Olympia (Greek: Ολυμπία Olympía) is a town and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Peloponnese, Greece. This was the site of the original Olympic Games from 776 BCE. The games, held every four years in honor of the Greek god Zeus, lasted through the entire Classical Age until the late 4th century CE. The central sanctuary or Altis included temples, altars, shrines, and public buildings for both religious and profane purposes. (See the official site of the Greek Ministry of Culture for description of the site and practical information)
The flame for each modern Olympic Games is still lit in the town, by a reflection of sunlight in a parabolic mirror, and carried by torch to the place where the games are to be held.
Get in
By car
The city is very close to the Pyrgos intersection on the National road 9, a single carriageway that runs along the Western coast of Peloponnese.
By public transportation
Trains or KTEL buses from Patras via Pyrgos take around two hours. One can also travel to Olympia from the port of Kyllini using KTEL buses.
Get around
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See
See the official site of the Greek Ministry of Culture for a well-referenced description of major sites and access information.
Do
- 1 Olympia Land winery, Koskina, Ancient Olympia (1,5 km from Olympia city), ☏ 30 2624023021. Winery with unique wines from local varieties in a modern tasting room.
Buy
Eat
Drink
- Face Nightclub
- Kalypso Nightclub. Closes at midnight. Popular with a young tourist crowd.
Sleep
- Hotel Kronio (Easy walk to the museums and ancient sites), ☏ 30 26240 22188.
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