Learn about Ancient Olympia
Located in the western part of the Peloponnese Peninsula, Greece, Olympia was the birthplace of the Olympic Games, the most famous and prestigious athletic competition in the ancient world.
Olympia is an ancient archaeological site and one of the most significant cultural and religious centers of ancient Greece.
Located in the western part of the Peloponnese Peninsula, Greece, Olympia was the birthplace of the Olympic Games, the most famous and prestigious athletic competition in the ancient world.
The Olympic Games were held every four years in Olympia, beginning in 776 BC. They were dedicated to the worship of Zeus, the king of the ancient Greek gods, and included various athletic competitions, such as running, wrestling, chariot races, and discus throwing. The ancient stadium of Olympia is an impressive structure where the Olympic Games' footraces and other contests were held. The gymnasium in Olympia was a training ground for athletes participating in the Games. The tradition of the Olympic Flame, which is still observed in the modern Olympic Games, originated in ancient Olympia. Before the Games, a flame was ignited at the altar of Hera, and runners carried it to the host city.
The Temple of Zeus was one of the most important buildings in Olympia, housing a monumental statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Another significant temple in Olympia was the Temple of Hera, dedicated to the goddess Hera, wife of Zeus. The Philippeion was a circular memorial building constructed by Philip II of Macedon to commemorate his Olympic victory. The on-site museum houses a vast collection of artifacts discovered in Olympia, including sculptures, pottery, and ancient Olympic memorabilia.
Olympia is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its cultural and historical significance.
Today, Olympia is a popular tourist destination and an essential site for history enthusiasts, athletes, and visitors interested in ancient Greek culture.
Exploring the remains of this ancient sanctuary and imagining the grandeur of the ancient Olympic Games offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Choose Taxi in Greece for your airport transfer to & from Asini and Ancient Asini and all your taxi transfers to archaeological sites in the Peloponnese.
Contact Taxi in Greece to arrange a tailor-made siteseeing tour with a taxi, including the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia & any other site you wish to visit on your private taxi tour in Greece.
Taxi in Greece offers excursions to Olympia, visit Ancient Olympia & other interesting archaeological sites in the Peloponnese and return to your hotel hassle-free.
