Delphi and its epigraphic monuments occupied a special place in the scientific studies of A. V. Nikitsky (1859-1921). He devoted many articles to this topic, as well as his master's and doctoral theses - “Delphic Epigraphic Studies” (1894/95) and “Research in the Field of Greek Inscriptions” (1901). A. V. Nikitsky chose Delphic inscriptions as the main subject of his research during his internship in Greece from 1883 to 1885. This article focuses on the initial stage of A. V. Nikitsky's Delphic studies, which can be examined in detail using materials from the A. V. Nikitsky fund at the St. Petersburg branch of the ARAS, particularly his diaries and correspondence from his time in Greece. These materials preserve the thoughts of the young researcher regarding his choice of topic for further study and contain valuable information about his visits to the Delphic sanctuary in June 1884 and April 1885, as well as the results of these trips and the circumstances surrounding the preparation of his first articles and notes on the Delphic inscriptions.