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Ancient Olympia: Birthplace of the Olympic Games

Walk in the footsteps of ancient athletes at Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Explore the ruins of Ancient Olympia, the sacred site of the ancient Olympic Games held for over 1,000 years. Wander through the remains of temples, athletic facilities, and the stadium where athletes competed in honor of Zeus. It's a journey back to the origins of the world's most celebrated sporting event.

A brief summary to Site of Original Olympic Games

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the archaeological site involves walking on uneven terrain.
  • Visit early in the day to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the site and museums.
  • Bring water, a hat, and sunscreen, especially during the summer months.
  • Consider booking a self-guided audio tour to enhance your understanding of the site.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Olympia town, head east on the main road, Olympias Street. Continue until you reach the intersection with Pindou Street. Turn left onto Pindou Street and walk for about 300 meters. The entrance to the archaeological site will be on your right. The walk is approximately 15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From the Olympia bus station, take the local bus towards Archaia Olympia. The bus will drop you off near the archaeological site entrance. From there, walk straight for about 200 meters to reach the entrance. A single bus fare within the region typically costs around €1-€2.

  • Driving

    From Pyrgos, follow the signs to Olympia. Once in Olympia, follow signs to the archaeological site. Free parking is available at the Ancient Olympia Parking Lot. From the parking lot, the archaeological site is a short walk. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Site of Original Olympic Games

Ancient Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage site, lies in a lush valley in the western Peloponnese. This was the most celebrated sanctuary of ancient Greece and the birthplace of the Olympic Games. From 776 B.C. to 393 A.D., the games united Greeks from across the known world every four years. The site includes the remains of numerous structures. The Temple of Zeus once housed a massive statue of the god, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The ancient stadium hosted up to 40,000 spectators. Here, you can still see the starting line. The Palaestra and Gymnasium were used for athletic training. The Temple of Hera is one of the oldest temples on the site. Today, visitors can explore these ruins and the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, which houses a vast collection of artifacts. Key exhibits include the statue of Hermes by Praxiteles and the Nike of Paionios. The Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games showcases the evolution of the games. Olympia is more than just ruins; it's a journey into the heart of ancient Greek culture and the Olympic spirit.

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