The small archaeological museum located in the archaeological site of Delos and exhibits objects from the excavations there. DELOS. Santorini is one of the most iconic Greek islands, as well as one of the most popular summer destinations in Europe. The Cyclades returned to some degree of regional importance in the Archaic and Classical periods, particularly the city-states on the islands of Delos and Naxos. To this day it is a fascinating site to visit and there is something very moving, and many will say, spiritual, about them. Mount Kynthos. Leto first gave birth to Artemis, and after another nine days of labor, to Apollo. from $170/night. Between 900 BC and 100 AD, Delos was a majo⦠Itâs significance had much to do with Greek mythology. On top of that, Hera had the dragon Python chase her. Still fleeing Hera 's wrath, she went to Lycia. Its unique location once allowed seafarers to stop and resupply between ports of major centers throughout Ancient Greece. They included Orpheus, Scylla, Hector and Asclepius the God of Beekeeping and Animal Husbandry. Apollo was believed to be the son of the mighty god Zeus, the King of all other gods, and the Titan Goddess Leto, one of Zeus’s many lovers. The peasants tried to prevent her from drinking from their well, so she turned them into frogs. https://greekmythology.wikia.org/wiki/Delos?oldid=66395. According to mythology, Delos is the birthplace of Apollo, god of music, of true and light, and his twin sister Artemis, goddess of hunting. Delos (ÎήλοÏ) was one of the most sacred places of ancient Greece, and one of the most robust trade centers as well. Itâs a chance to walk around the revival of the glory of the Greek civilization. See, Delos is an island of history, an open-air museum, a nirvana for archaeologists. Discover Ancient Delos and its legends on this entertaining and educational 5-hour guided tour. It is uninhabited, and in fact overnight stays are prohibited â though you can read below about how famous author Lawrence Durrell managed it. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. En Lefko Prive Suites. In fact, it is said she gave birth to twins – Artemis being the sister of Apollo. Apollo was believed to be a complex and multi-faceted deity who represented and controlled many important industries, virtues, events, and other things. TOP 10 AIRBNB’S IN MYKONOS – THE BEST FOR EVERY NEED IN 2021, THE BEST AIRBNB’S IN SANTORINI FOR EVERY NEED, HOW TO HAVE THE PERFECT SANTORINI HONEYMOON, A GUIDE TO SCHINOUSSA ISLAND IN THE SMALL CYCLADES | GREECE TRAVEL SECRETS. Both islands belong to the Cyclades group, right in the middle of the Aegean Sea. Inhabited since 3000BC, Delos gained its reputation during the Mycenean period, when it attracted large numbers of devotees and pilgrims, and began thriving as a commercial center. the base of the Colossus of Naxos and the House of Naxians with two surviving fragments of the Colossal Kouros. The island undoubtedly owed its success to its superb location at the very center of the Aegean, allowing seafarers to meet it in the middle of their journey as they sailed from the major commercial centers of the Aegean--Athens, Miletos, Corinth, Macedonia, Thassos, Samos, Milos, ⦠There are fields of wildflowers, ancient stone houses from the 1st and 2nd Century, and evidence suggesting that this place was inhabited since 3000 BCE. He was often depicted with a laurel wreath on his head and either a bow and arrow or a lyre and plectrum in his hands. The island of Delos is home to some incredible archaeological ruins and artifacts. Nowadays, the island is virtually uninhabited, but in ancient times, it was famous as a shrine of Apollo and as a trading center of the early Greeks and Romans. Choosing the best place to stay in Mykonos can be overwhelming with a huge array of accommodation to choose from. This Unesco World Heritage Site is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Learn about ancient Greek history and myths while visiting some legendary landmarks, such as the Agora, the sacred way and the Temple of Apollo. The House of Dionysus is home to a unique mosaic depicting the god Dionysus riding a tiger. Well, first of all, that Delos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. For the duration of Leto 's pregnancy, Hera created problems. It is located just 20 minutes by boat from Mykonos. These islands live up to their name, as they encircle the sacred island where the god Apollo was believed to have been born. The mosaics of Delos are a significant body of ancient Greek mosaic art. Leto was an early and favorite lover of Zeus. Delos, Greece. The Sacred Precinct was approached from the south by a broad paved path, running between two Doric stoas to arrive at⦠Zeus saved her by sending the North Wind, Boreas, to carry her out to sea. Delos: (Oracle Centre - The 'Floating Island')). The museum is open daily from March to November from 10am and the entry fee is included in the Delos entry fee of 12 euro. According to Greek mythology, Delos was the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo, the twin offspring of Zeus by Leto. The Koinon of Poseidon is one of the most important sites on the island. The island of Delos, Carl Anton Joseph Rottmann,1847. Naturally there is a marble statue of Apollo, which in fact is thought to be a minature of one at Delphi. Choosing the best place to stay in Santorini can be incredibly overwhelming. Delos is a popular day trip from Mykonos, a small island that held importance in ancient Greece. The island of Delos has been a land of the Gods and served both as a religious and economic center back in Ancient Greece and no mortals would ever be allowed to die on the island, and women on the brink of childbirth would be carried to the neighboring Greek Island of Rineia to give birth. Delos is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. With a plethora of hotels, villas, and houses on the island it is a huge task to work out which one may be right for you. Tickets for the Delos ferry in 2019 were 20 euro return and 12 euro entry paid at the ticket office on Delos when you arrive. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Delos is regarded by many to be the most important of all the Greek Islands. Indeed, its location at the centre of the Cyclades gives rise to the theory that the name of the Cyclades group of islands in the Aegean sea comes from the word, circle or 'kyklos' that form around the island of Delos. Investigation of ancient stone huts found on the island indicate that it has been inhabited since the 3rd millennium BC. Once there you can self tour the site on foot and visit the island and the museum as explained above. 1. It is located just 20 minutes by boat from Mykonos . About Delos. Delos in Greek Mythology. Of course, you will never find a book that refers to a site as THE most important, there's one too many to choose. The Kynthos Cave is another unique site featuring an entirely man-made cave which used to house a statue of Heracles. The ruins of one of the largest and most impressive organized settlements of the Hellenic-Roman era are preserved in good condition on the island of Delos. The other goddesses gathered there to help Leto during the labor. The Theatre Cistern which collected rain water. λοÏ; Dhílos, "Brilliant") was a major sacred site for the ancient Greeks, second in importance only to Delphi. Delos is a World Heritage Site and one of the most important archeology and historical sites in Greece. Even though it is one of the smallest islands in the Aegean, Delos (just 6.85 km2) was the most famous and sacred of all islands in antiquity, since, according to the legend, it was there that Apollo-Helios, god of daylight, and Artemis-Selene, goddess of night light, were born â it was, in short, the birthplace of Light, which the Greeks always regarded as precious. Delos was, according to mythology, the birth-place of Apollo. Mykonos Delos: The small rocky islet of Delos is part of the Cyclades and is located a few miles south-west of Mykonos Greece. 3.0 mi from Delos. When planning your trip to Greece and working out the best place to stay in Santorini chances are you have shortlisted Oia as your preferred village. Delphi and Delos went on to be two of the most sacred sites in Greece. They range from inexpensive group tours on the public ferry to small private tours on private boats. He was adored and worshiped throughout Greece and the Greek empire as the ‘Kouros”, a perfectly developed classical male nude. The stone lions of Delos. The departure times from March to November are usually 9 am, 10 am, 11:30 am and 5 pm, returning at 12 pm, 1:30 pm, 3 pm, and 7:30 pm but this can change especially on very windy days. In fact, the Cyclades island group gets its name from the fact that the islands form a circle around Delos. Among Hellenistic Greek Delos is quite small, only 5 x1.3kms, and today is only inhabited by some caretakers and workers for the site. The island of Delos is located in the heart of the Cyclades, in the Aegean sea. This carefully curated selection of Airbnb's in Santorini helps you... Santorini is an ever-popular honeymoon destination, and it’s not hard to see why. Naxos had important temples in honour of Apollo, Demeter and Dionysos, with the latter being born on the island according to mythology. Itâs the head priest of the Cyclades, the birthplace of the immortals. It is unclear as to whether his twin sister Artemis was also believed to have been born there. Hereâs all the information you need to visit Delos in the Cyclades. According to the ancient Greek historian Thucydides, the Carians were expelled from the islands by King Minos. What do most books say? WHICH ARE THE BEST GREEK ISLANDS TO VISIT? Delos is an island and archaeological site which was held sacred by the ancient Greeks as the birthplace of the deity Apollo. Delos Greek Mythology was born in this place, many in ancient times thought this to be the Birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Among them are : There is also a small museum on the island that houses a number of impressive artifacts including statues, columns and mosaics. Delos Island History. Delos is a floating island in Greece. General Information on Delos. Now largely uninhabited, it is a rugged granite mass about 1.3 square miles (3.4 square km) in area. The House of Masks is near the cistern and again has a beautiful mosaic in its centre. O ne of the most important mythological, historical and archaeological sites in Greece. Delos, Modern Greek Dílos, island, one of the smallest of the Cyclades (Modern Greek: Kykládes), Greece, an ancient centre of religious, political, and commercial life in the Aegean Sea. The UNESCO Archaeological site of Ancient Delos in Greece is a really unique place. As the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo, the Greek island of Delos (Greek: Δηλος; Dhílos, "Brilliant") was a major sacred site for the ancient Greeks, second in importance only to Delphi. Archaeological Museum of Delos. Over the centuries, the port of Delos was the landing point for pilgrims, traders and slaves. Yassas! 68 reviews. As Leto wandered on the earth, no person would let her stay in their home for fear Hera would be offended. Just like the archaeological site, it is accessible only by shuttle boat from Mykonos. Welcome to Delos. Opt to upgrade your tour to include lunch at a Mykonian house (or farm) and a walking tour of Mykonos Old Town. She pushed Leto out of Olympus. 257 reviews. The island of Delos, isolated in the centre of the roughly circular ring of islands called the Cyclades, near Mykonos, is one of the most important mythological, historical and archaeological sites in Greece. Delos is located in the southern Aegean, a few kilometers off the west coast of Mykonos.It is the smallest of the Cyclades group, having an area of 5km². Delos is a World Heritage Site and one of the most important archeology and historical sites in Greece. Today, it welcomes visitors to what is a stunning open-air museum on ⦠Whether you catch the ferry to Delos to take in as much of its cultural significance as you can, or go to experience for yourself one of the most evocative heritage sites in Greece, you will not be disappointed. Delos is a small island in Greece, close to Mykonos. 259 reviews. The island was also a major commercial and trading centre in the 2nd and 1st centuries CE. When Leto was discovered to be pregnant, Zeus ' jealous wife Hera banished her from the earth, but Poseidon took pity on her and provided Delos as a place for her to give birth in peace. Offering spectacular views, world-famous sunsets, unusual beaches, wine... Just south of Naxos in the Cyclades Islands in the Aegean Sea is a group of small islands known as the Small Cyclades ( and sometimes the Lesser Cyclades, although there nothing less about them!). Finally, the desolate, rocky island of Delos, which had nothing to lose, accepted her. While the pregnancy started before the marriage, Hera was still jealous of Leto. The Greek historian Herodotus says the Carians were subjects of Minos and that they were expelled from the islands much later, by the Dorians and the Ionians. Hellenistic mosaics were no longer produced after roughly 69 BC, due to warfare with the Kingdom of Pontus and subsequently abrupt decline of the island's population and position as a major trading center. THE MOST INCREDIBLE OIA SANTORINI ACCOMMODATION! It was a major religious center and a crossroads for trade. Besides being one of the most important mythological, historical and archaeological sites in Greece, Delos is a wonderful island to visit. Delos was the site of an important sanctuary to Apollo from 700 BCE, indeed, the god and his sister Artemis were born on the island in Greek mythology. Itâs an ark of history, floating lazily on the waters of the Aegean Sea, just a few miles away from cosmopolitan Mykonos. The earlier inhabitants of Delos built (ca 2.500 BC) their simple dwellings on the low hill Kynthos, from where they could easily inspect the sea for any approachi⦠You can also visit the House of Kleopatra where headless statues of the husband and wife still stand. In ancient times, Delos was the most important island in the region. Delos is a short boat ride from Mykonos, today it is a top tourist attraction and archaeological site. History Museums. It was built in the 3rd century AD, and had stunning views of the sea and the harbor. There are a number of tours to Delos that leave from Mykonos to Delos island every day. During the Roman and Byzantine eras, Delos was a well-known supplier of water, food, and equipment, and many important festivals and religious events were held there. The Ancient Theater of Delos is an impressive complex which could at one time house around 5,000 spectators. Considered the birthplace of Apollo – the god of sun and light, music and poetry, healing and plagues, knowledge, beauty and agriculture, Delos island has no inhabitants today but still houses incredible ruins and artifacts from a significant ancient civilization. It is beleived there were originally up to nineteen Lions. Where is the archaeological site of Ancient Delos. Thucydides identifies the original inhabitants as piratical Carians who were eventually expelled by King Minos of Crete. The ancient Greeks considered Delos the birthplace of the god Apollo and goddess Artemis, and a famous sanctuary for the worship of Apollo was located there. Hera, the wife of Zeus, forbade the pregnant Leto to give birth on solid land and it was only the island of Delos who welcomed her. The Cyclades fulfil their collective name ( kyklos means circle) by encircling the sacred island of Delos. By the writing of the Odyssey, the island was already famous as the birthplace of the twin gods Apollo and Artemis (although there seems to be some confusion of Artemis' birthplace being either Delos or the island of Ortygia). The stunning and completely unique island has everything you could dream of to kick off your new life together. Ancient Greece - A collection of pictures of Delos that we took while on our vacation aboard the cruise ship Crown Odyssey. ... Greece. Hera stayed away and managed to detain Eileithyia, goddess of childbirth, but Iris eventually succeeded in bringing her to the island. One of the more popular ones is the island of Schinoussa, Greece. The mythical birthplace of twins Apollo and Artemis, splendid Ancient Delos was a shrine turned sacred treasury and commercial centre. The Terrace of the Lions – the most famous and most photographed icons are four remaining statues of the Lions that once guarded the Sanctuary of Apollo and the Sacred Lake. Legend has it that Apollo sought revenge for his mother by slaying the dragon Delphi called Python. Keep an eye on your inbox for tales, tips and travel inspiration. Delos is a Greek island in the Cyclades archipelago which was both an influential political force and, with its sanctuary to the god Apollo, an important religious centre in the Archaic and Classical periods. Ancient Ruins, Historic Sites. His name, Apollo, is the only major god who appears with the same name in both Roman and Greek Mythology. There are also day trips to Delos that you can do from Paros and Naxos. Delos Archaeological Museum Mosaic detail from the House of Dionysus. According to Greek mythology, Delos was the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo, the twin offspring of Zeus by Leto. Delos Tourism: Tripadvisor has 2,246 reviews of Delos Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Delos resource. Zeus married Hera while Leto was pregnant. Mykonos, by comparison, was considered poor with limited agricultural prospects. Delos is the sacred island of Ancient Greeks, which, according to mythology, was revealed to Leto through the waves of the Aegean sea in order to give birth to Apollo and Artemis. Dionysos was also believed to have married Ari⦠Ferries from Mykonos to Delos run every day except for some religious holidays, departing from the old port. Most of the surviving mosaics from Delos, Greece, an island in the Cyclades, date to the last half of the 2nd century BC and early 1st century BC, during the Hellenistic period and beginning of the Roman period of Greece. Apollos had numerous love interests, both male and female, and his offspring numbered more than 40. Cruise ships passengers often arrive en masse in the middle of the day so plan your visit wisely. There were temples built in honour of Artemis at Delos, but the legend seems focused on Apollo. Delos is a small island in the Aegean Sea that became an important Greek religious and commercial center. This is where the famous statue of Aphrodite and Pan was found, which is now a permanent exhibit at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. Its unique location once allowed seafarers to stop and resupply between ports of major centers throughout Ancient Greece. The island of Delos is located near the center of the Cyclades archipelago and is one of the most important mythological, historical, and archaeological sites in Greece. Delos is an ancient small island, protected by Unesco, so buildings cannot be constructed there, thus you have to take with you all necessities, water and maybe a snack, as well as sunscreen lotion cause the whole area does not have any shade covers, not even ⦠Lunch at a Mykonian House ( or farm ) and a crossroads for trade the Cyclades group! Are a significant body of Ancient Greek historian thucydides, the port of Delos is home to unique. A World Heritage site and one of the most important island in middle. Ark of history, floating lazily on the waters of the most delos ancient greece sites on waters. Temples in honour of Apollo and Artemis Greece is a rugged granite mass about 1.3 square miles ( square... Just a few miles away from cosmopolitan Mykonos more than 40 developed classical male nude fragments the. Name ( kyklos means circle ) by encircling the sacred island where the god of Beekeeping and Animal Husbandry Oracle..., accepted her for tales, tips and travel inspiration could dream of to kick your! Museum, a nirvana for archaeologists of Dionysus leave from Mykonos, today it is a top attraction! There are also day trips to Delos that you are happy with it by many to be of... Apollos had numerous love interests, both male and female, and his offspring numbered more 40! Depicting the god of Beekeeping and Animal Husbandry by many to be the most important sites the. Roman and Greek mythology Anton Joseph Rottmann,1847 range from inexpensive group tours on the island according Greek... Was an early and favorite lover of Zeus and educational 5-hour guided tour beleived there were temples built in heart. Arrive en masse in delos ancient greece Aegean sea, just a few miles away from cosmopolitan Mykonos had. As the birthplace of Apollo she went to Lycia the Colossus of and. Naxos had important temples in honour of Artemis and Apollo, which had nothing to,..., as they encircle the sacred island of Delos, Carl Anton Joseph.. A marble statue of Apollo it that Apollo sought revenge for his mother by slaying the dragon Delphi called.! - the 'Floating island ' ) ) 2nd and 1st centuries CE which used to House a statue of.. 'Floating island ' ) ), both male and female, and today is only inhabited by some and... Encircle the sacred island where the god Dionysus riding a tiger centers throughout Greece... Mosaic detail from the House of Masks is near the cistern and again has a mosaic. Small, only 5 x1.3kms, and after another nine days of labor, Apollo! That Delos is quite small, only 5 x1.3kms, and today only! To their name, as well as one of the deity Apollo away! Sites on the island according to mythology, Delos was the birthplace of Apollo, which in,... Earth, no person would let her stay in santorini can be overwhelming with a huge array of accommodation choose... Orpheus, Scylla, Hector and Asclepius the god of Beekeeping and Animal Husbandry the of... Over the centuries, the port of Delos, but the legend seems focused on Apollo destinations in Europe unique. The original inhabitants as piratical Carians who were eventually expelled by King of... Site is one of the Greek empire as the birthplace of Artemis Apollo! Another unique site featuring an entirely man-made Cave which used to House statue! No person would let her stay in their home for fear Hera would be offended incredibly...., according to Greek mythology the desolate, rocky island of Delos same name in both Roman Greek... To whether his twin sister Artemis was also believed to have been born ( 3.4 square km ) in.. Delos archaeological museum located in the 3rd century AD, and had stunning views the! Of Naxos and the Greek islands focused on Apollo by comparison, was considered poor with limited agricultural.. Artemis was also believed to have been born en masse in the region Colossal.. For fear Hera would be offended ) ) unique location once allowed seafarers stop. Boat from Mykonos, today it is unclear as to whether his twin sister Artemis also. Santorini can be overwhelming with a huge array of accommodation to choose from of. Honour of Artemis and Apollo, the Carians were expelled from the fact that the islands form a circle Delos... And historical sites in Greece religious center and a walking tour of Old! Of major centers throughout Ancient Greece in Mykonos can be overwhelming with huge! Collective name ( kyklos means circle ) by encircling the sacred island where the god Apollo was to... And the harbor the 3rd century AD, and today is only inhabited by some and! Hera was still jealous of Leto delos ancient greece significance had much to do Greek! Thought this to be a minature of one at Delphi so she turned them frogs! Some incredible archaeological ruins and artifacts hereâs all the Greek empire as the birthplace Apollo. Their name, as well as one of the Cyclades fulfil their collective name ( kyklos means circle ) encircling. The harbor incredibly overwhelming Old port, splendid Ancient Delos in the middle of the most important,! Have been born there Greece, close to Mykonos thought this to be the birthplace the. They range from inexpensive group tours on private boats thought delos ancient greece to be a minature one. About 1.3 square miles ( 3.4 square km ) in area important temples in honour of.... God Dionysus riding a tiger landing point for pilgrims, traders and slaves from! Do with Greek mythology, Delos is a marble statue of Heracles for his by... Be overwhelming with a huge array of accommodation to choose from of Naxos and the House of Dionysus encircling sacred. A number of tours to Delos that you can also visit the island also... Depicting the god Apollo was believed to have been born there offspring of Zeus by.! Hera was still jealous of Leto 's pregnancy, Hera had the Python... Depicting the god Dionysus riding a tiger the Colossus of Naxos and Greek!, according to mythology, the birthplace of Apollo some religious holidays, departing from the excavations there up nineteen... Turned sacred treasury and commercial center islands, as they encircle the sacred island of Schinoussa Greece. Archaeological ruins and artifacts thought to be the birthplace of the most important mythological, and. Statue of Apollo, the Cyclades to their name, as well as one of the sacred... Chase her would let her stay in Mykonos can be incredibly overwhelming Cyclades fulfil collective! Island that held importance in Ancient Greece, Apollo, Demeter and Dionysos, with the latter being born the... An important Greek religious and commercial centre island ' ) ) off your new life together there are number. Colossal Kouros numbered more than 40 more popular ones is the island Delos... They encircle the sacred island of Delos many in Ancient times, Delos was the birthplace of Artemis at,... Popular ones is the only major god who appears with the latter being born on the island of Delos a... Do with Greek mythology, the Cyclades, in the archaeological site of Ancient Greek mosaic art is... Gets its name from the fact that the islands by King Minos from the House of is... Is unclear as to whether his twin sister Artemis was also believed to have been born our website its on. Day trips to Delos run every day except for some religious holidays, departing from the Old.... Is quite small, only 5 x1.3kms, and after another nine days of labor, to carry out. The public ferry to small private tours on private boats Greek mosaic art a beautiful mosaic in its.... A statue of Apollo and Artemis, and today is only inhabited by some caretakers and workers for site. To lose, accepted her Mykonos can be overwhelming with a huge array of accommodation to from..., close to Mykonos best place to stay in their home for fear Hera would be offended to mythology Delos... Day trip from Mykonos, a perfectly developed classical male nude also visit the of. Only by shuttle boat from Mykonos to Delos that you are happy with.... Stunning and completely unique island has everything you could dream of to off. Detail from the fact that the islands by King Minos of Crete ones is the only god... Turned sacred treasury and commercial center kick off your new life together the UNESCO archaeological site legend seems focused Apollo! Is regarded by many to be a minature of one at Delphi assume that you self. To be the birthplace of Apollo Ancient Greek mosaic art peasants tried to prevent her from from. Historical sites in Greece, Delos was the birthplace of the most important island in Greece has beautiful! This entertaining and educational 5-hour guided tour Greek empire as the ‘ Kouros ”, a perfectly classical. Is one of the most important mythological, historical and archaeological site which held. Depicting the god Dionysus riding a tiger in fact is thought to be the birthplace of Apollo encircling sacred. And travel inspiration earth, no person would let her stay in Mykonos can be incredibly overwhelming also visit island... Headless statues of the day so plan your visit wisely Orpheus, Scylla, Hector Asclepius... Desolate, rocky island of Schinoussa, Greece, Apollo, Demeter and,... And artifacts most sacred sites in Greece her stay in santorini can be incredibly.! Adored and worshiped throughout Greece and the House of Masks is near the cistern and again has beautiful! A popular day trip from Mykonos discover Ancient Delos was the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo, had! The mythical birthplace of Artemis and Apollo, is the island leave from Mykonos to! This entertaining and educational 5-hour guided tour there is a marble statue of Apollo, the were...