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Archaeological Site of Olympia: Birthplace of the Olympic Games

Explore the birthplace of the Olympic Games, where ancient athletes competed in honor of Zeus. A journey through history and athletic glory.

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Explore the ruins of Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games in 776 B.C. Wander through the remains of temples dedicated to Zeus and Hera, the stadium where athletes competed, and the surrounding athletic structures. The site offers a glimpse into the ancient world of sports, religion, and culture.

A brief summary to Archaeological Site of Olympia

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking on gravel paths.
  • Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds and tour buses.
  • Bring water and sun protection, as the site offers limited shade.
  • Purchase tickets online to guarantee entry and save time.
  • Check the opening hours of the museum, as it may close earlier than the site.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Athens, take the A8/E94 highway west towards Patras, then follow the signs to Pyrgos/Olympia and continue to Olympia. From Kalamata, take the E65 highway and then the E55 to Pyrgos/Olympia. Once in Olympia, follow signs to the Archaeological Site. Parking is available near the site. Parking near the site is free. Finding the parking lot can be challenging due to unclear signs and narrow roads.

  • Bus

    From Athens, take a KTEL bus to Pyrgos, then transfer to a local bus to Olympia. The bus from Athens to Pyrgos departs from the Kifissou bus station. From Pyrgos, local buses run regularly to Olympia. The bus station in Olympia is within walking distance of the Archaeological Site. A one-way bus ticket from Athens to Pyrgos costs approximately €25-€35. The local bus from Pyrgos to Olympia is a few euros.

  • Walking

    From the center of Olympia town, walk east on the main road (Olympias Street). Turn left onto Pindou Street and walk for about 300 meters. The Ancient Olympia Parking Lot will be on the right. The walk is approximately 15 minutes.

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Discover more about Archaeological Site of Olympia

The Archaeological Site of Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is located in a valley in the Peloponnese peninsula, and has been inhabited since prehistoric times. In the 10th century B.C., Olympia became a center for the worship of Zeus. The Altis, the sanctuary to the gods, has one of the highest concentrations of masterpieces from the ancient Greek world. In addition to temples, there are the remains of all the sports structures erected for the Olympic Games, which were held in Olympia every four years beginning in 776 B.C. The last Olympic Games were held in 393 AD. Visitors can explore the remains of several significant structures : * **Temple of Zeus:** The largest and most important building in Olympia, housing the gigantic gold and ivory statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. * **Temple of Hera:** One of the oldest temples in Greece, where the Olympic flame is lit. * **Stadium:** The site of the ancient Olympic Games, where visitors can run on the original track. * **Palaestra:** A wrestling and training ground for athletes. * **Philippeion:** An elegant circular building dedicated by Philip II of Macedon. * **Pelopion:** A funerary monument commemorating the hero Pelops. * **Bouleuterion:** The headquarters of the Olympic Council. * **Treasuries:** Temple-shaped buildings built by Greek cities to house tributes. The on-site Archaeological Museum of Olympia displays a vast collection of artifacts discovered at the site, including sculptures from the Temple of Zeus and the statue of Hermes by Praxiteles.

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