Olympia ruins are best seen between late spring and early fall when wildflowers bloom and summer peak crowds have yet to arrive at this renowned archaeological site. A highlight of Olympia is the Archaeological Museum which contains one of the world’s greatest marble sculptures: Praxiteles’ Hermes.
Olympic ideals of fair competition and sacred truce remain among humanity’s highest goals, inspired by de Coubertin who revived them in 1896.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Olympia has been recognized by UNESCO since 1976 as an extraordinary combination of geographical, geological and cultural attributes. From spectacular coastline to picturesque lakes to magnificent mountains and spectacular temperate rainforest – Olympia offers something special.
Site was famous for temples, athletic and artistic monuments and the Olympic Games: ancient Greece’s premier national festival representing peace, fair competition and physical/mental equilibrium. Pheidias’ workshop was located here and his statue of Zeus once stood here as one of seven wonders of antiquity – both are timeless symbols.
For the full Olympia experience, I recommend visiting in late spring or fall when the crowds have subsided and you can wander the ruins without the distraction of summer peak-season tourists. Meandering amongst its overturned columns of the stadium alone is truly magical! Also impressive and worth your while are its complex of buildings built for athletes – the Olimpiad.
Archaeological Site
Olympia is one of the world’s premier archaeological sites, boasting temple ruins and an ancient stadium where athletes competed millennia ago for glory. Remains of its 192-metre running track still stand here today and it is home to buildings that house priceless collections of ancient artefacts.
At Olympia’s archaeological site are several ancient structures dating back to 360 BC: an early silver tetradrachm featuring Zeus with laurel wreath on his head was the oldest structure at this ancient site; during Hellenistic periods (third to first centuries BC), builders added gymniums and palaestras while Romans restored some existing ones (Echo stoa).
Olympia was submerged for over 200 years after its definitive abandonment, under tons of alluvium deposits that had long been thought to have come from river flooding; modern research now suggests instead that they may have come from successive tsunamis due to evidence found within its composition such as mollusks, gastropods, and foraminifera found within.
Historic Site
UNESCO has designated the ancient Olympics site a World Heritage Site, featuring its sacred precinct and athletic training areas dedicated to worshipping Zeus and Hera – making it one of the cradles of Western civilization.
Archaeological Museum of Olympia boasts a statue by Praxiteles depicting Hermes that originally stood within the Temple of Hera ruins, part of Olympia relics.
As soon as Washington became a state in 1853, Governor Stevens named Olympia as its provisional capital. Due to its strategic location on Budd Inlet and fortified shorelines, businesses flourished rapidly there.
At its height of development, Olympia became an independent city with a water system, street cars and even a hotel to house visiting legislators. Furthermore, Olympia boasted opera house performances and library services. Furthermore, significant topographical changes occurred as a dredging project added 22 blocks to downtown Olympia while filling mudflats to its north.
Tourist Attraction
Olympia has something for every type of outdoor and sports enthusiast, art lover and gourmet foodie imaginable – be they outdoor and sports enthusiasts, art and history enthusiasts or gourmet foodies. As Washington state capital, its serious side is balanced with its quirky, indie culture – Capitol Lake and Budd Inlet provide miles of waterfront for strolling and great views; downtown offers vintage clothing stores and antiquing opportunities; while Olympia Farmers Market features vendors selling produce directly from nearby farms in an immense pavilion setting.
At Olympia’s archaeological site, your first stop should be the Archaeological Museum on the main road leading in. Here, entry to all sites at Olympia can be easily gained without waiting in line; plus it features breathtaking pieces from Olympia excavations such as ancient statues and temples as well as Archimedes’ hydraulic clock model! Plus entry is free; tickets to other museums require small fees.
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