The Olympieion is a site of remarkable grandeur, once home to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, one of the largest temples of the ancient world. Construction of this enormous temple was started by Peisistratos in 515 BC, with the goal of building a sanctuary to honor Zeus, the most powerful of the Greek gods. However, it wasn't until Emperor Hadrian's reign in 131 AD that the temple was finally completed, over 600 years after its inception.

The temple, built of Pentelic marble and constructed in the Corinthian order, originally consisted of 104 columns: two rows of twenty along the long sides and three rows of eight across the front and rear. Unfortunately, the dereliction of the temple began around the 5th century AD, and today only 15 columns remain standing. One of these columns collapsed during a storm in 1852, adding to the dramatic story of this ancient wonder.

In addition to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the site preserves other important archaeological remains. Visitors can see parts of the Themistoclean Wall, built in 479 BC as a defensive fortification, as well as the ruins of dwellings dating from the 5th/4th century BC to the 2nd century AD. The site also includes the remains of a Roman Balneum (bathhouse), showcasing different facets of ancient Greek and Roman life.

The Hellenic Heritage Museum Shop adds an extra dimension to your visit. Here, you can find publications, replicas of museum exhibits, and a range of souvenirs inspired by Greek cultural heritage. Proceeds from the sales support the continued work of the archaeological service, allowing you to give back to the preservation of Greece's history.