Ilia's region is full of crossroads which each one leads to something interesting: an ancient temple, a Byzantine monastery, a medieval, a marvelous mountain, a vast sandy beach.
Ilia's region is located on the West side of Peloponese. The region is famous for its significant archaeological finds and especially for the place of the Ancient Olympia. Moreover, there are everywhere scattered mountains villages full of local legends. Owing to the endless fertile fields the place seems to be blessed from a certain ancient spirit.
Every corner is cultivated with vines, olives, oranges etc. As the sea regards, kilometers of thin white sand are involved with the very clean blue-eyed water. Near to Olympia there are many other places that are worth visiting: Beautiful landscapes, ancient buildings such as the temple of the Epicurean Apollon, the Ancient Ilida, traditionsl settlements such as Lampeia and traditional villages like Andritsaina, the famous mineral water springs of Kaiafa with refreshing natural springs, picturesque villages next to the sea such as Skafidia and cities which are located in deep green fields such as Zacharo and Amaliada.
The archaelogical side of Ancient Olympia
Summary
Majestic archeological side that came to light from excavation ehich started in 19829 and lasted many decades.
In the archeological side of Olympia you can visit the museum and the area in which the remains of ancient buildings have revealed. The museum hosts in the forecourt works of art of Modern Greek artist while in its inter you can admire many of the excavated finds.
In the meantime, you can draw valuable information from your visit I the rest place. Te mock-up that represents the buildings as exactly as they were once and the whole of the supervisory and informative material will help you to appreciate the place better.
Many of the most important buildings that we meet here are the Roman propylaeum, the Prytaneum, the Phillipeum, the Heraeum sanctuary of the Nymphs, The Mitroo and a little bit down the stadium with the stoa of Echo.
The stadium admitted 40.000 spectators and its perimeter was amounted with 600 footsteps of Hercules. Next to it, is situated the majestic temple of Zeus, which is one of the biggest monuments of wealth, size and symbolic value. It is Doric temple with a distinguished decoration which even at present is breathless. Here there was the chryselephantine statue of Zeus which was represented him sitting in his throne. After the temple the following buildings are the Bouleuterion, the Suth stoa, the Leonidio where official quests of the Olympic games were hosted, the Arena of 3 b.c century and the secondary school where was the training place of the athletes.
The visit in the village of Olympia lasts many hours. In the entrance of the place there are fountains with water but especially in the summer months it is advisable to be provided with hats and fresh water and also avoid the midday hours.