Visit Ancient Olympia
In the western Peloponnese, in an idyllic and peaceful valley, between the hill of Kronio and the confluence of the rivers Alpheus and Kladeos, the Ancient land of Olympia, the most glorious sanctum of the ancient world, stands as an international symbol of humanity.
During classical times Olympia was the city of Ilia best known as the area where the Olympic Games took place, the greatest athletic event of the then-Greek world. Today Ancient Olympia is a village and a municipality of Ilia, built in the valley of river Alpheus. Nearby lies the archaeological site, one of the most popular ones in Greece, which attracts every year tourists from all over the world.
The first excavations in the area began in 1829 and are still on-going, with important information constantly coming to light. The archaeological site’s most important buildings include the Gymnasium, the Palaistra, the Stadium, the temple of Zeus, the Vouleftirion, the Baths, Phidias’ workshop, the Leonidaion (guesthouse for the noblemen), the Sanctuary of Hestia and many more. There are indications that Olympia was inhabited in the 3d millenium B.C.
It reached its great prime between the 8th and the 5th century B.C. A significant contributing factor to this was the official establishment of the Olympic Games in 776, something which brought thousands of visitors to the city every four years. This fact is attested by the vast number of votive offerings from almost all areas of Greece.
It was here that the Olympic Games were born in honour of Zeus and were accompanied by the sacred truce that signaled a pause in hostilities between cities. The message of noble emulation and peace is preserved even today by this holy place and delivered through the Olympic Flame to every corner of the earth. The flame symbolizes the glorious triumph of the spirit and the creative power of man that continues to forge civilizations.
Ancient Olympia today remains a place of paramount importance and a center of global concern as the birthplace of the Olympic Games and the Olympic Ideal.
Visit Ancient Olympia and allow your senses to explore, feel the awe of the Olympic spirit. Be profoundly affected by mythology and enjoy a unique and unparalleled experience. Become an Olympian.
