Not to be missed on site

• Temple of Zeus, religious centre of the sanctuary, home to the Chryselephantine statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
• Temple of Hera, one of Greece's oldest temples, where the Olympic flame is lit before every modern Olympics.
• The Ancient Stadium, the heart of the Ancient Olympic sports competitions, offering an immersion into the world of athletes of the time.
• The Altis Sanctuary, the sacred heart of the site, a rectangular area surrounded by walls containing the main temples, altars and statues of Zeus and other deities, as well as many votive bases.
• The Bouleuterion, the seat of the Council of Hellanodices, the judges of the Olympic Games, where oaths were taken.
• The workshop of Phidias, creator of the chryselephantine statue of Zeus, is a testimony to the great art of the time.
• The Treasures of the Cities are small buildings lined up in the sacred precincts of Altis. The treasuries contained precious offerings representing the wealth and piety of the Greek cities.
• The Gymnasiums and Palaces are buildings dedicated to the training of athletes, which underline the importance of physical preparation in ancient Greece.
   

The must-sees in the museum?

• The statue of Hermes by Praxiteles in the Archaeological Museum. A marble masterpiece, one of Ancient Greece's most famous sculptures.
• The gables of Zeus' temple at the Archaeological Museum. Monumental sculptures depicting mythological scenes crucial to Greek culture.
• The Victory of Paionios in the Archaeological Museum. This marble statue of the goddess Nike is another impressive example of classical Greek art.
• Exhibitions on the history of the Olympic Games. Discover how the Olympic Games originated, developed and played a role in Ancient Greece through objects, texts and reconstructions.
• Historical reconstructions and explanations at the Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games. This museum offers an insight into the sporting events and values that animated the Games, as well as the objects used by the ancient athletes.
• Explanation of the Panhellenic Games at the Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games. Information on the Delphic, Corinthian, Nemian and Athenian Panathenic Games.
• Excavated objects and remains at the Museum of Archaeological Excavations. Discover the history of the excavations and the methods used to uncover and preserve the site of Olympia.

Before you visit :

Plan your trip: A cultural tour of Greece usually includes a visit to Olympia. Book your self-guided tour months in advance, especially if it takes place during school holidays and the cultural season in spring and autumn. You can contact Greece Vacances for your quote.

Learn more about the country: Read travel guides, consult specialised websites and watch videos to become familiar with Olympia's history and the main sites to visit.

Choose the right period: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are generally the best months to visit Olympia, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds.

Comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking, so opt for shoes suitable for uneven terrain.

Additional tips:

Purchase a ticket: If you buy tickets ahead of time to visit the archaeology site and museums, you can avoid queuing if large groups are waiting at the ticket office. It is also possible to combine it with the use of an audio guide.

Buy an audioguide: Audioguides offer detailed explanations of the history of the site and monuments and are available in english and french.

Avoid peak times, usually late morning and early afternoon. Try to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Take your time, don't rush. Olympia is a place steeped in history. Soak up the atmosphere and savour every moment as you admire the ruins.