It is one of the most important archeological sites in the world and attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Photo: Georgios Kritsotakis
Ancient Olympia is the place in the Western Peloponnese where Olympic Games were born and visitors can see the impressive ancient buildings that the ancient Greeks used as places of worship, athletism and conferences.
The archeological site of Olympia includes the Sanctuary of Zeus with the temples and various buildings built around the sanctuary, such as sports facilities and administrative buildings.
Photo: Georgios Kritsotakis
Altis, the sacred grove, occupies the central part, and inside it, is the core of the sanctuary with the temples and the treasures of the area.
In a prominent place inside the sanctuary, there is the huge temple of Zeus and further north the temple of Hera.
Photo: Ververidis Vasilis
East of Altis is the stadium where the Olympic Games took place. South of it was the hippodrome, which no longer exists because it was washed away by the Alpheus river. In the same area there are baths and villas like the famous manor house that Nero built when he travelled in Olympia in order to participate in the Olympic games. There is also the Museum of Olympia, where you can see ancient exhibits such as the Hermes of Prexitelis, one of the most famous ancient statues.
Related video: The Sanctuary of Olympia by Rick Steves
