In Brief

Olympia cultivated high ideals from ancient times. In the beautiful site of Olympia, at the confluence of Alpheus and Kladeos river, the matrix of history gave birth to the highest human ideal, of peace, sportsmanship and greatness; the "athletic ideal" was the primary legacy of the Olympic Games, based on the philosophy of the well-balanced development of the body, personality and mind. Therefore, an athletic victory was considered a credit to both the athlete's physical and moral virtues. Here, where the only prize given was an olive wreath and sacred truce was instituted by all city - states since 776 BC, emerged the Ancient Immortal Spirit «which is beautiful, great and true…» (lyrics from the hymn of the Games, written by the famous Greek poet, Costis Palamas. Live a unique experience at an affordable tour in one of the most important sanctuaries of ancient Greece: the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

Outstanding Universal Value The sanctuary of Olympia, in the North West of the Peloponnese, in the Regional Unit of Eleia (Elis), lies in a valley formed by the confluence of Alpheios and Kladeos rivers, in a setting of unique natural beauty and serenity. The sanctuary soon became the most important religious and athletic centre in Greece, celebrated throughout the then-known world, a national shrine of the Greeks and was placed under the protection of Zeus, in whose honor the Pan-Hellenic Games were held every four years from 776 BC to 393 AD, when they were abolished by the Christian Byzantine Emperor Theodosius I. Its history dates back to the end of the Neolithic times (4th millennium BC), as the earliest finds indicate, while during the 10th and 9th century BC it became the center of worship of Zeus, father of the 12 Olympian gods. Some of the most remarkable works of art and technique were created for the Altis, the sacred grove of wild olive trees and center of the sanctuary. Great artists, such as Pheidias, have left their personal mark of inspiration and creativity, offering the world unique artistic creations. This universal site was the birthplace of the Olympic Idea, known as “Olympism”, making Olympia a world- symbol of peace and noble competition. Here too, prominence was given to the three core values of excellence (striving to be the best in all that we do, as individuals and as groups working toward common goals), friendship (building a peaceful and better world through sport) and respect (for ourselves, for one another, for the rules, for fair play and for the environment)… Authenticity The sanctuary of Olympia and its surrounding area are preserved in almost intact condition, from ancient times till today. In Altis, Zeus’ sacred grove, the same tree and plant species are found as in antiquity. The ancient monuments and the votives, which are displayed in the Museum of Olympia, haven’ t undergone any intervention in form or content. When visiting the archaeological site of Olympia, the visitor of today can feel the spiritual and ideological power of the Olympian landscape. Integrity In 2007, the area surrounding the sanctuary of Olympia was hit by massive blazes which raged for 3 days engulfing villages and forests and destroying a great part of the Peloponnese, albeit not irreparably. Through immediate and coordinated efforts the natural environment was soon restored to its original beauty, without significant alterations, while the ancient monuments within the sanctuary were not affected and are still preserved in very good condition.