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Greece

Olympia is one of the most significant archeological sites in Greece. One can easily imagine the original Olympics when wandering among the columns and platforms of these ruins. There still remains enough vestiges and artifacts from the Birthplace of the Olympics to go back in time for perspective.  As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea I spent a day wandering this marvel amongst the apex of spring bloom.  So, read on to learn about the highlights and why the best time is spring for an Olympia Greece travel destination ruins tour.

Background of Olympia, Greece’s Original Olympics

Located on the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece, Olympia is where the original Olympic games played. It lies in the Alfeios River valley, about 18 km from the Ionian Sea. The Olympic Games happened every 4 years for over 1,000 years from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD.  The games encompassed much more than sports.  Moreover, they symbolized the peace and nobility of healthy competition, with just the reward of an olive wreath.

Besides the Olympic games, the site also a significant Panhellenic religious sanctuary of ancient Greece.  It dedicates to Zeus, the father of the 12 Olympian Gods and his consort, Hera.  Also called Altis, this was the sacred grove and sanctuary of Zeus. Furthermore, it had over 70 buildings, such as, the Temple of Zeus, Temple of Hera, Palaestra and the Philippeion.  Furthermore, the great altar of Zeus is where most the great sacrifices happened.  There are also various sculptures like the famous Hermes of Praxiteles and the statue of Nike of Paionios.
My Springtime Olympia Greece Travel Destinations
From the cruise port, Katakolon, I took off solo on the modern train 25 miles to Olympia, arriving in 45 minutes.  The archeological site is walking distance from the train.  I did not take a tour and just wandered the complex on a spring afternoon in April.  Little did I know, that I arrived during one of the best times, as this is when the wildflowers and Judas trees are in full bloom.  Overall, I was awestruck by the numerous purplish-mauve Judas blooming trees and yellow wildflowers, alongside the remaining stone platforms and Doric columns.  This is such a beautiful contrast of the ancient sacred ruins, illuminated by the new colors of spring.

I felt like taking it all in without a tour.  It was such a beautiful spring day and it felt fantastic to be in such a historic place at my own pace.  I wandered for at least a couple hours and took amazing photos, displaying the flowers alongside the ruins.

    Olympia Greece ruins
    Greece

    Incredible Olympia, Greece Ruins Tour in Springtime – Birthplace of the Olympics

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    written by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac

    Olympia is one of the most significant archeological sites in Greece. One can easily imagine the original Olympics when wandering among the columns and platforms of these ruins. There still remains enough vestiges and artifacts from the “Birthplace of the Olympics” to go back in time for perspective.  I spent a day wandering this marvel amongst the peak of spring bloom. Plus, later I went in summer with the singing cicadas in video below. So, read on to learn about the highlights and why the best time is spring for an Olympia Greece ruins tour.

    DSCF1071

    Background of Greece’s Original Olympics

    Located on the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece, Olympia is where the original Olympic games played out.  It lies in the Alfeios River valley, about 18 km from the Ionian Sea. The Olympic Games were held every 4 years for over 1,000 years from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD.  The games encompassed much more than sports.  Moreover, they symbolized the peace and nobility of healthy competition, with just the reward of an olive wreath.  1500 years later, the first modern world Olympics began in 1896 in Greece.

    Besides the Olympic games, the site also a significant Panhellenic religious sanctuary of ancient Greece.  It was dedicated to Zeus, the father of the 12 Olympian Gods and his consort, Hera.  Also called Altis, this was the sacred grove and sanctuary of Zeus. Furthermore, it had over 70 buildings, such as, the Temple of Zeus, Temple of Hera, Palaestra and the Philippeion.  The great altar of Zeus is where they made the great sacrifices.  There are also various sculptures, like the famous Hermes of Praxiteles and the statue of Nike of Paionios.   

    Check out my YouTube Video
    Olympia in June

    My Springtime Olympia
    Greece Ruins Tour Highlights

    DSCF1105

    From the cruise port, Katakolon, I went solo on the train 25 miles to Olympia, arriving in 45 minutes.  Then, the Olympia Archeological Site is walking distance from the train.  I did not take a tour and just wandered the complex on a spring afternoon in April.  Luckily, I arrived during one of the best times, as this is when the wildflowers and Judas trees are in full bloom.  Overall, I was awestruck by the numerous purplish-mauve Judas blooming trees and yellow wildflowers, alongside the remaining stone platforms and Doric columns. In contrast, the new colors of spring illuminated the ancient sacred ruins. 

    I felt like taking it all in without a tour.  It was such a beautiful spring day and it felt fantastic to be in such a historic place at my own pace.  Overall, I wandered for at least a couple hours and took amazing photos, displaying the flowers alongside the ruins. 

    Temple of Zeus next to Kronion
    Temple of Zeus Ruins

    I walked by both the Temple for Zeus and his consort, Hera.  There was just 1 remaining Doric column next to rubble alongside the Zeus Temple near Kronos hill.  In comparison, the Hera temple had 3 columns still standing among a platform and stones. 

    Temple of Hera
    Temple of Hera

    The Philippeion was an Ionic circular memorial in limestone and marble. It was built as a symbol for Philip II of Macedon’s defeating the forces of Classical Greece.  Furthermore, Philip built the colossal chryselephantine (ivory and gold) statue of Zeus, sculpted by Pheidias.  This sculpture was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

    Philippeion (2)
    Philippeion

    There is a restored version of the workshop of Pheidias, the great sculptor that created the large chryselephantine statue of Zeus.

    Pheidias Workshop for Sculpture
    Workshop of Pheidias

    I walked by the open grassy field where the stadium once stood.  The only vestige is the limestone archway or hall and entrance to the stadium. (Photo below)

    20240622_122319
    Stadium Entrance

    The most Doric columns I saw were lined up where the Palaestra used to be.  This site was used as as part of the gymnasium for wrestling, boxing and jumping.  This is the best location for the beautiful Judas-blooming trees. (Photo below)

    DSCF1122
    Palaestra

    Olympia Museums

    20240622_125956
    Nike Paionios

    Archeological Museum:  This is one of the best museums in Greece with findings from the ancient site and the area.  It includes famous statues, such as, Nike Paionios and Hermes of Praxiteles

    Museum of the History of Olympic Games: Located inside the Archeological Museum, this displays everything to do with the Olympic games and events. 

    DSCF1072

    Overall, Olympia Greece Ruins Tour

    This is one of my favorite tours exploring an archeological site. And it was being there during spring bloom that made it extra special. The symbolic juxtaposition of the old and new tells the deeper story regarding cycles of life. From ancient relics of the past, come the rebirth for creative evolution.


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Hello, Hola, Namaste, Ni hao, Ciao and Bonjour! My name is Trudy and I have been traveling like everyday is my last, over the last 10 years. I've visited 105 countries and still counting! As an Acupuncturist and traveler, I love sharing my experiences and tips on travel and wellness. Feel free to join below my community for coupons and latest travel guides.

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Check out my blog on Palermo:
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Look at the view of Mt. Etna (Europe's most active volcano) in the background!

For more information, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/taormina-sicily-highlights/

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For more information, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/mt-etna-sicily-excursion/

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Blog Post:
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#italytravel #italianriviera #portofino #portofinoitaly #mediterranean #cruise #mediterraneancruise #europetravelling #italygram
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Trudy Wendelin

truewindtravel

Travel & Wellness Writer, Acupuncturist-at-Sea
🌎 100+ Countries & Counting
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Ancient Palermo is one of Europe’s leading trave Ancient Palermo is one of Europe’s leading travel destinations. The city offers a crossroads of cultures in a unique blend of architecture, food and art. It boasts among the top number of UNESCO World Heritage sites and being the birthplace of delicious cannoli. I planned and enjoyed this Palermo Sicily Walking Tour highlights in one day. 

Check out my blog on Palermo:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/palermo-sicily-walking-tour-highlights/

#palermo #sicily #italytravel #europetravels #sicilytravel
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Look at the view of Mt. Etna (Europe's most active volcano) in the background!

For more information, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/taormina-sicily-highlights/

#sicily #sicilytourism #italytravel #taormina #thewhitelotus #mtetna #greektheatre #europetravels
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For more information, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/mt-etna-sicily-excursion/

#sicily #sicilytourism #italytravel #mtetna #mtetna🌋 #volcano #europetravels #adventuretravel
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Blog Post:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/portofino-italy-walking-tour-highlights/

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