Description of the attraction
Mount Parnassus is a limestone mountain in central Greece that rises above the city of Delphi to the north of the Gulf of Corinth. In fact, Parnassus is a vast mountain range from Eta to the Corinthian Sea, and Parnassus of Delphi is its highest point and has two peaks, Typhoreus and Lyokur. The slopes of the mountain are covered with dense forests, and there is snow on the top. Parnassus offers a picturesque view of the olive groves and villages below.
In the ancient world, Mount Parnassus was considered the focus of the earth, and ancient Delphi, whose ruins are located on the mountainside, the center of the Panhellenic state. Many myths and legends are associated with this mountain. In Greek mythology, this mountain was sacred to Apollo and the Korikian nymphs.
The Temple of Apollo with its famous Delphic Oracle was located on Mount Parnassus. The temple was the main center for the veneration of Apollo in ancient Greece, and the oracle was considered the most revered in the ancient world. Here is also the famous Kastal spring, in which pilgrims bathed before visiting the oracle. Healing properties were attributed to the source, and its waters were considered a source of inspiration. Here, in honor of Apollo, the famous Pythian Games were held, which ranked second in importance after the Olympic Games.
On Mount Parnassus and the adjacent territory, there is a Greek National Park with an area of 3500 hectares. It was founded in 1938 and is one of the oldest and largest parks in the country with the richest flora and fauna. Kefalonian spruce trees, alpine meadows, picturesque gorges and caves, rare species of animals and birds make this park a unique nature reserve.
In 1976, the Parnas ski resort was opened here. Excellent tracks of varying difficulty and length, good modern lifts, high traffic capacity and close proximity to the capital (only 180 km away) attract tourists from all over the world. You can stay overnight in the resort village of Arachova or in Delphi. The season is open from December to April.
