A Journey of Discovery in Olympia: A Complete Analysis of the Cradle of the Olympic Games

I. Overview of the Ruins: Olympia, nestled in the western oasis of the Peloponnese Peninsula in Greece, is the sacred birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games. Tracing back to 776 BC, the first ancient Olympic Games grandly opened here, forging a brilliant chapter in the history of sports. Today, this sacred site has been listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO, attracting the attention of tourists from all over the world. II. Must-Visit Attractions and Tour Routes (Recommended Duration: 2.5 hours, best explored by self-driving/chartered car): 1. Ruins of the Temple of Hera - The sacred place for collecting the Olympic flame, the cradle of the future Olympic flame - A paradise for photography enthusiasts, freeze the eternal moment in front of the altar - The ancient charm still exists, an architectural gem dating back to the 7th century BC 2. Ruins of the Temple of Zeus - Once enshrined the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, one of the Seven Wonders of the World - Among the ruins, imagine the grandeur and glory of the temple in the past 3. Site of Phidias' Workshop - Where the sculpture master Phidias created the Statue of Zeus - The church and workshop ruins complement each other, and time overlaps here 4. Ancient Olympic Stadium - Step on the track where the ancients competed and feel the pulse of history - The 192.27m track and the starting stones at both ends have witnessed countless glorious moments - Start from the starting point, check in and take photos to capture your "Olympic moment" 5. Olympia Archaeological Museum - A wide range of collections with a strong historical atmosphere - Must-see exhibits: Sculptures in front of the Temple of Zeus, the Statue of Nike, and Hermes and the Infant Dionysus created by Phidias III. Ticket Guide (Reference for 2025): - Full ticket: EUR 20, covering the ruins, archaeological museum, and Olympic history museum, etc. - Half-price ticket (discount): EUR 10, applicable to non-EU citizens aged 6–25 and EU residents aged 65 and above, etc. - Free admission: Specific cultural memorial days, such as March 6, April 18, May 18, etc. IV. Opening Hours (Open all year round): - Summer (April 1 to October 31): 08:00–20:00 - Winter (November 1 to March 31): 08:30–15:30 - Suggested latest entry time: 45 minutes before closing to allow sufficient time for your visit V. Transportation Guide: - Self-driving/chartered car (highly recommended): Convenient and comfortable, making it easy to explore the surrounding attractions - For details of chartered car services, please follow the pinned note on the homepage - Depart from Athens: Approximately 3.5 hours' drive (300 km) with excellent road conditions - It is recommended to combine your visit with attractions such as Corinth, Sparta, and Nafplio - Public transportation: - Take a bus from Athens Kifissos Bus Station to Pyrgos, then transfer to Olympia - The total time is long (approximately 6 hours), so it is not recommended to travel back and forth on the same day VI. Travel Tips: - Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the ruins are mostly gravel and dirt roads - When traveling in summer, please bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle to cope with the hot weather