What was olympia known for

This crown shined the greatest honor on the athlete, his family and his native city. At the start of BC, major changes took place on the site itself, including leveling ground and digging new wells.

They also started on projects such as stadium, athletic arenas and other non-religious buildings. The first stadium was built around BC. During the classical period they had built the Temple of Zeus which was constructed in respected size to honor the King of Gods. It was the biggest and most amazing building at that time. It was thirteen meters tall and was made out of ivory and gold. Further sport facilities were built and the old stadium was reconstructed and upgraded by increasing sloping sides for spectators.

It had a capacity for about twenty thousand spectators. They had also built the first Hippodrome for chariot racing and Prytaneion on the north west side of the site, a building where officials and winners of Olympic games could meet. If arriving by plane , the nearest airport is Araxos, which is mostly used for charter flights.

Any time of the year is suitable to visit Olympia. However, the archaeological site and natural environment are at their best in spring.

From late April to late October, the site and Olympia museum are open daily during the daylight hours so visitors have more time to enjoy the monuments and galleries. From November 1 to March 31, tickets for the site and museums open from 8 a. In the winter, there are typically no lines. Since there are many interesting attractions in Olympia and the adjacent area, it is strongly advised that visitors dedicate at least a couple of days and stay in a nearby hotel.

Although there are explanatory signs in the galleries and the site, a guided tour not included in the ticket price is recommended. Please check official websites for more information. Holidays: 1 January: closed 25 March: closed Good Friday: Your browser is out of date.

This site may not function properly in your current browser. Update Now. Ancient Europe. Archaeological Site of Olympia, Greece. Olympia was the birthplace of the most famous and important sporting event in the ancient world. The site was also a place of worship dedicated to the Greek god Zeus from about the 10th century BC. Here you will find incredible sculptures such as the decoration of the temple of Zeus, as well as the famous Hermes of Praxiteles and the statue of Nike of Paionios.

The head priestess raises the Olympic Flame moments before the torch relay begins in the Stadium. The Roots of Western Society Olympia, located in the Ilia Elis region in the north-west of the Peloponnese Peninsula, dates back to the end of the final Neolithic period 4th millennium BC , and is considered one of the most important places to trace the roots of Western society due to its religious, political, and sports tradition.

Sights and Attractions recommended by the locals. Today, the site hosts remain of ancient temples, a stadium, and the Archaeological Museum. This museum hosts stunning pieces found at excavations in the ancient site and the region of Olympia, such as the Statue of Hermes of Praxiteles and the Nike of Paionios. The Ancient Stadium with the characteristic arch is also interesting site in Olympia.

You can see below the best Sites in Olympia. You can filter them by category and location. Our team of experienced travel specialists can organize your unforgettable vacation in Greece! Contact us Contact us. Sign In. Clear all filters. Olympia Travel Guide.