About Ancient Olympia

There would hardly be anyone in the world who hasn’t heard about the famous Olympic games. This is like the ultimate challenge for athletes across the globe to prove their mettle and win their respective nations a medal and bragging rights. This world-renowned concept was born in the popular sanctuary of Ancient Olympia, in the western Peloponnese peninsula.

In the year 776 BCE, at the sanctuary of Zeus, the first Olympiad took place. This game was repeated every four years thus after. This tradition was followed for centuries thereby uniting the different independent Greek city-states into one. More so, this tradition became so important for the Greeks that they put aside all their differences and even wars to compete in the Olympics!

This is beyond any doubt, one of the most spectacular archeological sites in present Greece. 

Must See

  • Archaeological Museum of Olympia
  • The temple of Hera
  • The temple of Zeus
  • The Philippeion
  • The stadium of Olympia
  • The Bouleuterion

How to reach

The archaeological site is located withing walking distance of the modern village called Ancient Olympia 
In the village, you can visit the places on foot as the places to visit is near by.

 

Tips

  • Before visiting the site, check out the days of free entry.
  • Do not rush back keep at least half a day to see the ruins and museum. It is worth the time and money.
  • If you are pressed for time, try not wasting the day time by taking a bus from Athens to Olympia, as the journey will take about five and half hours, plenty of time will be lost.
  • If you are visiting this site for the first time, organized tours are recommended.
  • Planning to stay in Olympia, do book the Olympia accommodations in advance.
  • Do not miss out running on the ancient sprint track. It will be etched in your memory for life. Just go for it.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as there is plenty of walking do be done on the site.
  • In summer keep water with you. The Greek sun doesn't spare anyone.

Visit Time

Summertime:
Sunday:       8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Monday:       8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday:      8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday:     8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday:          8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday:      8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Winter time:
Sunday:      8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Monday:      8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday:     8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Thursday:    8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Friday:         8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Saturday:     8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

Nil

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

Yes

Entrance fee full is €12 and for reduced the rate is €6

It includes the visit to the following areas:
1. Archaeological Site of Olympia 
2. Archaeological Museum of Olympia
3. Museum of  Olympic Games of Antiquity 
4. Museum of Excavations in Olympia. 

The ticket is valid for one day. 

During the period from November 1st to March 31st:
The cost of a single ticket is reduced by 50% for all visitors and it will cost around 6 Euros.

Free entry on the following days:
6th March is in the memory of Melina Mercouri
18th April  is for International Monuments Day
18th May is for the International Museums Day
The last weekend of September annually is for the European Heritage Days
28th October
Every first Sunday for the months from November 1st to March 31st

Read more

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

4 to 5 hours

 

Weather Icon

Weather

Clear Sky 22.19°C

 

Local Services in Olympia (Contact directly)

Discussion

No threads yet!

Be the first one to start a thread.

Top Attractions in Olympia

Top Cities in Greece