After Visiting Archeological Site of Cassope and Nikopolis next destination our list of the Greece road trip was Olympia.
Our hotel in Olympia
We’ve stayed at a very nice hotel Amalia Hotel Olympia. The staff was super friendly and would shout good morning across the hall when seeing us. The breakfast was great with an exceptional service, of waiters opening all hot dishes when passing through and offering freshly squeezed orange juice straight to the tale. The room was very good as well and had a properly working air conditioning with quite spacious balcony which had great views!

Archaeological Site of Olympia (Αρχαιολογικός Χώρος Ολυμπίας)
The Archaeological Site of Olympia also contains the ruins of the Temple of Hera, another important ancient Greek structure. This temple was dedicated to the goddess Hera, the wife of Zeus, and was where the Olympic flame was lit during the ancient Olympic Games. The site also has a museum that houses artifacts found during excavations, such as statues, pottery, and jewelry. One of the most famous artifacts on display is the Hermes of Praxiteles, a sculpture attributed to the ancient Greek sculptor Praxiteles. The Archaeological Site of Olympia is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts thousands of visitors every year. It offers a unique glimpse into the ancient world and the origins of the Olympic Games. Visitors can stroll through the ancient ruins, admire the impressive architecture, and imagine what it must have been like to compete in or witness these ancient athletic events. In addition to its historical and cultural significance, the site is set in a picturesque setting, surrounded by lush green landscape and majestic mountains.



















Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of antiquity (Μουσείο Ιστορίας των Ολυμπιακών Αγώνων της αρχαιότητας)
The Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity in Olympia is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in the ancient Olympics. Located in the birthplace of the Games, the museum showcases a rich collection of artifacts and exhibits. Visitors can explore the history of the ancient Olympic Games, from their humble beginnings in 776 BC to their eventual decline and disappearance. The museum features important archaeological finds, such as ancient statues, sculptures, and ancient sporting equipment. It offers a unique insight into the origins and development of one of the world’s most enduring and iconic sporting events.
Archaeological Museum of Olympia (Αρχαιολογικό Μουσείο Ολυμπίας)
The Archaeological Museum of Olympia is dedicated to showcasing artifacts and archaeological findings from the sanctuary of Olympia. It houses a vast collection of statues, sculptures, pottery, and jewelry, dating back to the 10th century BC. The museum offers visitors a chance to learn about the history and culture of ancient Olympia, including its religious practices and the significance of the Olympic Games. One of the museum’s highlights is the famous statue of Nike, the goddess of victory, which was created by the sculptor Paionios in 421 BC.


The Nike of Paenios statue is one of the important ancient Greek statues that has been preserved. It was discovered in 1875 during excavations at Olympia, the site of the ancient Olympic Games in Greece.
The statue was created in the 5th century BCE by the sculptor Paenios. It was originally placed on a triangular marble pediment above the entrance to the Temple of Zeus at Olympia. The pediment depicted the Gigantomachy, a mythical battle between the gods and the Giants. The Nike of Paenios was situated at the top center of the pediment, overlooking the scene below.
The statue is made of marble and stands at about 2.75 meters tall. It depicts Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, in flight. She is shown with her wings outstretched and her right arm lowered as if she is preparing to descend. The statue is heavily damaged, with only the head, torso, and parts of the wings remaining.
The Nike of Paenios is significant because it is one of the few surviving examples of Paenios’ work. It also represents a unique and important religious and cultural symbol. Nike was a highly revered goddess in ancient Greek society, and she played a central role in the athletic competitions at Olympia. The statue’s placement on the temple pediment would have symbolized her role in granting victory to the athletes who competed in the games.

The Hermes of Praxiteles statue is a renowned masterpiece of ancient Greek sculpture that currently resides in the Olympia Archaeological Museum in Olympia, Greece. The statue is believed to have been created by the famous sculptor Praxiteles in the late 4th century BCE.
Praxiteles was one of the most celebrated sculptors of classical Greece, known for his innovative approach that emphasized naturalism and emotional expression. The statue is believed to have been commissioned by the city of Dionysia in ancient Greece, which was renowned for its magnificent architecture and artistic patronage.
The Hermes of Praxiteles depicts the god Hermes, who was the messenger of the gods in Greek mythology and known for his speed and agility. The statue was standing at approximately 2.1 meters tall (made of marble) in the corner of temple of Zeus. Hermes is represented in a contrapposto pose, with his weight shifted to one leg, creating a sense of movement and lifelike elegance.
What makes this statue particularly unique and influential is the representation of Hermes’s pose and expression. Unlike earlier Greek sculptures, which typically depicted gods and figures in idealized forms, the Hermes of Praxiteles portrays the god in a more relaxed and human-like manner. Hermes is represented with a slight tilt of the head and a gentle smile, conveying a sense of serenity and grace.
The statue’s discovery is credited to a French archaeologist named Charles Rémusat, who unearthed it in 1877 during excavations at the Temple of Hera in Olympia. It was found in several fragments but was eventually restored to its current state.







