Olympia & Archaeological Museum

The small fishing village of Katakolon is the gateway to the mystical site of Ancient Olympia, some 25 miles to the east. Visit the remarkable site of Olympia where the first Olympiad was held. Its setting could not be more idyllic: in the middle of a fertile valley with the rivers of Alphios and Kladhios flowing past. The site was a sanctuary even before the stadium was built and the games took place in the sacred area called Altis. The most imposing monument in this area was the outstanding Temple of Zeus one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Nowadays there exists only the ruins of the temple and the statue has disappeared, its traces lost in the ages. The Temple of Hera, the Prytaneion and the Philippeion were also monuments standing in the sacred grove. The famous Stadium, the largest of its day, is entered through a long, tunnel-like passage constructed in Roman times. Continue to the Archaeological Museum, a five-minute walk from the site. Among the great finds of the area that are displayed here are the Head of Hera and the superb statue of Hermes of Praxiteles. In addition you’ll be able to admire ornaments from the Temple of Zeus, and many other priceless pieces.