Dilos is
the smallest island of the Cyclades with 14
residents and 3,5km2 extension. It is located a few kilometers West
of Mykonos. The island's highest point
is the crown of the hill Cynthus, located in the center of Dilos
and has a height of 115 meters.
The history of Delos
is interwoven with the mythology as it was the birthplace of Apollo, son of Zeus, and Artemis. For this reason Delos
was a sacred place in antiquity.
Sacred Way and Sanctuary of Apollo
The
Sacred Way
leads North from the far left corner of the Market of the Competaliasts. Formerly lined with statues and the
grandiose monuments of rival kings, walk up it to reach the tree marble steps
of Propylaia leading into the Sanctuary of Apollo. Three Temples to Apollo stand in a row to the right along the Sacred Way: the massive Delian Temple,
the Athenian, and the Porinos, the earliest. To the East stands the Sanctuary of Dionysus.
Northwest
of the Sanctuary of Dionysus is the huge Market of the Italians, while on the
left are replicas of the famous lions, their lean bodies masterfully executed
by Naxians in the 17th century BC to ward off intruders who would have been
unfamiliar with the fearful creatures. Of the original lions, three have
disappeared and one adorns the Arsenale in Venice.
Right
from the Market of the Competaliasts there is a residential area, known as the
Theatre Quarter. The remnants of impressive private mansions are now named
after their colorful main mosaic - Dionysus, Trident, Masks and Dolphins. The
theatre itself seated no fewer than 5500
spectators. Behind the theatre, a path leads towards the Sanctuaries of the
Foreign Gods, serving the immigrant population. There is also the Sanctuary of
Zeus and Athena with spectacular views out to the surrounding islands.
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| Dilos |
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