanctuary. The sanctuary was enlarged several times, and there are several entrances to the terrace. .According to Vitruvius, this impressive building was raised in 380 BC on plans by the architect Theodoros of Phocea or Phocis, who even wrote a book about the way...