Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympics, was a must-do choice during our 2024 trip to the Peloponnese in Greece. We were both eager to visit this ancient wonder and walk among the history of century-old ruins. We toured Ancient Olympia on our own, but you can tour it with a group or privately. You could combine this site with other sites in Greece such as Sparta and Mycenae and make it a day trip from Athens through Viator.
Location
Ancient Olympia is located in the Peloponnese area of Greece.
History
Ancient Olympia, set in a green valley among the rolling hills of Greece, was built over time and is a rich cultural heritage of the ancient world. The earliest inhabitants date back to 1900 BC. Development of the site continued over the next 900 years, when the area became formally dedicated to Zeus, king of the gods in 1000 BC. The site began to attract worshippers and athletes alike.
The first Olympics combining athletic competition with a religious festival, were held in 776 BC. Although it wasn’t until 600 BC that many of the ruins you see now, including grand temples and statues, were constructed. The Olympic Games continued to be held every four years until 393 AD when the Roman Emperor Theodosius I formally put an end to the games and to all “pagan festivals”. In 426 AD, the Roman Emperor ordered the destruction of the temples of Olympia and the region faced additional devastation when earthquakes destroyed the area in 522 AD and again in 551 AD.
For a brief history of the evolution of Olympic events you can click here to read my May 2025 Newsletter.
The Gymnasium
This once large rectangular building was used by the athletes for practice in foot races, javelin and discus throwing. Surrounded by columns and built around the 2nd century BC it must have been a beautiful place.
Prytaneion
Built in the 5th century BC this was the religious and administration center for both Olympia and the Olympic Games. Inside was the hearth of the goddess Hestia.
Philippeion
Dedicated to the god Zeus, this building was built in 338 BC by Phillip II to celebrate his victory in the battle of Chaironela. Unfortunately, Phillip II did not live to see the building completed by his son, Alexander the Great finished the project. This circular building still shows how columns encircled it. Inside were statues of Phillip II’s family. The statues, made of chryselephantine were very upscale in those times.
Temple of Hera
The Temple of Hera, queen of the Greek gods, is the oldest temple ruins in Ancient Olympia. This temple, built in the 7th century BC, originally was built out of wood and replaced with stone, this also includes the columns. The altar of this temple is where the Olympic Flame is lit and carried around the world.
Nymphaion
The Nymphaion, meaning home of the Nymphs, was a fountain or a water distribution center which supplied water to those at Ancient Olympia.
The Ancient Olympic Stadium
I think the Stadium is the largest attraction here although the only true ruins marking it is the entrance. The track is a dirt track and you can imagine the crowds sitting on the hill watching these ancient races. Foot races are still being run to this day. As a matter of fact, people were waiting their turn in line to get a chance to run and/or race on this famous track. Us included! We each took a turn at running the track and it felt amazing to actually be running on this famous track that has withstood the debacles of time! While running on the track, I thought about the people who ran before me, the ancient people who made the Olympics what it is today, many whose names are still remembered!
The Entrance (Krypte)
The arched entrance to the Olympic Stadium also goes by the name of the Krypte. It was actually a vaulted tunnel which only athletes and officials could pass through. Built in the 3rd century BC, it is one of the earliest finding of vaulted architecture in Ancient Greece. Walking through the ruins of this is a awesome feeling.
The Stadium
Votive Monument of Ptolemy II
After the death of Alexander the Great, the Ptolemaic dynasty, from Alexandria Egypt, became his successors. They built a monument to honor the Egyptian King Ptolemy II and his wife and also sister, Arsinoe. There were two large pillars on which a golden statue of King Ptolemy II stood on one, while a golden statue of Arsinoe stood on the other.
Nero’s House
in the 1st century AD, this house, built for the Roman Emperor, Nero, was an elaborate villa with many rooms, with murals and arched roofs.
Temple of Zeus
Although the Stadium is a big draw for many people, for me the Temple of Zeus is what brought me here. As a child I used to love to read The World Book Encyclopedia Childcraft Wonders of the Seven Wonders Ancient World. I would read about places I wanted to see and also visit some day. The section on the Temple of Zeus especially intrigued me. I would look at the photo of Zeus on his thrown in awe. Well, 50 odd years later, I made it here! Although it is in ruins now, it was very exciting for me to be here. This temple honoring the god Zeus, built in the 5th century, was for sure a marvel in its day.
The Theokoleon
Built in the 5th century BC, the Theokoleon was the building where the Priests and other sanctuary staff lived. At one time, this columned building had eight rooms with four of those rooms opening to an inner courtyard.
The Palaistra
The Palaistra, built in the 3rd century BC was a place where wrestling was taught and training occurred. Even in ruins, this square building is still remarkable as two rows of columns surround it, many which are still somewhat intact.
Conclusion
There is so much to see at Ancient Olympia and there is a reason it is such a popular site to visit in Greece. The history is amazing and to think, the Olympics started here so many years ago and are still going. If you want to read more about the history of the Olympics you can check out my May 2025 Newsletter by clicking here.
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The Gen-X Travels recommendations for hotels, restaurants, activities or tour companies are based on our own experiences unless noted. We are not sponsored by any business or company and all trips are at our expense. All photos are by myself or my husband unless otherwise noted. We are affiliates of some companies such as Amazon,Viator, and others which we do receive a small commission from, at no cost to you if you buy or book through one of our links.
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As we didnโt manage to get here during our Pelopenese trip in 2024, I loved this excellent content.
Bravo Lori! ๐๐ฌ๐ท
Thank you, Barb. It is a bit out of the way from about of the other sites. We debated on going here but I really wanted to see The Temple of Zeus!
impressive archway still standing!
โฌป๐โงย โย โย โฌแฆโย โย โย โย โกย โย โย โย โแฆโฌย โย โย โง๐โค
I agree!!
๐๐๐โจ๐ซ
An amazing place to visit and imagine what life would have been like for the athletes who came here in the day. Happy Mothers’ Day Lori. Allan
Thank you!! So many great places in this area of Greece!
As an Olympics junkie, this is definitely on my list when I’m in the area. Maggie
Definitely worth the time to visit here!
Absolutely stunning…!
It is quite the marvel!
Did you two try a “fast walk contest” against one another, just to say you competed there? The pillars and arches are amazing Lori.
We did not competeโฆwe took turns video taping each other runningโฆvideos no one will see! Lol! Have a good week, Jerry!
What an incredible experience visiting Ancient Olympia! Itโs amazing to walk through the grounds where the first Olympic Games were held. I love your personal touch about running on the Olympic trackโit must have been surreal! Thanks for sharing this detailed account; it definitely makes me want to visit on my next trip to Greece.
Definitely worth a visit. It was a bit out of the way but Iโm glad we took the time to explore Ancient Olympia. Lori
Absolutelyโsometimes the places that are a bit off the main path turn out to be the most memorable. Ancient Olympia sounds like one of those gems. Thanks again for the inspiration, Lori!
I’m always so amazed at how massive and detailed the ruins are. Looks like an interesting place to explore. Beautiful set of shots.
Thank you! I do love exploring these ancient ruins. We donโt have this type of thing in the States so it is quite amazing to see ruins from ancient times. Lori
Absolutely incredible place ๐
Yes it is!!