In the green valley of Alfios, in western Peloponnese, flourished the ancient and much admired sanctuary of Greece, Olympia. The first famous monarch of the region, Pelops from Asia Minor, gave his name to the peninsula. Its close bond with Magna Graecia and the colonies further west echoes the passionate love of the river god Alpheus (Alfios) for the nymph Arethousa, who became a spring in Syracuse.
In the classical period, Olympia was known for the games held there-the Olympic Games. Every four years Greeks from all the city states gathered there to compete. The Games were a period of peace and reconciliation. Nowadays, the Olympic Spirit informs a grid of nations, states, peoples and individuals, as well as highlights the cultural, inter- and intrastate interactions from the fields of history to economy, from environment to sport, from international relations to culture.
In the classical period, Olympia was known for the games held there-the Olympic Games. Every four years Greeks from all the city states gathered there to compete. The Games were a period of peace and reconciliation. Nowadays, the Olympic Spirit informs a grid of nations, states, peoples and individuals, as well as highlights the cultural, inter- and intrastate interactions from the fields of history to economy, from environment to sport, from international relations to culture.
Archaeological sites & Museum in Ancient Olympia
In front of the temple you can find the ruins of other buildings, such as:
- the workshop of Pheidias, where the statue was created
- Leonidaion, the hostel where distinguished visitors resided
- Bouleuterion, the conference room of the supreme Council of the Temple
As far as the Archaeological Museum of Olympia is concerned, two of the finest exhibits are:
The museum also has a room dedicated to the Olympic Games.
Other Places to Visit
Katakolo
Katakolo, a less than 45-minute drive from Olympia, is a small maritime city. It has a long history mainly because of its port, which dates at least to the Homeric period. Nowadays many cruise ships dock in the port, bringing visitors from abroad, but many Greeks as well visit it because of its beauty, combining mountain and sea. |
Andritsaina
Andritsaina is a large village, located one hour from Ancient Olympia, with long history. It developed during the Venetian rule (12th-13th c. AD) and is referred to in The Chronicle of Morea. It also played an important role during the Greek Revolution (1821). From Andritsaina one can visit the Temple of Apollo Epikourios about a quarter of an hour away. |
Pyrgos
A 20-minute train ride will take us to Pyrgos. Pyrgos is the administrative and commercial center of the greater area. Due to its geographical location, which allowed for grape cultivation, it experienced particular growth up till the 1930’s. Also, its people played an important role against the Turkish rule. |