This historic site is celebrated as the birthplace of the Olympic Games, a prestigious event that united the ancient Greek world every four years. Nestled in a lush valley, the sanctuary was dedicated to Zeus and served as a center for both worship and athletic competition. The ruins of temples, treasuries, and statues stand as silent witnesses to its former grandeur.

Visitors can explore the Temple of Hera, where the Olympic flame is traditionally lit every two years, and the ancient stadium, with starting blocks still in place, recalling the athletes who once competed for glory before thousands of spectators. The nearby Archaeological Museum holds treasures like the Hermes of Praxiteles and sculptures from the Temple of Zeus.

With roots tracing back to the 10th century BC, the site reached its peak as a sanctuary in the Classical period but declined after Christianity became the Roman Empire’s official religion. Rediscovered in the 18th century and excavated in the 19th, the site’s artifacts offer a glimpse into its storied past and enduring legacy.