Olympia Things to Do

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Near the northeast edge of the Altis is the entrance to the Stadion. It still has a vaulted entrance and adjacent to the entrance are 12 pedestals which supported the Zanes. Many pieces of the Echo Hall are scattered nearby.

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Just east of the Temple of Hera once was an exedra built by Herodes Atticus between 157 and 160 AD. It contained a fountain and was a source of water for the sanctuary. It was fed by a 3 km aqueduct. Segments of the stone that stored the water are restored to their sites and include several lion-head spouts. (Originally there were 83).

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The Temple of Zeus is near the center of the Altis. There is nothing standing above the height of the base of the temple. There are many groups of drum rounds set around the area suggesting the magnificence that once stood here. The drums were made of shell-limestone and covered in stucco to look like marble.

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The Heraion or Temple of Hera is one of the oldest Greek large buildings partly standing. It is of the 6C BC but may be older. Parts of 34 pillars survive and it is Doric a peripteral hexastyle with 16 columns on the long sides. A few pillars have been set in place to improve the view.

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Ancient Olympia was a very special time,walking on the footprints of Olympic gods.

The ruins of the Temple of Zues,the place where the Olympic flame was lit and the archway to the original oblong olympic arena where the Greeks ran back and forth naked.

One can imagine how it used to be back in ancient times.

It is an easy stroll and suitable for wheelchairs and prams/pushers.

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The museum's collection begins with items from the final Neolithic Period (4300-3100 BC) and works forward. Some vases from 2500 BC weren’t Greek, indicating that Olympia was already a trading center by then.

Mycenaeans were settling here by 1400 BC, and their tombs had lots of pottery. Some of it looks almost contemporary. Archaeologists found many clay or bronze figurines used as votive offerings.

Another room had weapons and armor, and big bronze cauldrons on tripods. The rims were decorated with winged men, griffins, bulls, etc. One fascinating exhibit contained molds for the garment draperies on statues!

There ware also clay cups from the workshop of Pheidias, including his own cup with his name on it.

Hours: 8:30-3, Tues-Sun. Monday, 10:30-5
Entrance fee is 6 euro, and well worth it.

Across the street from the site of Ancient Olympia is the museum containing many artifacts found at the site including statues, items from Pheidias' workshop, columns, and more.

Admission is charged. Hours are the same as the ruins: 8am-7pm daily from April to October and 8am-5pm daily from November to March. It is closed on major public holidays.

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In Roman times, the villa of the Roman emperor Nero was added, also the Exedra of Herodes Atticus and Roman baths. During the Roman period the games were opened up to all citizens of the Roman Empire.

A programme of extensive repairs - including to the Temple of Zeus - and new building took place. In 150 CE the Nympheum (or Exedra) was built. New baths replaced the older Greek examples in 100 CE and an aqueduct constructed in 160 CE.

You may watch my high resolution photo of Olympia on the Google Earth according to the following coordinates 37º 38' 10.85" N 21º 37' 43.65" E or on my Google Earth Panoramio Olympia Roman's baths.