Dedicated to the father of the gods, Olympian Zeus, Olympia is the birthplace of the Olympic Games, which were first held here in 776 BC. Situated in a Peloponnesus Valley in Southern Greece, the site has been inhabited since prehistoric times and boasts many ancient buildings, including the Heraeum, the Stadium and the Hippodrome where ancient horse races were held. There was also a Palaestra, or wrestling school, and a Gymnasium where competitors were obliged to train for at least a month. Today, visitors to Olympia come to see the Temple of Zeus, which once contained a gold and ivory statue of Zeus, and the nearby Archaelogical Museum, which contains many artefacts from Olympia, including a collection of terracottas, statues and bronzes.
Air: Athens International Airport. Rail: Train: Train to Pirgos, then change for Olympia (from Athens). Road: Bus: Services to Olympia or services via Pirgos. Car: E-65, then E-55 (from Athens).

Olimbía, Seventh Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, 27065, Ancient Olympia, Greece
Tel: (06240) 22517
Website: www.culture.gr

Greece