Ancient Olympia is located at the west end of the Peloponnese peninsula in the midst of a fertile plain between the rivers Alpheios and Kladeos.
The complex of ancient structures at the south slopes of Kronos hill developed over many centuries into a sanctuary. A multitude of deities were represented there during the bronze age until it was dominated by the worship of Zeus at the end of the Mycenaean era.
The history of habitation of Olympia is lost in prehistoric times, but buildings have been unearthed dating as far back as the middle Helladic era (1600-1900 BCE). It is believed that the first god worshiped at the sanctuary was Kronos who was replaced by his son Zeus about the same time that Doric tribes replaced the Mycenaeans in the Peloponnese around 1100 BCE. The largest temple at the center of the Olympia sanctuary is thus dedicated to Zeus.
It is not hard to imagine how the Olympic games cultivated the collective consciousness of the Hellenes looking at the ruins which span several hundred years as they stand silently among the low trees at Olympia. The buildings visible today represent every era of Greek civilization. The temple of Hera with the oversized Capitals on the Doric columns dates back to Archaic times (built in the 7th c. BCE), while most of the buildings visible today - including the Temple of Zeus - were built during the Classical era. Some of the structures encountered when the visitor enters the sanctuary were built later in Hellenistic times while some of the better preserved buildings were Roman and Byzantine creations.
One of the most important features of the site is the stadium of Olympia which is located at the southeast end of Kronos hill. It is presented today as it was in ancient times with its flat terrain where the athletes competed, and the grassy slopes where the spectators used to sit. There are a few stone stands for the Hellanodikes (literarily"the judges of the Hellenes), and the marble starting blocks which break the monotony of the stadium's plane in an austere arrangement fitting of a people who cherished virtue born of humility without excess.
For the visitor, Olympia is one of the sites that should be included in any itinerary of Greek site-seeing. It is one of the easiest archaeological sites to traverse since it has fairly level wide paths to walk through, lavatories, and plenty of shade under the many trees. It is also a site easy to get to through a well maintained highway all the way to the town of Olympia. The nearby modern town of Olympia is well suited to cater to the visitors with some very nice hotels, a plethora of restaurants and tourist shops, and some nice beaches within a half hour drive. From Athens to Olympia is about 4.5 hours of driving so an overnight stay in the city is recommended.
Modern Town village Olympia: The Modern town of Olympia counts on a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and a Museum of the Olympic Games. Although it is not a huge town – it has a population of about 2.000 people – the nearby cruises dock at the close port of Katakolo, leading the people to buses in order to give them the chance to know better this interesting site.
On the other hand, the modern town is so close to the ancient part of Olympia that it can be easily reached on foot.
On the other hand, the modern town is so close to the ancient part of Olympia that it can be easily reached on foot.
