The birthplace of the Olympics—the ancient site of Olympia on the Peloponnese Peninsula

Written/Compiled and Reported by Li Xinyi, MOOK Travel Life Network | Source/MOOK Editorial Department

The 2012 London Olympics are set to kick off in July, but do you know where the Olympics originated? It's on the Peloponnese Peninsula in Greece. On the island lies a site called the Archaeological Site of Olympia, which was the birthplace of the Olympic Games in 776 BC and is listed as a World Heritage Site. The ancient ruins of Olympia are nestled behind the Kladeos River, and unlike many historical sites that are often desolate, Olympia exudes a pastoral charm.

Stepping into the ruins, amid the lush greenery, splashes of crimson and ivory burst forth with vibrant blooms, while birds chirp and flit between the branches. Weathered temple columns lie scattered across the grass, some standing, some fallen, bridging ancient times and the present. The ancient Greeks held their crafted deities in high reverence, and to please the gods, they held grand sacrificial festivals. These celebrations often included both athletic competitions and cultural performances. Among all the ceremonial games, Olympia was the most renowned, as it was held in honor of Zeus, the king of the gods.

Today, most of the structures at the site have collapsed, but the most important ones include the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, the workshop of Phidias, the stadium, and the hippodrome. The unearthed artifacts are all housed in the Archaeological Museum of Olympia.

【Travel Information】

Transportation: The Archaeological Site of Olympia is about a 10-minute walk from the Olympia Bus Station.

Opening Hours: 08:30∼15:00

Admission: €6, or €9 for a combined ticket with the Archaeological Museum.

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