Attractions, Sights & Things to Do in Ancient Olympia
Archaeological Museum of Olympia
Great museum that hosts findings related to one of the most glorious sanctuaries of antiquity that was the birthplace of the Olympic Games.
Archimedes Museum, Olympia
Amazing interactive museum with replicas of Archimedes designs that reveals the science and the technology existing in Ancient Greece.
Museum of Ancient Olympic Games
Founded in 1888, the first museum established away from the capital, hosts over 400 items of the history of the games from 2000 BC to 500 AD.
Prytaneion of Olympia
Center of the administrative and political life of the sanctuary and seat of the officials responsible for the monthly sacrifices to the Gods.
Ancient Gymnasium at Olympia
Large enclosed building served as a training spot for road running sports, with a large outdoor area suitable for javelin and discus training.
Temple of Hera at Olympia
Dedicated to Goddess Hera it dates from 600 BC and is considered as one of the oldest examples of monumental architecture in Ancient Greece.
Philippeion at Olympia
A circular memorial dedicated to the Zeus Sanctuary by Phillip ll, which also included the statues of the members of the Macedonian family.
Palaestra of Olympia
A square structure that dates from the 3rd century BC and it was serving as a training place for athletes in fist, wrestling, and jumping.
Ancient Olympia Stadium
Historical stadium that received its current shape in the 5th BC and hosted the ancient Olympic Games between 776 BC. and 393 AD.
Temple of Zeus at Olympia
The biggest temple in Peloponnese and the best example of Doric architecture. Dedicated to Zeus, its construction lasted from 470 BC to 456 BC.
Workshop of Phidias at Olympia
Working place of the great sculptor of antiquity who created the huge golden-ivory statue of Zeus, one of the wonders of the ancient world.
Bouleuterion of Olympia
Organizational center of the ancient Olympic Games, seat of the judges, and place where the penalties and the objections were discussed.
Monastery of Panayia Kremasti, Lanthi Pyrgos
Impressive convent of the 17th century built on a steep rock and dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Pyrgos, Elis
Typical Greek provincial city founded in the 16th century and got its name from the tower (Pyrgos in Greek) erected by its first ruler in 1512.
Katakolo Port & Settlement
Small and picturesque settlement dominated by its famous "tourist port" that is approached by numerous cruise ships on an annual basis.
Skafidia Monastery
Historical convent that was founded around the 10th century in an area of excess natural beauty and dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Questions & Answers about Ancient Olympia
Why Visit Ancient Olympia?
- Biggest sports event of antiquity started in 776 BC in the so-called "Valley of gods".
- During the Olympic Games, any potential hostility & war act were interrupted.
- Every 4 years, the Olympic torch relay of the modern games takes place here.
How was the impressive temple of Zeus in Olympia?
Arguably one of the most important buildings in ancient Olympia was the temple of Zeus. Its construction began in 470 BC and ended in 456 BC, while it was built by citizens of Elis honoring Zeus for winning campaigns conducted during Trifiliaki wars. The architect was Livonas and his work resulted in a majestic temple that towered in the center of the holy city. It features 6 columns in width and the 13 on the long sides. The height of the columns reaches 10.43 meters and the diameter is 2.25 meters. The temple was the place where the Olympic champions were crowned. A large part of its floor was covered by a mosaic and inside it was placed the 12 meters gold and ivory statue of Zeus (made by Phidias around 430 BC) which was one of seven wonders of the ancient world. The temple was badly damaged when it burned down in 426 AD by the orders of the Emperor Theodosius II and largely demolished in 522 and 551 AD after two major earthquakes. The first excavations at the monument began in 1829 by a French mission and completed several years later by German archaeologists. Today parts of the temple are hosted in the Louvre while most of the parts are exhibits of the archaeological museum of Olympia.