GENERAL INFORMATION
Few if any- regions worldwide may be accustomed to welcoming visitors as Fokida has been. Men travelling from the most distant corners of the known world would come to consult the Oracle of Apollo in Delphi, seeking the guidance and counsel of the wise god channeled through the voice of Pythia, Apollo is high priestess. Whether they would find this we cannot know. What is certain is that they enjoyed warm hospitality in a most beauteous natural setting. And though the voice of Apollo has long been silenced by the Apostles, the land itself holds no less charm than it did two and a half millennia ago. The people of Fokida, numbering little more than 50000, have focused on upholding their tradition, offering tourist services which combine professionalism and experience with a distinct personal touch.
HISTORY-CULTURE
The first settlements found in Fokida date back into the Neolithic era. By the time of the Bronze age, the region had grown strong enough to participate in the Trojan war with a force of 40 manned ships. Later on, the 22 largest city-states of Fokida formed a league of respectable influence, possessing considerable political and military prowess. Yet the true source of power in Fokida was never of such earthly means. The influence of the Oracle of Delphi was unsurpassed throughout antiquity. Its treasure holds contained offerings from leading figures from all over the world, including proud generals and boisterous emperors. This constituted one of the most renowned treasures of the ancient world. And though many tried to get their share of this wealth, it seemed as if Apollo himself was taking care of his own; even without direct military power, Delphi enjoyed a state of independence, successfully resisting three efforts to take over it. Each time, the city managed to secure the most prominent city-state in Greece as its protector. Pythia, the main priestess of the Oracle, whose voice was said to be Apollo himself, uttered many legendary phrases, all riddles delivered in a Laconic manner. Romans were the first to sack the sacred city, taking much of its treasures along with most of its statues back to Rome. Byzantines, Franks and Turks followed, until the region was finally liberated after the Greek War for Independence, which began in 1821. Once again, the region supplied many fighters to the cause, aiding enormously the national struggle.
SIGHTS
It is difficult to begin a presentation of Delphi without saying too much, because anything less is too little. Few places enjoy such worldwide fame, and fewer still justify it as convincingly as Delphi does. Even if man had never laid here a single stone on top of another, this place would remain enchanting. From a height of some 600 meters on the mountain side, the location enjoys a splendid view to the deep blue waters of the Corinthian Gulf. It also provides a clear advantage in overlooking the surrounding hillsides, rich in grey-green olive trees. Jutting rocks and boulders render any attempt to fortify the place a decorative action, while from somewhere inside their solid mass the Kastallia spring sprouts the water which once assisted the priests of Apollo in their rituals. This is the place where ancient Greeks believed the center of the Earth to be, and this is where the most influential religious establishment of antiquity was built. A full day is needed just to take a look at this marvelous place, so one must take care in order to see the other charms of Fokida. The picturesque coastal towns of Galaxidi and Itea, the medieval castle in the capital of Amfissa, The ruins of ancient Kirra ?most of which is now underwater- and ancient Krisa. The Mornos Dam, built to quench the bottomless thirst of Athens, hides ancient Kallipolis, while the beautiful villages of Artotina, Eratini, Krokylio, Lidoriki, Chryso and Eptalofos deserve a visit. Scores of historic monasteries and charming old chapels will catch the visitor?s eye.
ENTERTAINMENT-SPORTS-SHOPPING
Fokida offers full accommodation and services at all levels, including luxury hotels. Countless taverns with delicious local grilled meats on the mountains or with elegant sea meals by the coast will make the choice of dining difficult, but it is advisable not to miss any of the two. Cafes, bars and dancing clubs provide entertainment opportunities for all preferences. Local cuisine is -as has been mentioned- great, thus necessitating some exercise. Watersports, mountain trekking and climbing will challenge those willing to keep themselves in shape.
ACCESS
Bus services are carried out from Athens and Thessaloniki on a daily basis. The extensive road network facilitates access to any automobile.
CONNECTIONS
Buses connect the main destinations of Delphi and Amfissa with virtually any place on the Greek map.
MUSEUMS
Amfissa keeps an interesting folk art collection, but the archaeological museum in Delphi is beyond comparison, with exhibits of incalculable aesthetic and archaeological value. Archaeological collections can also be seen in Gravia, Lidoriki and Galaxidi, the latter of which also hosts a nautical museum. Another historical-folk art museum can be seen in Artotina.
ALTERNATIVE TOURISM
Archaeology, congress, cultural-historical, gastronomy, spiritual, caving, educational, agrotourism, ecotourism, sporting (trekking, mountain climbing, mountain bike, ski, snowboard, windsurfing, scuba diving, water ski, sailing, canoe, diving).
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
FOKIDA (AMFISSA) AREA CODE: 22650-
POLICE: 22650-22413
MUNICIPALITY: 22650-28913
POST OFFICE: 22650-28259
TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORG.: 22650-72299
TRAFFIC POLICE: 22650-28016
TAXI STATION: 22650-28600
HOSPITAL: 22650-22053
PHARMACIES: 22650-22711, 22400
TOURISM ORG.: 22650-28265
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