Description of the attraction
The Kastalsky spring is located next to the ancient city of Delphi on the slope of the sacred mountain Parnassus. He was revered as the sacred source of the god Apollo and the muses. According to ancient Greek mythology, it was here that Apollo killed the dragon Python, who guarded the entrance to the shrine, and took possession of the oracle. The Delphic temple with an oracle was considered the main center of Apollo worship in ancient Greece and the most authoritative oracle in the ancient world.
According to one of the versions, it is believed that the source got its name from the name of the nymph Castalia, who threw herself into this source from Apollo, who was pursuing her. The spring provided drinking water and water for the oracular priestesses, the so-called pythias, who performed ritual ablutions here before divination. Ancient pilgrims also bathed in the waters of the spring before visiting the oracle at the sanctuary of Apollo. According to legend, only murderers were ordered to perform complete ablution, while the rest could only wash their hair. The waters of the Kastalsky spring are credited with medicinal properties and a rejuvenating effect. Also, the sacred waters were considered a source of inspiration and were especially revered by poets and musicians.
Two springs fed by the Kastalsky spring have survived to this day. They were discovered during archaeological excavations in 1878 (Upper Kastalia) and in 1960 (Lower Kastalia). Lower Kastalia was built around 600-590. BC. next to the ancient road. It is a rectangular structure with a stone basin, into which water came from a source through a pipeline hidden underground. The courtyard is paved with tiles and equipped with stone benches. Today, this bath is clearly visible from the road. Upper Castalia dates from the first century BC. NS. and built in the rock with special niches for gifts.
In modern language, the phrase "castal source" means a source of inspiration.
