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Temple of Hera: Ancient Sanctuary at Olympia

Explore the Temple of Hera in Olympia, Greece: the ancient sanctuary where the Olympic flame is kindled, steeped in history and mythology.

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The Temple of Hera, or Heraion, is one of the oldest and most significant temples in Greece, located in Olympia. Dedicated to Hera, the queen of the gods, it predates the more famous Temple of Zeus and was a site of joint worship before Zeus's temple was built. Today, the Olympic flame is lit at its altar, connecting ancient traditions to the modern games.

A brief summary to Temple of Hera

  • Unnamed Road, Archaia Olympia, 270 65, GR

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the archaeological site involves a lot of walking.
  • Visit in the late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
  • Bring water and sunscreen, especially during the summer months.
  • Check the opening hours of the archaeological site, as they vary depending on the season.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the main entrance of the Olympia archaeological site, the Temple of Hera is a short walk. Follow the marked paths towards the northern part of the site, near the Hill of Kronos. The temple ruins are easily visible and accessible from the main pathways.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus at the Archaia Olympia bus station, walk towards the archaeological site entrance. From there, follow the walking directions to the Temple of Hera. Local bus fare from Olympia to Archaia Olympia is approximately €2. Ensure to check the bus schedule for return trips.

  • Parking

    If driving, use the parking areas near the archaeological site. From the parking area, walk to the main entrance and follow the walking directions to the Temple of Hera. Parking is free at Ancient Olympia Parking Lot. Parking Olimpia is a well-situated tourist attraction located in the historic town of Archaia Olympia, Greece.

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Discover more about Temple of Hera

The Temple of Hera stands in the northwest corner of the sacred precinct of Altis in Olympia, a testament to ancient Greek architectural brilliance and religious devotion. Dedicated to Hera, the goddess of marriage, women, and childbirth, the temple is one of the oldest monumental temples in Greece. Originally, the temple may have been dedicated to both Hera and Zeus until a separate temple was erected for Zeus. Constructed around 600 BC, the temple held a place of honor in the ancient Olympic Games, where the Olympic flame was lit at its altar, symbolizing the continuity of the Games from ancient times to the modern era. The temple also played a role in the Heraean Games, a separate festival for female athletes. The temple's architecture reflects the Doric style, characterized by its sturdy columns and harmonious proportions. The original wooden columns were gradually replaced with stone ones, showcasing the evolution of the Doric style from the Archaic to Roman periods. Pausanias, in the 2nd century AD, noted that one original oak column remained. The temple was divided into three chambers: the pronaos, cella, and opisthodomos. The cella housed the cult statues of Zeus and Hera. Significant artifacts, including the Disk of Iphitos and the Chest of Kypselos, were also kept here. Today, the Temple of Hera's ruins offer a glimpse into the past, inviting visitors to connect with ancient Greek religious traditions and architectural ingenuity.

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