At the heart of Delphi, where classical antiquity meets universality, the European Cultural Delphi Centre stands as a beacon of culture, intellectual initiatives and creativity.
History and Foundation
The European Cultural Delphi Centre (ECDC) -an initiative of Konstantinos Karamanlis- was established in 1977 with a view to creating a global intellectual and cultural hub in Delphi that would foster and promote intercultural dialogue in Europe and beyond. Operating under the supervision of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and the auspices of the Council of Europe, the Centre has become a distinguished international venue for art, cultural production and creative intellectual and scholarly exchange.
Spanning 100 acres of unparalleled natural beauty, the Centre’s facilities include a Conference Centre, a Guesthouse, an open-air theatre (of a capacity of 1.000 people), and a spectacular Sculpture Park, which features works by major contemporary European artists. With views over the famed olive grove of Delphi and the sea, this setting offers an inspiring landscape of exceptional allure.
By combining an unparalleled antique scenery with extraordinary modern facilities and cultural initiatives, the ECDC is a unique space for creativity and the exchange of ideas.
Mission & Programs
Being located in “the navel of the world”, the European Cultural Delphi Centre is more than a cultural institution: it acts as a living and vibrant bridge that links the past with the present and the future, and Europe with the rest of the world, by fostering cross-cultural understanding, collaboration, and innovation. Here, ancient Greek cultural heritage meets contemporary creativity. The initiatives and activities at the Centre reflect its overarching goal, which is inspired by perennial Greek values: the promotion of universal humanistic ideals and cross-cultural dialogue.
Throughout its long history, the ECDC has established numerous cultural initiatives of international caliber, including:
Delphic Academy of European Studies: In-depth exploration of European history, culture, and the challenges facing Europe today.
International Meetings on Ancient Drama: A unique forum for the convergence of diverse theatrical traditions.
Fine Arts Program: An iconic initiative that led to the creation of the Sculpture Park and a permanent collection of Contemporary Art in Delphi.
Seminars in Ancient Greek Language: Promoting and spreading classical education internationally.
Panhellenic Student Debating Competitions: Introducing students to the power of argumentation and critical thinking.
The ECDC Today
The European Cultural Delphi Centre is at the forefront of cultural and intellectual creativity on a global scale. By establishing novel international cultural initiatives, the ECDC is building new bridges between the past and the future, between Greece, the rest of Europe, and the global community.
New flagship programs include:
Delphi Dialogues: Distinguished thinkers discuss contemporary global challenges through the lens of Greek philosophy, modern philosophical thought, and cutting-edge scholarship.
Theatre Education Programme: Offering training and inspiration to emerging theatre creators.
Conference on Antiquity & the Modern World: Promoting a creative dialogue between classical antiquity and modern culture.
Residency Program: Accomplished and promising young artists and thinkers from around the world live and create in Delphi.
Delphic Cultural Network: A platform for cultural collaboration on a global scale, with Delphi as its focal point.
Delphi, a timeless and sacred place, the “navel of the world,” invites you to become part of a unique experience. Discover the activities of the European Cultural Delphi Centre -a hub of cultural and intellectual creation- and engage in a dialogue that connects the past with the future, Greece with the world.
