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Archaeological Site of Olympia: Birthplace of the Olympic Games

Walk the paths of ancient athletes and gods at Olympia, the original home of the Olympic Games and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Explore the ruins of Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games in 776 B.C. Wander through the ancient stadium, temples dedicated to Zeus and Hera, and other athletic and religious structures within this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site offers a glimpse into the heart of ancient Greek culture, sport, and religion.

A brief summary to Archaeological Site of Olympia

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the site involves a lot of walking on gravel paths.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat, especially during summer.
  • Bring water and sunscreen, as there is limited shade on the site.
  • Allow at least 3-4 hours to explore the site and the Archaeological Museum.
  • Consider hiring a licensed tour guide to enhance your understanding of the site's history and significance.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From Athens, take a KTEL bus to Pyrgos. From Pyrgos bus station, transfer to a local bus to Ancient Olympia. The bus will drop you off within walking distance of the archaeological site. Bus fare from Athens to Pyrgos is approximately €25-€35, and the local bus from Pyrgos to Olympia is around €3-€5. Check www.ktelileias.gr for current timetables.

  • Car

    From Athens, drive west on the A8/E94 highway, then continue on the A8/E55, passing Corinth and Patras. Exit at Pyrgos/Olympia and follow signs to Olympia. The drive is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. Parking is available near the site, with hourly rates around €2-€3 and daily rates around €10. Tolls on the A8/E94 highway can total around €10-€15.

  • Taxi

    From Katakolo port, a taxi to the Archaeological Site of Olympia will cost approximately €120 and take about 35 minutes. Taxis can be found in central locations or booked by calling +30 697 7593 289.

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Discover more about Archaeological Site of Olympia

The Archaeological Site of Olympia, nestled in a valley in the Peloponnese, is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site that has been inhabited since prehistoric times. By the 10th century B.C., it rose to prominence as a center for the worship of Zeus, the father of the Olympian gods. The Altis, the sacred grove and sanctuary dedicated to the gods, boasts one of the highest concentrations of ancient Greek masterpieces. Visitors can explore the remains of temples, athletic structures built for the Olympic Games, and administrative buildings. Key highlights include the Temple of Zeus, once home to the Statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the Temple of Hera, where the Olympic flame is still lit. The ancient stadium, with its original starting and finish lines, offers a tangible connection to the athletes who competed here over 2,700 years ago. The site also features the Palaestra, used for wrestling and pankration training, the Leonidaion, a guesthouse for visiting officials, and the Philippeion, a memorial tholos. The nearby Archaeological Museum of Olympia displays a vast collection of artifacts unearthed during excavations, including the Hermes of Praxiteles and sculptures from the Temple of Zeus. Visiting Olympia offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the history, spirituality, and ideological weight of this ancient landscape. The values of fair competition and the Sacred Truce, established during the ancient Olympic Games, remain relevant today.

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