Metroon, Olympia Travel Guide

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Explore the ruins of the Metroon in Ancient Olympia, a temple dedicated to the Mother of the Gods, and discover its fascinating history.

The Metroon in Ancient Olympia was a temple dedicated to Rhea, the mother of the gods, later associated with Cybele. Built around the 4th century BC, the Doric-style temple stands on a site with prehistoric roots of worship to Mother Earth and the goddess of childbirth. Today, only the foundations remain, offering a glimpse into the religious practices of ancient Greece.

A brief summary to Metroon

Archaia Olympia, GR

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Metroon.

Wear comfortable shoes as the archaeological site involves a good amount of walking on uneven ground.
Bring water and sun protection, especially during the hot summer months, as there is limited shade.
Combine your visit with the Archaeological Museum of Olympia to see artifacts and statues found at the Metroon and other locations.

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Explore Metroon on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Metroon, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the main entrance of the Archaeological Site of Olympia, follow the marked paths towards the Temple of Hera. The Metroon is located just east of the Temple of Hera, below the terrace where the Treasuries once stood. The walk is relatively short and easy, taking approximately 5-10 minutes on well-maintained gravel paths.
Public Transport

If arriving by bus at the Olympia bus station, walk towards the archaeological site entrance (approximately 10 minutes). From the entrance, follow the walking directions to the Metroon. Bus tickets from Pyrgos to Olympia typically cost around €2-€3.
Taxi

Taxis are available in Olympia. A short taxi ride from the town center or bus station to the Archaeological Site of Olympia will cost approximately €5-€7. From the entrance, follow the walking directions to the Metroon.

Discover more about Metroon

The Metroon, or Temple to the Mother of the Gods, is located in the ancient sanctuary of Olympia, east of the Heraion and below the terrace of the treasuries. This location was significant as a site of worship long before the temple was built, with evidence suggesting prehistoric veneration of Gaia (Mother Earth) and Eileithyia, the goddess of childbirth.The temple itself was constructed around the 4th century BC. It was a relatively small Doric-style structure, featuring a peripteral hexastyle design, meaning it had a colonnade surrounding all sides, with six columns at the front and eleven on each side. The columns, made of shell-limestone and covered with white plaster, stood at 4.63 meters high. The temple was divided into three chambers: the pronaos (entrance), the cella (main room), and the opisthodomos (rear room). The pronaos and opisthodomos both featured a distyle in antis design, meaning they had two columns set between the walls. While the existence of a colonnade inside the cella is uncertain, the architrave and frieze were made of stone, and the roof was covered with terracotta tiles.During the Roman period, the Metroon's function evolved. The cult of Rhea/Cybele gave way to the worship of Roman emperors. A large statue of an emperor depicted as Zeus was placed inside. Statues of other emperors and members of the imperial family were also found at the site and are now displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Olympia.Today, only the stylobate (the base of the columns) and parts of the entablature (the structure above the columns) remain. Despite its ruined state, the Metroon remains an important monument within the Archaeological Site of Olympia, bearing witness to the enduring significance of motherhood and imperial power in the religious landscape of ancient Greece.