Plan Your Travel To Olympia
Places To Visit In Olympia
Temple of Zeus
The temple of Zeus is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Dedicated to lord Zeus, the temple dates back to the 5th century BCE. Sadly, an earthquake damaged the temple and the statue of Zeus, and only the ruins now remain. It is best to hire a guide to learn the history of the magnificent temple.
The archaeological site is a hexastyle building constructed over three steps of the stylobate. The beautiful golden and chryselephantine figure of Zeus was the temple's most distinctive feature. The 13 -meter-tall figure was sculpted by Phidias, one of the most prominent sculptors of his time.
Read More
The Lighting of the Olympic Flame
The lighting of the Olympic Flame happens months before the actual games begin. However, as a tradition, the flame is lit in a ceremony hosted in close proximity to the Temple of Hera. This experience can be witnessed by tourists if travelling to Olympia at the time.
Carrying the Olympic Flame is considered a great honour; it represents peace around the universe. The last runner enters the hosting stadium and lights the torch, which stays lit throughout the Olympic season. Several priestesses accompany the High Priestess as she makes her way to the altar in front of the Hera Temple for the lighting, as per the protocol. At this point, she requests Apollo, the Lord of Light, to send the sun's light to illuminate the torch. After being held in the centre of a concave mirror for a few seconds, the Olympic Flame almost invariably burns. Following modern custom, the Head Priestess hands the flame to the first torchbearer, and then the Torch Relay begins. Finally, a few months later, it ends in the Olympic Stadium of the hosting city.
Read More
Olympia Travel Packages
View All Travel Packages Olympia
Nearby Places Olympia
Browse Package Collections
Browse Hotel Collections
