Olympia Tourism Information Olympia , Peloponnese .
Olympia: ancient Olympia can be found on the west of the Peloponnese between the rivers of Alfeios and Kladeos. It was the sanctuary of ancient Greece and the birthplace of the Olympic Games during ancient times. The first Olympiad took place in 776BCE and repeated every four years ever since. The sanctuary consists of several buildings that were built in different eras. The temple of Hera was built in the 7th century BCE. The Treasuries and the Pelopion were constructed during the 6th century BCE. The temple of Zeus and the hippodrome were built during the Classical era. Prytaneion was built in 470BCE. During the Hellenistic Period, Philippeion, the Palaestra and Gymnasion were erected. During the Roman Period the Nympheum was built and many repairs were made to older buildings. One of the Seven Wonders of ancient world the gigantic gold and ivory statue of Zeus sculpted by Pheidias used to stand here. After the 6th century CE the site was buried and it was discovered again by archaeologists in the 19th century. Excavations are continuing until our days bringing to the light more history.
Greece