Delphi and Osios Loukas Byzantine Monastery

Two hours from Athens on the way to Delphi is the very famous city of Chaironeia. At the entrance of Chaironia, at a distance of 13 kilometers from Livadeia, next to the archaeological museum, stands a marble pedestal with a large lion. The tomb monument was erected in honor of the Theban hierarchs who fell in the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BC, in which the Macedonians emerged victorious. When after his victory Philip II allowed the burial of the dead, Leo of Chaeronea was erected to mark their burial place. Indeed, excavations at the site brought to light the skeletons of 254 men and some of their weapons. He is 5.50 m tall and is depicted sitting on his hind legs. The lion is considered to symbolize the heroism of the soldiers of Thebes, which Philip II himself had recognized.

On our way to Delphi we will pass through the village and winter resort of Arachova. We’re only 20 minutes away from our destination. Arachova is a small traditional village of Central Greece 1200m above sea level.

Delphi is the site of the god Apollo’s sanctuary. People of all social standings from all over Greece would flock to this place, bringing their tribute, hoping for an audience with Pythia, the high-priestess and oracle of Apollo. Her prophecies even shaped state policy. Eager to know the future and to secure the blessing of the Gods, citizens from all walks of life literally showered the Oracle with tributes and donations, resulting in the accumulation of enormous wealth which filled the Oracle’s treasury to the brim. Among the sights that you’ll have a chance to visit there, are the Temple of Apollo, the Castalian Spring, the Temple of Athena Pronaia, the theatre and the stadium. Then you can admire many important ancient Greek artifacts from the excavations at Delphi, including the famous statue of Antinoos. The tour of the site and the museum will last for three hours. It will be followed by an authentic Greek meal and then it’s time to head back to Athens.

The monastery lies on the west slope of Mt. Helikon, below the acropolis of ancient Steirion. It is enclosed by a wall and comprises two- and three-storeyed blocks of cells, a bell-tower at the SW corner, the Refectory on the south side and the two adjoining churches, at the centre of the enclosure. The monastery was founded by the hermit Loucas Stereiotis, who lived in the area from 945 A.D. until the day of his death, in 953 A.D. The church of the Theotocos was built while Loucas was alive. He was declared an Hossios of the Orthodox Church and His relics were cept in the church but were later moved to the crypt below the catholicon when this was built. After the visit on the Monastery will drive back to Athens .