ARCH161: Tholos of Delphi, Delphi Greece, 380 BC

Name: Xiaoyu Zeng

ARCH161 – M21 LEC(2587)

Tholos of Delphi, Delphi Greece, 380 BC – 360 BC

Classical architecture, circular building

Architect: probably designed by Theodorus of Phocaea

Introduction:

It is far from one hundred miles northwest of Athens and stands the holy mountain called Parnassus. Basically, ancient Delphi was an important religious area, and considered to be the centre of the universe. It was where heaven and earth met, and the priestess Oracle ‘channeled’ messages from the god Apollo, and dispensed advice. Consulting the Oracle at Delphi, Greece was a major religious experience for ancient Greeks.

Today, perhaps a little of the mysticism of The Temple of Apollo at Delphi has gone, especially when a dozen bus loads of tourists turn up! Even so, there is still something special about this ancient place.

The sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, and the Tholos is a circular building which was created between 380 and 360 BC at the center of the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia. It is constructed with 20 Doric columns on its exterior diameter which measures 14.76m.

The building stands 13.5 meters tall at the center of the Athena Pronaia sanctuary, and its interior columns were of the Corinthian order.

Plan:

20 columns uses Circular Doric outer peristyle. Southern entrance to a paved interior with 10 Corinthian half-columns.

When you entried the dome of Tholos of Delphi, you would see the sculpture decoration of the dome was also beautifully crafted by hitherto unknown craftmen.