Delos Island
a world Heritage site
In a slightly elevated position overlooking the sacred Lake and the Agora of the Italians you will find The Lions Terrace. (Originally nine marble lions)
Delos the sacred Island was the leading spiritual centre of ancient Greece. Apollo and Artemis were born here, two of the most important Gods. (In the Greek myth Leto anther of Zeus lovers landed at Delos and gave birth to the twin immortal Apollo and his sister Artemis)
Delos, is a small rocky island, 5km long and less than 1.5km wide flat landscape and bare. Mount Kynthos 112m is the highest peak. Some small bays around the island. It is estimated that in the early time of the 1st century BC, up to 30,000 people was living here. Today an unhabituated island.
Delos first inhabitants is likely to have build their homes on the top of the Kynthos Hill around 2.500 BC. The Kynthos Cave is mostly a man-made cave, roofed by large blocks of granite. The Cave is located near the summit of Kynthos Hill.
The excavations of Delos started in 1872-73 by the French School in Athens and are still ongoing
Delos Sacred Harbour
The residential area, the commercial sector
From the harbour follow the majestic sacred way to the sanctuary of Apollo (image the Apollo temple)
To your right in the picture Delos Archaeological Museum was built on-site in 1904 by the Archaeological Society of Athens Its original five rooms was expanded in 1931 and in 1972 to nine rooms.
Delos Archaeological Museum
Groups of Cycladic sculptures from the Archaic and Hellenistic (especially paintings) periods and objects of every day life and collection of vases from various periods,
Archaic Greece was the period in Greek history lasting from c. 800 BC to the second Persian invasion of Greece in 480 BC.
Source:Wikipedia
Hellenistic period covers the time in Mediterranean history after Classical Greece, between the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC and the death of Cleopatra VII (30 BC),[1] followed by the emergence of the Roman Empire,
Source:Wikipedia
The Ancient Theatre had a capacity of 5000 spectators.
Next to the Theatre was a large cistern to collect water, divided into 9 sections by arched partitions.
The richest and most densely occupied area of the ancient city was the theatre quarter, the houses of Dionysos, the Trident.
Panthers head from the mosaic floor of the house of Dionysos.
Take me to Delos
By boat
There are daily routes (except Monday )because the archaeological site is closed. Routes are available from Mykonos leaving the town harbour from 9am until 12.50pm daily. There are also boat tours from other Cycladic Islands (Tinos and Naxos).
Departure and return times are posted on the notice board at the old Jetty.
Delos Tours book you visit to Delos on line
Book tours by Locals
When Greek Gods Apollo and Artemis deem it a sacred place it's hard to argue with that and its UNESCO World Heritage Site status further supports this.
The entire island is the historical sight of ancient monuments where you can visit the three temples of Apollo as well as The Propylaea and The Terrace of the Lions to name but a few.