Olympia

Located in a serene valley of wild olive and plane trees, Olympia is one of Greece’s most significant archaeological sites and the cradle of the Olympic Games. Established in 776 BC, the games were held in honour of the Olympian gods, with athletes from across the Greek world competing in sacred ritual and athletic contests. Only temple priests and officials were permitted to reside within this sacred sanctuary, underscoring its spiritual as well as cultural importance.

The site offers a fascinating glimpse into the origins of the world’s most famous sporting tradition. It is here, at the Temple of Hera, that the Olympic flame is still lit today for the modern Games, using the sun’s heat and a polished mirror, just as it would have been in antiquity. From this sacred flame, it is carried in a ceremonial fire pot to the stadium to ignite the first runner’s torch in the relay, linking the ancient and modern Games in a continuous tradition.

As the Games grew in popularity, a larger stadium was built to accommodate spectators. Visitors can explore this ancient arena, walking the same tracks where athletes once competed—or even enjoy a light run themselves. Yet Olympia is far more than a stadium; the sprawling archaeological site includes temples, altars, treasuries, and monuments that reveal the religious, cultural, and political life of ancient Greece.

The archaeological museum of Olympia is an essential stop, home to some of the finest Classical and Roman sculptures in Greece. Highlights include masterpieces from the Temple of Zeus, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, as well as votive offerings, inscriptions, and artifacts that illuminate the daily life and artistry of this extraordinary sanctuary.

A visit to Olympia is an unforgettable experience, offering a perfect combination of history, mythology, and scenic beauty, and it is an essential inclusion on any classical self-drive itinerary of Greece. Allow plenty of time to explore fully and soak in the sense of history that pervades this iconic site.