Archaeological Site of Olympia

The sanctuary of Olympia, in the North West of the Peloponnese, in the Regional Unit of Eleia (Elis), has been established in the valley created by the confluence of the Alpheios and Kladeos rivers in a natural setting of beauty and serenity. Olympia bears exceptional testimony to the ancient civilizations of Peloponnese, both in terms of duration and quality. The Pan-Hellenic sanctuary has been established in the history of culture, as the most important religious, political and sports centre, with a history that dates back to the end of the Neolithic times (4th millennium BC). In the 10th century B.C., Olympia became a centre for the worship of Zeus. The sanctuary of the Altis contained one of the highest concentrations of masterpieces of the ancient Mediterranean world. Many have been lost, such as the Olympia Zeus, a gold-and-ivory cult statue which was probably destroyed by Pheidias between 438 and 430 BC and one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. In this universal place, the Olympic Idea was born, making Olympia a unique universal symbol of peace and competition at the service of virtue. In addition to temples, there are the remains of all the sports structures erected for the Olympic Games, which were held in Olympia every four years beginning in 776 B.C. To this very day, the cradle of Olympian ideals, the Ancient Olympia radiates the undying light of peace, brotherhood and noble emulation to the whole world.

HOT TO GET THERE

Olympia is less than 4 hours away from Athens and only 1 hour from the Port of Patras, or the Kalamata International Airport. There are daily bus services to and from Athens and other destinations as well as a railway connection between Katakolon and Olympia, with regular itineraries. You can also drive, rent a car, take a cab or arrange your trip through a travel agency.

MUST SEE

Visit the astonishing original stadium, where Olympic Games used to take place in the antiquity. The racetrack is over 200 meters long and nearly 30 to 34 meters wide. The area also houses the remains of the Temple of Zeus, the studio of Phidias, the Temple of Hera (Heraion), the gym where the athletes would train before the tournament and a lot of other interesting remains. Several months before the Olympic Games, the Olympic flame is lit at the Temple of Hera. The fire, which stays lit for the entirety of the Olympic Games period, symbolizes purity and represents the values of the Olympics between nations.
Visit the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, where you can admire, among other ancient exhibits, the celebrated statue of Hermes by Praxiteles and Nike of Paionios, both plastic arts masterpieces as well as the sculptures that used to decorate the Temple of Zeus, considered among the greatest ancient Greek Art creations.
Visit the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games, which features items, mosaics and paintings, dating back from the 2nd millennium BC to the 5th century A.C. The exhibits are carefully lined up in thematic sections, with the aim to present the visitor, along with a detailed visual material, with all aspects of ancient sports and to reveal important insight into the history of the Olympic Games.

CAN'T MISS

Visit the temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Explore the Chlemoutsi Castle, built by the Franks in 1220 in the northern part of the Ilia region, 6 km south of Kyllini, with a breathtaking view to the plain of Elis and the Ionian Sea
Stroll around the picturesque port of Katakolon, an ideal stop along the Mediterranean for cruise ships near the city of Pyrgos
Hike through the beautiful nature surrounding Alpheios River
Visit the Kaiafas spa area, the ideal place for both relaxation-seekers and extreme sports enthusiasts
Take a refreshing swim in the small lakes created by the Neda waterfalls
Enjoy various summer cultural events and performances during the International Festival of Ancient Olympia and the Olympia International Film Festival for Children and Young People