Once in Olympia, the highlights to visit are the Archeological Museum also called the New Museum and the Archeological site. There is also the museum of the History of the Olympic Games also called the Old Museum and the privately owned museum of ancient Greek technology of Archimedes, which I suggest that you explore, if you have time, on your own. The opening hours of both these museums are subject to continues changes and you can contact us, giving us the date of your visit, so that we provide you with the exact opening hours.
In the archeological site, among several other remains of important buildings, you will see the gymnasium and the palaestra, the round Philipeion, the workshop of Phidias where the gold and ivory statue of Zeus was built, the temples of Zeus and Hera, the altar where the Olympic torch is being lit in the modern days and the ancient Olympic stadium.
In the archeological museum are housed all finds that were excavated from the archeological site. Bronze and clay offerings (tripods and figurines), armor, vases, the tools and cup from Phidias's workshop, the gorgeous Hermes by Praxiteles, the Nike by Paeonios and the very impressive and very well preserved classical statues from the pediments of the temple of Zeus, etc.
For the guided visit with a licensed tour guide of the site and the archeological museum you will need approximately 2,5 hours and then you can spend more time on your own to take pictures.
Alternatively, you could visit the archeological museum on your own after you enjoy the guided tour of the archeological site with your guide, for which you will need approximately 1,5 hour.
In case you are staying in a hotel further away from Olympia, such as the Romanos and Westin Resort in Costa Navarino, the Olympia Oasis and Mandola Rosa of Grecotel Hotels, or the Aldemar Olympian Village, please let us know and we'll be happy to send you our proposal for private transfer and transportation services from your hotel to Ancient Olympia and back.
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