Olympia

Olympia, located in the western Peloponnese, is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is about 250 to 300 km from Athens. Olympia is famous as the place where the Olympic games started. These games were held every four year as celebrations for Zeus.

Ancient Olympia boasts an archaeological site with the remains of the ancient temples of Zeus and Hera, a stadium and archaeological museums. It also housed one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a 13-metre-tall statue of Zeus, which is believed to have been destroyed in a fire. The archaeological site sits on an area of around 550 square kilometres and is home to some 70 important monumental ruins. A short walk from Ancient Olympia leads to the inhabited village of Olympia, where tourists can find accommodations, shops and restaurants.

Hiking is a popular activity in Olympia, especially in the regions around the river Alpheios. There are some mountain walks to various viewpoints in the village of Olympia. One can also tour Olympia land Winery (5 minute’s walk from Ancient Olympia) to taste wine and enjoy the beautiful scenery with its extensive vineyards. Since there are limited things to do in Olympia, it is mostly visited as a day trip from Athens, which is 4 hours away.

Olympia was chosen in 776 BC to host the Olympic games. To alert people about the commencement of the games, a priest was sent through the country with a torch lit by the sacred flames in the temple of Zeus. Even today, the flame for each Olympiad is lit here the old-fashioned way to be carried to the respective venue of the Games.