Visit the site of ancient Olympia in a day trip.
Olympia lies about 150 km from the Harmony Hotel.
The important religious centre dedicated to Zeus and the goddess Hera. It
lies in the lovely valley of the river Alpheios where it runs into the river
Kladeos. Oympia is known for the festivals that took place here honouring Zeus,
which were pan-Hellenic (for all of Greece). The dignified and peaceful Olympic
Games stem from these first festivals. The big statue of Zeus inside the temple
made of gold and ivory was created by the sculptor Pheidia in 5th century BC. It
was said to be one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
The original Olympic stadium was built in 4th century BC with a capacity for
50,000. It is the best preserved of all ancient Greek stadiums and was not
modified by the Romans. Exhibited in the museum are the well kept statues of
Nike (goddess of victory), Paionios and the Hermes of
Praxiteles. | 
