Ancient Olympia hosted the original Olympic Games from 776 BC to AD 393, a 1,200-year run that produced the longest-serving athletic festival in human history. The archaeological zone preserves the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera (where the Olympic torch is still lit every four years), the original stadium with its starting line intact, and the workshop where Phidias sculpted the Statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The on-site Archaeological Museum holds the Hermes of Praxiteles and the pediment sculptures of the Temple of Zeus.
Ticket
€12 (combined site + museum)
Visit time
3–4 hours including museum
Type
archaeological
UNESCO
World Heritage Site
When to visit
Spring and autumn; summer mornings before 10am
Frequently asked questions
How much does Ancient Olympia cost?
The combined Ancient Olympia + Archaeological Museum ticket is €12. Tickets are valid for 24 hours and can be pre-booked via the official Hellenic Heritage portal.
How do I get to Olympia?
Ancient Olympia is in the western Peloponnese, 4 hours west of Athens by car. Most travellers visit on a 2-day Peloponnese loop or as a long day trip from Patras (1 hour) or Kalamata (2 hours).
Is Ancient Olympia worth visiting?
Yes for travellers interested in classical Greek history. The combination of the temples, the original Olympic stadium, and the museum sculptures makes it one of the most significant archaeological zones in Greece.
When is the best time for Olympia?
April–May and September–October offer the best weather. Summer is hot and exposed; winter is mild but operator schedules drop. The torch-lighting ceremony every four years (next: 2028) draws crowds.