Castalian Spring description and photos - Greece: Delphi (Topic)

Castalian Spring description and photos - Greece: Delphi. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The name in English is Castalian Spring.

Photo and description

The Kastalsky spring is located near 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 worship of Apollo in ancient Greece and the most authoritative oracle in the ancient world.

According to one of the versions, it is believed that the source received its name by the name of the nymph Castalia, who rushed 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, before visiting the oracle at the sanctuary of Apollo, also bathed in the waters of the spring. 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.

The 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 tiled and equipped with stone benches. Today, this bath is clearly visible from the road. Upper Castalia dates from the first century BC. e. and was built in the rock with special niches for gifts.

In modern language, the phrase "castalian source" means a source of inspiration.

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Topic: Castalian Spring description and photos - Greece: Delphi.