Do you know where the Olympics originated? The birthplace of the inspiring and exciting Olympic Games is the town of Olympia in Greece. Located about 190 km west of Athens, Olympia lies in the western part of the Peloponnese Peninsula.
Olympia is home to many ancient ruins that preserve and convey its great history to the present day. Because of its high historical and cultural value, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989. Visiting the ancient ruins in Olympia will surely make you recall this destination every time the Olympics come around.
About the Ancient Ruins of Olympia
Olympia in Greece flourished as a pilgrimage site for the worship of Zeus and is the birthplace of the Olympic Games, held once every four years. Even today, the Olympic flame is lit at the Olympia ruins, making it a site of great tradition.
The very first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC. In its early days, the event lasted only one day with a single event: the 192-meter stadion race. Over time, the number of participating nations increased, and by the 5th century BC, the games expanded to a five-day event. Along with the stadion race, events such as wrestling, discus throw, and javelin throw — all still familiar to us today — were introduced, and the excitement was immense. The Olympics eventually reached their peak, but they came to an end when Christianity became the state religion of the Roman Empire.
In 1896, calls for the revival of the Olympics grew, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was established. The first modern Olympics were held in Athens, Greece. Today, the Olympics continue to captivate and inspire people worldwide.
The ancient ruins of Olympia, considered a sacred ground for the Olympics, still include the stadium where the ancient games were held. Visiting here allows you to feel the passion and spirit of the athletes of old.
Name: Archaeological Site of Olympia
Address: Olympia 27065, Greece
Official Website: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/517
Access to the Ancient Ruins of Olympia
The most common way to travel from Athens, Greece’s capital, to the World Heritage Site of Olympia is by long-distance bus. You transfer at Pyrgos before continuing to Olympia. The journey from Athens takes over 5 hours, so given the distance and number of attractions in Olympia, it’s best to stay overnight and explore at a relaxed pace.
If arriving at Katakolon Port, a stop for Aegean cruises, the ruins are just about 40 minutes away by bus.
Highlights of the Ancient Ruins of Olympia
1. Temple of Zeus
A must-see at the ancient ruins of Olympia is the Temple of Zeus. It once housed a 13.5-meter-tall statue of Zeus made of gold and ivory.
The temple, estimated to have been about 64 meters long and 28 meters wide, was a grand structure rivaling the Parthenon in Athens. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by a major earthquake in the 6th century, leaving only columns and fragments today. While its original form can now only be imagined, it must have been a magnificent and fitting symbol of Olympia’s glory.
It is believed that athletes pledged their oaths here in the spirit of Olympic sportsmanship — a thought that brings excitement to visitors.
2. Temple of Hera
The Temple of Hera, dedicated to Zeus’s wife Hera, is the oldest and most sacred site in Olympia. It is here that the Olympic flame lighting ceremony takes place.
During the ceremony, a prayer is offered to Apollo, the sun god, and the torch is lit using the sun’s rays concentrated through a parabolic mirror. Knowing that the torch for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics was also lit here before. Visiting this sacred temple offers a chance to feel the history of passionate athletic competition.
3. Archaeological Museum of Olympia
The Archaeological Museum of Olympia is one of Greece’s most renowned museums, showcasing remarkable artifacts excavated from the Olympia ruins.
Highlights include stunning sculptures such as Nike of Victory and Hermes with the Infant Dionysus, as well as the magnificent pediment sculptures from the Temple of Zeus, considered masterpieces of ancient Greek art.
Located on the north side of the ancient ruins, the museum is best enjoyed with a combination ticket for both the ruins and the museum.
Name: Archaeological Museum of Olympia
Official Website: http://ancient-greece.org/museum/olympia.html
◎ Summary
The ancient ruins of Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Greece, are truly a sacred place for the Olympics. Visiting this site allows you to imagine the ancient games and appreciate their history in an enriching way.
The Olympic flame lit at the Temple of Hera is carried in a 12-day relay within Greece before being flown to the host city. If you visit Greece in the spring of an Olympic year, you might witness the very torch relay that will be seen at the Games.