PeloPonneseO LY M P I APeloPonneseTO
ur
SPeloPonneseO LY M P I Agods; these were mainly used to advertise
the city-state’s prestige and wealth.
At the bottom of these steps are the scant
remains of the 5th-century-BC metroön, a
temple dedicated to Rea, the mother of the
gods. Apparently the ancients worshipped
Rea in this temple with orgies.
The foundations of the philippeion, west
of the Temple of Hera, are the remains of
a circular construction with Ionic columns
built by Philip of Macedon to commemorate
the Battle of Chaironeia (338 BC), where he
defeated a combined army of Athenians and
Thebans. The building contained gold-and-
ivory-covered statues of Philip and his fam-
ily, including his son, Alexander the Great.
North of the philippeion was the pry-
taneum, the magistrate’s residence. Here,
winning athletes were entertained and
feasted.
oArchaeological Museum MuSEuM
(adult/concession €6/3; h8am-8pm) This su-
perb museum at Ancient Olympia features
finds from the archaeological site. Visiting
it before touring the ruins helps to put the
ancient site and its buildings into perspec-
tive. The museum’s exhibits span the Olym-
pic sanctuary’s history, from the prehistoric
to the Roman periods. Artefacts include
increasingly sophisticated ceramics, votive
offerings to Zeus and Hera, sacrificial caul-
dron adornments and statuary from the
Temple of Hera. The main hall dramatically
displays the biggest highlight: reassembled
pediments and metopes from the Temple of
Zeus.
Among the museum’s treasures, you
may spot a tiny helmet (a votive offering),
a bronze arm protector decorated with the
face of the Gorgon Medusa, a tiny bronze fig-
ure of Silenus (tutor to Dionysis, the god of
wine) featuring optimistically proportioned
genitalia, and a 4th-century Parian marble
statue of Hermes of Praxiteles, a master-
piece of classical sculpture from the Temple
of Hera.
The pediments and metopes from the
Temple of Zeus deserve some extra atten-
tion. The eastern pediment depicts the
chariot race between Pelops and Oinomaos,
while the western pediment shows the
fight between the centaurs and Lapiths at
the wedding feast of Pirithous (the centaurs
got drunk and tried to abduct the women).
The metopes depict the Twelve Labours of
Hercules; half the fun is trying to work out
which is which from the remains alone.
Museum of the History of the
Olympic Games in Antiquity MuSEuM
(adult/concession €2/1; h10am-5pm Mon, 8am-
3pm Tue-fri) Beautifully presented displays
depict the history of the world’s most pres-
tigious sporting competition. Learn about
its core original events (foot racing, wres-
tling, boxing and chariot racing); why it’s as-
sociated with Hercules (or Pelops); and what
fate befell women who tried to watch the
Games despite prohibitions. The sculptures,
mosaics, pottery art and votive offerings all
pay tribute to athletes and athleticism. Oth-
er Games – Heraean, Nemean, Panathenaic,
Pythian and Isthmian – also get a mention.T To ur s
To really make the site come alive, it’s well
worth considering hiring a guide, especially
if there are a few of you. Tours usually in-
clude both the site and the Archaeological
Museum, but any preference will be catered
for. Recommended guides include Niki
Vlachou (%6972426085; http://www.olympictours.
gr; 4½hr tour incl museum from €40 per person),
who speaks English and French; Agelos
Koutras (%26240 22602); and Marieta
Kolotourou (%26250 23596), who speaks
English and Spanish.4 Sleeping
Hotel Pelops HOTEL €
(%26240 22543; http://www.hotelpelops.gr; Varela 2;
s/d/tr incl breakfast €40/50/70; aiW) Op-
posite the church, this is among the town’s
best contenders, with comfortable rooms.
The delightful Greek–Australian owners,
the Spiliopoulos family, provide friendly,
knowledgeable service and a decent break-
fast. And, hurrah, there are tea and coffee
facilities in each room.Hotel Kronio HOTEL €
(%26240 22188; http://www.hotelkronio.gr; Tsoureka 1;
s/d/tr incl breakfast €40/53/70; aiW) The
helpful, multilingual owner, Panagiotis,
is a bonus at this pleasant spot that has
excellent-value bright and airy rooms.Best Western Europa HOTEL €€
(%26240 22650; http://www.hoteleuropa.gr; Drouva 1;
s/d/tr incl breakfast €70/90/100; paiWs)
This family-run franchise is popular with
groups and families. Rooms have blond wood
and mod cons; larger rooms with balcony
vistas are more luxurious. A bar, swimming
pool, a decent poolside taverna under the ol-
ive trees, and excellent service seal the deal.