Last updated: 04 May, 2025
Tucked into the lush valleys of the Peloponnese, Olympia was once the sacred heart of ancient Greece – a place where sport, religion, and politics converged beneath the gaze of the gods. Founded around the 10th century BCE, it was never a true city with a permanent population, but a sacred precinct dedicated to Zeus, the king of the Olympian gods. Greek city-states gathered here every four years to honour him through the Olympic Games, a tradition that began in 776 BCE and continued for over a millennium.
The site was a sprawling complex of temples, treasuries, altars, and athletic facilities. At its heart stood the Temple of Zeus, home to the colossal Statue of Zeus—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Athletes trained in the palaestra, raced in the vast stadium, and swore oaths at the Bouleuterion.
Olympia flourished through the Classical period, but declined under Roman rule. The Games were abolished in 393 CE by Emperor Theodosius I, as pagan practices fell out of favour. Earthquakes and floods gradually buried the site until its rediscovery in the 18th century.
Today, set beneath Mount Kronos and shaded by olive trees, its ruins are scattered across a serene, sun-drenched landscape. Here, temples, training grounds, and the remains of a great stadium conjure the spirit of competition, honouring Zeus through athletic glory.
Look for the Temple of Hera, where the Olympic flame is still lit today, and the stadium, where ancient athletes once competed barefoot. Also don’t miss the Philippeion, a circular monument to Macedonian royalty, or the remnants of the gymnasium and palaestra, rich with echoes of athletic preparation and ritual.
In the heart of the Temple of Zeus once sat one of the most awe-inspiring creations of the ancient world. The Statue of Zeus, towering over 12 metres high. Crafted around 435 BC by the famed sculptor Phidias, it depicted the king of the gods seated on a grand throne, his form sheathed in gold and ivory, eyes solemn, sceptre and Nike in hand. It was created to honour Zeus and embody divine majesty, and became known as one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World.
Sadly, the statue was lost to history. Historians believe it was relocated to Constantinople, now Istanbul, where it was likely destroyed in a great fire in the 5th century BC. Today, only its memory remains – etched into texts, coins, and the imagination.
The Archaeological Museum of Olympia houses one of Greece’s most treasured collections, showcasing stunning artefacts from the ancient sanctuary. Highlights include sculptures from the Temple of Zeus, the famed Hermes of Praxiteles, and intricately detailed votive offerings – each piece offering a vivid window into Olympia’s sacred and athletic past.
The museum is a short walk from the archaeological site in Olympia, easily reached by car or bus from nearby towns like Pyrgos or Katakolo, or via guided tour.
