Osios Loukas and Delphi: 2-stop tour

If you’re planning to travel to Delphi by rental car, then Osios (Hosios) Loukas is a must for your excursion. You can trust us! The first stop at the monastery of Osios Loukas is an excellent preparation for the visit to Delphi next. We explain this magnificent excursion to Delphi Osios Loukas in two stages!

First stop at Osios Loukas (Hosios Loukas)

From Athens, take the freeway towards Lamia, then turn off at Kastro towards Livadia. Allow 2 hours 10 minutes for the journey from Athens to the Hosios Loukas monastery (or 2 hours 25 minutes without tolls).

As you climb towards the slopes of Mount Parnassos and the archaeological site of Delphi, about 13 km before the town of Arachova, leave the main road and turn towards the village of Distomο and Styri. Continue on for around 9 km and the road will take you to one of the most impressive monuments on the Mediterranean Sea: the monastery of Osios Loukas. The road offers wild Mediterranean landscapes, so it’s time to put on some appropriate music…

Why visit the monastery of Osios Loukas?

Osios Loukas is a breathtaking Byzantine monastery. It lies in a bucolic valley full of olive and almond trees. In fact, it’s no surprise that this monastery is built on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to the cult of the goddess Demeter, goddess of agriculture. The ancient Greeks only built sacred places on exceptional natural sites.

Saint Loukas is one of the best-preserved monastic complexes of the Byzantine period in Greece. With its 1,000 years of history, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (as is Delphi).

To begin with, you can relax and sip your coffee in the courtyard with its breathtaking view of the natural amphitheater, then allow around an hour for the tour.

The name of the monastery

The name Osios Loukas means “Venerable Luke”. Mind you, this is not in honor of Luke the evangelist, but in honor of the Greek monk Loukas, the “venerable Luke”. He was buried in the monastery crypt when he died in 953 AD. Saint Loukas is known for his talents as a healer and prophet. In fact, it was thanks to a prophecy by Loukas that the Byzantine emperor Roman 2 commissioned the construction of the church dedicated to Loukas.

After his death, rumors that his relics were miraculous led crowds of believers to flock to the monastery for healing. The original buildings were replaced by more monumental ones.

The buildings

The entrance to the monastery is striking. This courtyard is bordered by monastic buildings and the facades of the two churches. I’d also like to draw your attention to the fountain, the most modest but most important place…

The complex comprises two churches, the Church of the Virgin Mary and the Cathedral. The Cathedral of Hosios Loukas is the most imposing, featuring an octagonal dome. Churches also feature multi-colored marble cladding. The sublime mosaic ornamentation and frescoes decorating the walls are masterpieces of Byzantine art.

First, visit the two churches and then, on the right-hand side of the cathedral, descend to the impressive crypt of Saint Loukas. You can also admire part of the monastery garden and a monk’s cell.

Lunch break

After this beautiful stop, we now recommend lunch. We’ve often taken this tour, so you have several options. Why not stop off at Arachova, located between the monastery and Delphi?

Arachova is a small town known not only for its ski resort, but also for its traditional carpet-making.

We also prefer to go as far as the city of Delphi, passing the archaeological site. Of course, many restaurants and taverns offer traditional dishes. However, we prefer the To Patriko Mas restaurant. It’s true that the setting is exceptional and the cuisine excellent. It costs around 15 euros per person.

2nd stage: the Delphi site

For a well-balanced day at Delphi, depending on the number of visitors and the heat, you can choose between visiting the museum as the first part of the tour or starting directly at the site.

Then a visit to Delphi will appeal to everyone. Children will also be delighted to climb the archaeological site and discover the stadium track at the top.

The sanctuary of Delphi is a cornerstone of Greek civilization. Whether political, religious or private, the ancient Greeks went there to consult the oracle.

On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, the sanctuary of Delphi is dedicated to the god Apollo. At its center, the temple was home to the Pythia, Apollo’s oracle, which, according to legend, transmitted Apollo’s prophecies. The sacred area was crossed by a sacred road, which is still used today. You’ll pass by the Athenian Treasure, a small, well-preserved Doric temple containing trophies of Athenian victories and votive objects dedicated to the sanctuary.

But the sanctuary also housed a theater a stadium and a gymnasium, all of which were necessary for the celebrations of the entire Mediterranean Greek world.

A guided tour of Delphi

We wish you a wonderful day exploring the sacred sites of mythical Greece!

Céline P.