eternal flame of the Olympic Spirit 

A day’s visit to the birthplace of the Olympic Games will not be enough, so much is there to absorb, with a scale of ancient history that never ceases to astound. The centrepiece of Zeus’ most magnificent sanctuary was the 13.5m tall gold and ivory statue, dedicated to the king of the gods and created by master craftsman Pheidias. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it no longer exists but you will appreciate its scale by visiting and you will be able to admire firsthand other famous artefacts, such as the statue of Hermes by Praxiteles. Both the archaeological site and the museum offer a vivid picture of the splendour, glory and breadth of a civilisation that continues to give so much to the modern world – not just in sporting action, but ethics, ideals and sportsmanship.  

The Olympic Games were more than just athletic competitions. They were panhellenic festivals and took precedence over everything occurring at that time, even wars. During the period of the Games, any hostilities between the normally fractious city-states were suspended and the Olympic Truce imposed. 

MUST SEES: Sanctuary of Zeus, the ancient stadium (run the lap), the hippodrome for chariot races,  Hermes of Praxiteles, the onsite museum.  

OPTIONAL VISITS: the Temple of Hera, Bouleuterion, Prytaneion, Gymnasion, Palaistra, Pheidias’ Workshop, the Leonidaion, Philippeion, Echo Colonnade, Pedestal of Paionios’s Nike, the Nymphaion.