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Stadium at Olympia: Echoes of Ancient Glory

Walk the track where legends were made at the Stadium of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

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The Stadium at Olympia, east of the sanctuary of Zeus, hosted the ancient Olympic Games from 776 BC to 393 AD. Walk the original track, feel the weight of history, and imagine the roar of 45,000 spectators.

A brief summary to Stadium at Olympia

  • Archaia Olympia, 270 65, GR

Local tips

  • Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and a more intimate experience.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and allow ample time to explore the grounds.
  • Check for local festivals or reenactments to enhance your visit.
  • Purchase tickets online to avoid queues, especially during peak season.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, exit and head towards the archaeological site entrance. Follow the marked path to the Stadium, approximately a 10-15 minute walk. If you are in the center of Archaia Olympia, walk south on Ethniki Odos 33 for about 600 meters. Look for signs indicating 'Archaeological Site of Olympia'.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus from Athens, Terminal A (Kifissou 100), to Krestena. From Krestena, transfer to a local bus to Olympia. The Olympia bus station is within walking distance of the Archaeological Site. Bus tickets from Athens to Krestena cost approximately €24-€28.

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Discover more about Stadium at Olympia

The Stadium at Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the ancient Olympic Games. Located east of the sacred Altis enclosure, it was the heart of the Games for over a thousand years. Originally a simple track, the stadium evolved over centuries. By the 5th century BC, it took its final form with earthen banks for spectators. The track itself stretches 212.54 meters long and 30-34 meters wide. Two stone markers indicate the starting and finishing lines, set 192.27 meters apart, the distance of one Olympic 'stadion'. Imagine athletes entering through the vaulted Krypte, the stadium's entrance, ready to compete for glory. Though no permanent seating existed, stone thrones were reserved for officials and honored guests. The south bank was the podium for judges, while the north bank held an altar dedicated to the priestess of Demeter, the only woman allowed to watch the Games. Today, visitors can walk the original clay track and stand at the ancient starting blocks. The stadium hosted the hammer throw event during the 2004 Athens Olympics, briefly reviving its ancient glory. Explore the surrounding site with remnants of training grounds and temples, and visit the Archaeological Museum of Olympia to enrich your understanding of the Games' historical context.

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