Olympia, located in the western part of the Peloponnese, is one of the most iconic and historically significant ancient sites in Greece. As the birthplace of the Olympic Games, Olympia was a major religious and athletic center that drew people from all over the Greek world. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering visitors the chance to explore the ruins of ancient temples, athletic facilities, and other structures that once made up this celebrated sanctuary dedicated to Zeus, the king of the gods.

The ancient Olympic Games were first held in 776 BC and continued for over a millennium. Every four years, athletes from across the Greek world gathered in Olympia to compete in honor of Zeus. The Games were not just a sporting event but also a major religious festival. The competitions included running, wrestling, boxing, chariot racing, and the famous pentathlon. Victorious athletes were honored with olive wreaths and became heroes, representing not only personal glory but also the pride of their home city-states.

The Stadium of Olympia, where the games were held, remains one of the most significant parts of the site. Visitors can still walk through the archway that leads into the stadium and stand on the same field where athletes once competed. The original stone starting blocks are still in place, providing a real connection to the distant past. The stadium could hold up to 45,000 spectators, making it one of the largest of its kind in ancient Greece.

One of the most impressive structures in ancient Olympia was the Temple of Zeus, which housed the colossal statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The temple was built in the 5th century BC and was a symbol of Greek architecture and artistry. Although the statue of Zeus, created by the famous sculptor Phidias, no longer exists, its legend lives on.

The remains of the Temple of Zeus, including the massive columns that once supported its roof, give a sense of the scale and grandeur of this important religious site. Nearby, you can visit the workshop of Phidias, where the famous statue was created.

Another key landmark in Olympia is the Temple of Hera, one of the oldest structures at the site, dating back to the 7th century BC. This temple was dedicated to Hera, the wife of Zeus, and was an important religious center in its own right. Today, the Temple of Hera plays a vital role in the modern Olympic Games. It is here that the Olympic flame is lit every four years in a special ceremony, using the rays of the sun to ignite the flame, which is then carried across the world to the host city of the Games.

The Philippeion is a circular building in Olympia that was built by Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great. It was designed as a monument to celebrate his victory at the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BC, which marked the unification of Greece under Macedonian rule. The building once housed statues of Philip, Alexander, and other members of the Macedonian royal family, symbolizing their dominance in Greek affairs.

See the Archaeological Museum of Olympia that houses an incredible collection of artifacts uncovered from the site, including statues, pottery, and everyday objects. One of the museum’s most famous pieces is the Hermes of Praxiteles, a stunning marble statue that represents one of the finest examples of classical Greek sculpture. Another notable piece is the Nike of Paionios, a dramatic statue of the goddess Nike, symbolizing victory. The museum also contains numerous offerings, tools, and athletic equipment that help bring the history of Olympia to life.

At the heart of Olympia was the Altis, the sacred grove where many of the site’s most important religious buildings were located. This area was considered a holy place, and it was here that the most important rituals and offerings to the gods took place. The Altis was filled with statues, altars, and temples, making it the religious center of Olympia. Visitors today can walk through this ancient sanctuary and imagine the grandeur of the past, when it was filled with pilgrims, athletes, and worshippers.

Today, Olympia is a peaceful archaeological site where visitors can wander among the ruins of temples, stadiums, and public buildings, all set against the backdrop of the beautiful Alfeios River valley. The natural beauty of the area give a sense of calmness and on the otherexploring one of the most significant cultural sites in the world inspires awe.

The modern village of Olympia offers amenities for visitors, including cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it a pleasant base for exploring the area. The nearby Kronos Hill provides opportunities for hiking and offers excellent views of the ancient site and the surrounding countryside.

Olympia is a place where history, culture, and mythology come together in a unique way. As the birthplace of the Olympic Games and home to some of ancient Greece’s most important religious and athletic monuments, it offers a fascinating journey into the past. Whether you’re walking through the ancient stadium, exploring the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, or admiring the treasures in the Archaeological Museum, a visit to Olympia on a taxi tour from Nafplio is a chance to connect with one of the great centers of ancient Greek civilization.

Take a taxi to Olympia see the amazing arcaheological site and take a tour of the Peloponnesse, approx. 3 hours from Tolo.