Greece - Tholos of Delphi

The Tholos of Delphi is one of the ancient structures of the complex of the Temple of Athena Pronaia (locally known as the Marmariá, the marble quarry). The circular temple - tholos means dome - shares an immediate site with other ancient foundations of the Temple of Athena Pronaia, all located a couple of hundred meters east of the main ruins at Delphi.

The tholos is considered being one of the most characteristic monuments at Delphi and the most important building of this small sanctuary. Twenty Doric columns - three have been reconstructed - supported a frieze with triglyphs and metopes. The building is dating back to 380 BC. The tholos was partially restored in 1938. Several architectural members and the surviving sculptures were restored and are now on display in the Delphi Archaeological Museum.

The tholos is part of the Delphi UNESCO World Heritage Site.