Olympia

Background

Olympia lies in Elis in the western Peloponnese, Greece, with the ancient site set in the valley of the Alfeios River. The site includes the ruins of the temples of Zeus and Hera, the ancient stadium and the Workshop of Phidias, and the nearby Archaeological Museum holds the statue of Hermes and a wealth of bronzes; the modern Olympic flame is lit in front of the Temple of Hera, using a parabolic mirror to focus the sun's rays. Olympia was ancient Greece's most important sanctuary of Zeus. By tradition, the ancient Olympic Games were held every four years from 776 BC until the late 4th century AD. The Temple of Zeus, built in the mid-5th century BC, was one of the largest Doric temples in Greece and housed Phidias's gold-and-ivory statue of Zeus, counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; the Workshop of Phidias was excavated near the temple in the 1950s. The Temple of Hera was built around 600 BC. The Archaeological Site of Olympia was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1989.

Local customs

• Step onto the track of the ancient stadium and picture the spectators in the stands
• see the bronze and marble collections in the Archaeological Museum
• stand before the ruins of the Temple of Hera, where the modern Olympic flame-lighting ceremony is held.

Travel tips

• Half a day covers the site and the museum
• in summer bring sun protection and water. The town has limited food and lodging options, so book ahead in high season. From Athens you can take a long-distance bus or train, changing at Pyrgos, a journey of several hours, or drive along the roads of the western Peloponnese
• the site and museum are within walking distance in town.
• April to October is the best time to visit, and in the summer heat mornings are best
• in winter there are few visitors, and the ground can be slippery after rain. Check tickets and opening hours with the official sources.