Olympia (Greece) is a city with a long history and culture, one of the oldest in the world. It was in this place that the Olympic Games appeared and were held more than 2500 years ago. Today, the ruins of the city are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
At the foot of the Cronion Hill, in the north-west of the Peloponnesian Peninsula, lies a unique archaeological complex. The city of Olympia in Greece is one of the most visited places. Today, thousands of tourists come to Elida to visit the place where Olympic champions trained in the first millennium BC.
Holiday in Olympia is best suited for lovers of bright sun and walking in picturesque places.
City attractions
Today, Olympia can be formally divided into two parts: ancient and modern. Hotels, cafes and restaurants are located on the territory of the new city. Here, on a warm evening, you can relax after long excursions to historical sites.
The old town is home to the sights of Olympia, which attract thousands of tourists to Greece. Among them, it is worth highlighting the following.
Temple of Hera (wife of Zeus)
It was built in 600 BC as a gift to the winners of the Games from the inhabitants of Elis. Today, only the foundation with a massive orthostat and the lower part of the columns remain from the original building. In ancient times, the temple was used as a sanctuary, in our time it is notable for the fact that the Olympic flame is lit here.
Temple of Zeus in Olympia
Located near the first attraction. Once there was a statue of Zeus – one of the 7 wonders of antiquity. Figures of the gods of Olympus were depicted on a pedestal with a height of 3.5 meters. Today, tourists can see only individual elements of the architectural complex. This is one of the most revered temples in all of Greece, and you should visit it to get a closer look at the culture and history of the inhabitants of the country.
The temple measured 27 x 64 m and was 22 m high. The eastern and western parts of the temple were decorated with fountains with sculptures of competitions and battles.
Ancient Stadium
It is located on the eastern side of the described temples. The stadium, with an area of 7,000 square meters, could accommodate more than 40,000 spectators. There are preserved stone judge stands, running lanes and an arch through which judges and athletes entered the field. The height of the arch is equal to the height of the most famous hero of ancient myths – Hercules.
Interesting to know: the stadium was only discovered in the middle of the 20th century. As indicated in the archives, this happened during excavations organized on the orders of Hitler during the Second World War.
Restoration works and new excavations are still being carried out on the territory of Olympia. There are a huge number of historical attractions, including residential buildings and other buildings built before our era. The city attracts with its mystery and ancient atmosphere, to learn more interesting information about it, after a walk around the sights, you can visit the modern museums of Olympia.
Required places to visit
Excavation History Museum
A small building with a lot of interesting information. Here are collected documentaries and photos of the process of archaeological work on the territory of Olympia, which gradually captured the excavations of the Sanctuary of Zeus.
You will learn what the city looked like during different periods of its existence, see the exhibits found on this territory over the past few decades.
- It is open every day in summer and spring.
- Opening hours: from 8 am to 7 pm, and in winter and late autumn – from 8: 30 to 15: 00, Tuesday-Saturday.
- The cost of admission is included in the price of a single ticket for all museums of Olympia (12 euros).
Museum of Ancient Olympic Games History
This place will appeal to both children and adults. Here you can find the most accurate information about everything related to the conduct and results of the Olympic Games in the Ancient World. Dozens of sculptures of athletes, fantastic mosaics, myths and confirmed facts – the exhibition will tell about the rich development of Greek sports and the Olympic Games.
The attraction is open all year round:
- daily in summer from 8 am to 7 pm,
- in winter – from Monday to Friday in the same mode.
Archaeological Museum
The historical pearl of Olympia, a place where several thousand exhibits are collected. The weekly hall of the museum is dedicated to the sanctuary of Zeus, the permanent exhibition includes excavations from the sacred grove of Altis, ancient Greek sculptures (for example, the statue of Hermes with the infant Dionysus), dozens of terracotta. In addition, it houses one of the richest collections in the world – a collection of bronze products from the time of ancient Greece.
- It is open daily from 9 to 15 in the cold season and from 8 to 20 in the summer.
- The entrance fee is 12 euros from April to the end of October and 6 euros in November-March.
Tip: Be sure to bring gadgets or other equipment for shooting. Olympia is a very beautiful city in Greece and the photos taken here will adorn not only the travel album, but also the portfolio of professionals.
What to do in Kalamata, besides tasting the best olives
How to get to Olympia
Since the city is an ancient archaeological complex, there is practically no transport in it. Tourist buses with small excursion groups often come here. There is also no train station or airport in Olimpia. But you can still get to Olympia on your own.
From the Greek capital
To get to Olympia from Athens, you can use the Terminal A buses (Kifissou, 100), which go through Pyrgos (with a transfer). Transport departs 7 times a day. Travel time is five and a half hours. The total one-way fare is 28-35€. You can find out the current schedule and purchase tickets on the website https://online.ktelileias.gr/.
On a note! What sights to see in Athens in 3 days, see this article.
From the city of Patras
Also via Patras (with a transfer in Pyrgos) to Olympia, you can take one of the 10 bus routes. Pyrgos is a 1.5-hour drive from the port city of Patras and a 40 – minute drive from the archaeological site.
By car
The easiest way to get to Olympia is by using your own vehicle. The Athens — Corinth — Patras — Olympia route takes up to 6 hours by rented car without stopping. You can also take the Athens – Corinth – Tripoli – Olympia route.
Entertainment in the city
Bus excursions
Olimpia Guides offer more than 10 guided tour options, including walking and bus tours. Your journey will start from the old town, where the guide will tell you about the history of the local temples and other attractions. Most often, tourists are offered to visit the temples of Zeus and Hera, the stadium and famous shrines. Some tours include visits to museums.
Hiking trips
An alternative option for a bus tour is a walking tour with residents of the city. The Greeks will be happy to accompany you on your little trip, tell you the history of Olympia and its features, show you the most beautiful and picturesque places.
Wine tastings
After cultural enrichment, you can go to a place to relax your soul and body. In Greece, and in Olympia as well, they make delicious wine. Many wineries offer tourists of the city short excursions on the territory with the subsequent tasting. In addition, you can buy a good drink as a souvenir, listen to stories about the history of wine and its production in the city, admire the green landscapes and enjoy the surrounding nature.
Visiting local farms
Also interesting is a trip to the famous local farm “Magna Grecia”, whose owners are always happy to welcome foreign tourists. Here you can see how oil and wine are produced at home. In addition, this farm is a storehouse of Greek culture. Here you can taste the most popular traditional Greek dishes made from natural products, take part in national dances, and see how the locals spend their days in the modern world.
The farm also has a small shop with handmade souvenirs, as well as homemade olives, oils and wines.
When to go to Olympia
The best time to visit the city is in the warm spring or autumn. The Mediterranean climate has made Olympia a green and ever-blooming place, so you can enjoy the local scenery at any time of the year.
In winter, Olympia is warm, with little precipitation, and the temperature never reaches zero degrees. In summer, the temperature can reach 30-40⁰, so it is better to refrain from traveling in late July-mid-August, especially if you are planning a trip with children.
Visiting archaeological sites is best done in May or June, as museums start to work longer and the weather encourages longer walks. The influx of tourists in Olympia is observed from late spring to mid-autumn. During this period, prices for housing and food are rising here, but at the same time the service sector is reviving and there are more opportunities for interesting holidays.
Olympia (Greece) – the historical past of not only this country, but also many peoples. Known for its sporting achievements and events, the city still remains popular among visitors from other countries. A holiday in Olympia is a colorful and cultural journey that will be remembered for many years to come. Fill up your memories and knowledge with impressions of this ancient Greek city.
