Castalian Spring
Κασταλία Πηγή
An ancient sacred spring between two cliffs, where pilgrims and the Pythia purified themselves; later regarded as the source of poetic inspiration.
The Castalian Spring lies at the mouth of the gorge between the twin cliffs of Phaedriades. In ancient times, those seeking oracles had to purify themselves here first. Two pools survive: a pool by the road from the Archaic period, and a spring chamber carved into the cliff from the Hellenistic–Roman period, with votive niches visible on the walls. Legend says that drinking its water brings the inspiration of the Muses, and poets such as Byron once visited. The spring lies beside the road between the main site and the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia. Admission is free, and a stop of about 15 minutes is enough. Stones sometimes fall from the cliffs, and some areas may be fenced off.
Opening hours
Open all day (some areas fenced off)
Nearby sights
- Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia (Tholos)
- Archaeological Site of Delphi (Sanctuary of Apollo)
- Delphi Archaeological Museum
- Museum of Delphic Festivals (Sikelianos House)
- Corycian Cave
- Olive Grove of Amfissa (Delphi Landscape)
- Arachova
- Itea