Things to do in Olympia
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Ancient Olympia
The Olympics were undoubtedly the Ancient World's biggest sporting event. During the games warring states briefly halted their squabbles, corporate sponsors vied to outdo each other, and victorious competitors won great fame and considerable fortune (sometimes even living at public expense). You could say much the same about their modern-day equivalent, the main difference being that back then only men could compete and they did most of it sans underpants.
Held every four years until their abolition by killjoy Emperor Theodosius I in AD 394, the games lasted at least 1000 years. The World Heritage-listed site of Ancient Olympia is still a recognisable complex of temples, …
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Archaeological Museum
The superb Archaeological Museum - Ancient Olympia's archaeological site museum - about 200m north of the sanctuary's ticket kiosk, is a great place to start or end your visit to the site of Ancient Olympia.
There is a scale site model, and the reassembly of the pediments and metopes from the Temple of Zeus are spectacular (despite not being complete). The eastern pediment depicts the chariot race between Pelops and Oinomaos, the western pediment shows the fight between the Centaurs and Lapiths, and the metopes depict the Twelve Labours of Hercules.
Don't miss the 4th-century Parian marble statue of Hermes of Praxiteles, a masterpiece of classical sculpture from the Temple…
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Museum of the History of the Olympic Games in Antiquity
The Museum of the History of the Olympic Games in Antiquity is a beautifully presented space depicting the history of all things athletic, as well as the Nemean, Panathenaic and, of course, Olympic Games. The sculptures, mosaics and other displays all play tribute to athletes and athleticism. Women - and their involvement (or lack of) - are also acknowledged.
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Taverna Bacchus
The God of Wine, Bacchus, has extended his portfolio to include delectable delights with fresh ingredients in this smart stone taverna in nearby Miraka. Don't miss the lamb with oregano. The restaurant is on new premises with accommodation (per room including breakfast, a pool and lovely valley views. Mmmm, now where's Cupid?
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O Thea
It's worth the effort to venture uphill (even on foot) to the small village of Floka, 1.5km north of Olympia, for hearty traditional taverna fare. Enjoy the grills, zucchini balls and views of Floka from the large terrace. That is, if the locals don't beat you to it. It's open irregularly outside high season.
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Museum of the History of Excavations in Olympia
Next to the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games, and housed in a small historic building, the Museum of the History of Excavations in Olympia will appeal more to archaeology and history buffs. It displays items relating to the site's German excavations in the 19th century.
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Historical Museum of the Olympic Games
Only real Olympic devotees will enjoy the rather uninspired Historical Museum of the Olympic Games . It houses a collection of commemorative stamps and literature, mostly in French. It's two blocks west of Praxitelous Kondyli, opposite the junction of Agerinai and Kosmopoulou.
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Taverna Drosia
A strong contender in Miraka village's culinary race, this taverna offers diners a good range of fresh appetisers, as well as flavoursome mains, including lamb fricassee with wild greens.
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