2011

Ancient Olympia & Regional Hotels Association www.AncientOlympiaHotels.gr

Ancient Olympia The Birthplace of the Olympic Games

Museums & Archeological Sites Archeological Museum of Ancient Olympia Archeological Site of Ancient Olympia Museum of the History of the Olympic Games Museum of the Modern Olympic Games The Monument of Pierre de Coubertin Ancient Ilis Chlemoutsi Medieval Castle Temple of Apollo Epicurius Museum of Ancient Greek Technology Museum of Ancient Greek Instruments Traditional Villages Folkloric Museums

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Religion Nature of Ancient Olympia Foloi Forest Environmental Museum of Foloi Kaiaphas Neda Alpheus River The Sea Adventure & Sports Conference Centers Accommodation

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Contents
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Museums & Archeological Sites

Ancient Olympia and the region was for the ancient Greeks; a sacred place, the centre of Hellenism and the cradle of Olympism. During the past centuries, Romans, Byzantines, Franks, Ottomans and Crusaders came to the area leaving their individual impressions; samples of culture and conquest. For these reasons, Olympia has exceptional archaeological sites and museums with exhibits and priceless world heritage, where visitors can encounter the historical memory and individuality of the site with every step.

Museums & Archeological Sites

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The Archaeological Museum of Olympia is one of the most important museums

Museums & Archeological Sites

in

Greece

and

contains

priceless the

artifacts.

The

museum

holds

sculptural decoration of the temple of Zeus, which is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It is also home to the Nike of Paionios, the famous Hermes of Praxiteles, an outstanding collection of bronze objects; the largest and richest of its kind in the world, and many more unique exhibits.

Archeological Museum of Ancient Olympia

The archaeological site of Olympia is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. This was the place where the ancient Olympic Games were held. The archaeological site has the most comprehensive set of sporting facilities and religious buildings of the ancient world. There is the Temple of Jupiter (the biggest temple in the Peloponnese), the Philippieion, the Temple of Hera, the Stadium, the Palestra, and many other attractions that visitors can admire. Today, it remains a sacred archaeological site with worldwide acknowledgement, and continues to give mankind the Olympic flame and the message of sportsmanship and world peace.

Museums & Archeological Sites

Archeological Site of Ancient Olympia

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The Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games is home to 463 ancient works, from the Temple of Zeus in Olympia, and other museums in Greece; the chronological spectrum going from the 2nd Millennium BC up to the 5th Century AD. The main exhibits include the infamous Olympic gold rings, seals of the first images of sport, samples of Minoan and Mycenaean art, bronze and terracotta figurines of warriors and geometric floats, and various objects used by athletes such as disks and dumbbells. Finally, there are two characters in the three-dimensional virtual room tour; Athenodoros and his grandson Kalippos browse the site discussing the procedure and rules of the Olympic Games.

Museums & Archeological Sites

Museum of the History of the Olympic Games

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This small museum houses numerous memorabilia and mementoes of the Modern Olympic Games, including the shrine, lined with silk, in which the heart of Pierre de Coubertin was transported in 1939, to be buried in the land of Olympia. There are numerous photographs and documents from the era of the revival of the Olympic Games and informative notes from each city that hosted the Summer and Winter Olympics.

Museums & Archeological Sites

Museum of the Modern Olympic Games

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The man who revitalised the Olympic Games; Pierre de Coubertin (1863-1937) was a French educator, historian and one of the most important people of the 20th century. Pierre de Coubertin accomplished the revival of the Olympic Games. His last wish was fulfilled when his heart was transferred and buried in Ancient Olympia under the marble monument commemorating the revival of the Olympic Games.

Museums & Archeological Sites

The Monument of Pierre de Coubertin

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As the host city of the Olympic Games, Ancient Ilis was one of the most important and interesting centres of the Peloponnesus in ancient times. It was also the capital of Ilia, where the Holy Olympia Street was noted for its distinguished and exposed (whereas most ancient Greek cities were fortified in case of attack), buildings of the high schools (gymnasia), the Lalichmio Parliament House, and the ancient theatre which operates to this day. At the beginning of Roman times; a large number of buildings and sports facilities were built primarily because Ilis was used by crowds of athletes training for a month before the Olympics.

Museums & Archeological Sites

Ancient Ilis
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The Chlemoutsi Castle was the impregnable bastion of the Franks and is one of the most important and best preserved castles in Greece. It is an excellent example of architecture from the Franks era and was built 1220-1223 by Geoffrey Knight Frank Villehardouin. It was the strongest fortress of the Frankish principality of Achaia.

Museums & Archeological Sites

Chlemoutsi Medieval Castle

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As a World Heritage Site, the Temple of Apollo is one of the largest, most imposing and best preserved temples of antiquity. It was probably built by the architect of the Parthenon; Iktinos, between 430-410 BC, on a former church site. It was constructed for the inhabitants of Figaleia in honor of Apollo and in gratitude for their salvation from the long and devastating disease epidemics that had plagued the area. It is the only building which combined elements of three architectural styles of antiquity; (Doric, Ionic and Corinthian) and was the first monument in Greece to be included in the World Heritage by UNESCO in 1986.

Museums & Archeological Sites

Temple of Apollo Epicurius

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Discover the ancient Greek technological wonder contained in this museum which houses the most comprehensive worldwide account from Ancient Greek Technology. Two hundred models of devices and inventions of ancient technological wonder, some of which are reliable and functional, are exhibited in a specially designed museum. The exhibits are accompanied by explanatory signs and posters, drawings, photographs and complete bibliographic references. There are also video channels and animated demonstrations of functioning and explanations of the function and importance of the mechanisms. The information meets all the modern educational concepts of pedagogy and museum education.

Museums & Archeological Sites

Museum of Ancient Greek Technology

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Discover the music of Ancient Greece at this museum. Music was one of the three branches of education for the young people in Ancient Athens along with the letters and art, and all were protected by the Muses. The museum has the most comprehensive exhibition of ancient Greek musical instruments. The exhibits are fully operational while the construction has been based on ancient Greek literature and angiographic images. Some of the instruments featured are: the monochord, the Helicon and the organisation of Pythagoras, in which the great philosopher studied music and scales and thus, demonstrated the relationship between mathematics and music, and which led to the design of the lyre of Mercury, the first stringed instrument with an amplifier made of tortoise shell and leather.

Museums & Archeological Sites

Museum of Ancient Greek Instruments

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The traditional settlements of the region, with rare beauty, urban and historical value is another reason to visit the area. Traditional villages Fygaleia, Andritsaina and Alifeira reflect and express lifestyles, social relations, modes of organization and techniques of the past remain steadfast through the years.

Culture

Traditional Villages
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Get to know the identity of the local community through exhibits and collections that exude the delicate aroma of romance and quiet images of a bygone era. Traditional costumes, old bedroom, traditional dishes, heirlooms and other artifacts link the past with the present and mirror the culture of the local community.

Culture

Folkloric Museums
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Countless churches and monasteries testify to the rich religious heritage of Ancient Olympia and the surrounding area. The wealth of religious monuments, the myths that remain alive over the centuries and the countless miracles that echo the beautiful landscape attract and make Olympia an ideal destination for thousands of pilgrims. Devoutness, devotion and faith make up a special tour that offers visitors tranquility and excitement. The impressive murals, mosaics, rare Byzantine icons and relics priestly give visitors the chance to explore and learn about rare historical and cultural past Olympia and Ileiaki land.

Culture

Religion
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Nature & Sea

Olympia has a wide range of natural beauty and unusual animals. Magnificent natural beauty, where mountains blend harmoniously with the lush landscape, abundant water from springs and rivers, a rich variety of fauna and flora, a remarkable and world-renowned ecosystem and many spas in the area, create a fantastic and peaceful image for visitors. Living myths, legends, rich history and culture combine to make a visit that stimulates the senses.

Nature of Ancient Olympia

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Nature & Sea

The forest of Folois is one of the most rare and unique forests in the Balkans. Spermofyi consists of oak and is included in the network protected by NATURA 2000 because of its importance, and is estimated to be ancient. In the past; the oak was dedicated to Zeus and was considered an emblem of strength. According to mythology, the oak forest Folois was host to centaurs and nymphs. The Dryads were happy with the rain, crying when the oak leaves were dry, and dying when the tree was cut. In this forest was the place where Hercules caught the boar Erymanthio in his fourth test.

Foloi Forest
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Nature & Sea

The Environmental Foloi Museum is located in woodland Loutsa. The building is wooden and has been landscaped with traditional materials. The Environmental Museum has: a room with 50 seats and a modern infrastructure for conferences and the use of audiovisual equipment, a library, an office room, and there are open sections dedicated to ecology and mythology. The purpose of the Information Center is to highlight the individuality of the natural and cultural environment of the unique Folois oak forest (Natura 2000) and the wider mountainous area.

Environmental Museum of Foloi

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Nature & Sea

Lake Kaiaphas is a unique and wonderful world ecosystem which includes hot springs, the lake, the pine Strofylia Lapithi and four kilometers of golden sand. The Kaiaphas baths have been known since ancient times. The myth is that this beautiful area is the tomb of the Olympian gods, and the Anigrides Nymphs lived in the caves. The ecosystem Kaiapha is considered unique in the world, and is part of the protected network of NATURA 2000.

Kaiaphas
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The Neda River is one of the few rivers located in an unspoiled landscape a long way from any human intrusion. The river is known for its famous waterfalls and the amazing journey the river takes which combine natural beauty, waterfalls, canyons, natural tunnels and memories of ancient Fygaleias. According to the Greek Mythology, Neda was a Nymph, a goddess of waters. Neda together with two other Nymphs, Theisoa and Hagno, nursed the infant Zeus after his birth and saved the divine infant from Cronus, who ate his own children. In Phigaleia Neda takes up the waters of the Lymax affluent which took its name after Rheas labor, because when she gave birth to Zeus on Mount Lykaion the Nymphs threw the waste matter (lymata in Greek) of the labor to this river. In the location where the Lymaxs waters merge with Nedas waters there was the sacred temple of Eurynome.

Nature & Sea

Neda
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Nature & Sea

The legends say that the Alpheus was a young man who loved hunting and he was always going into the dense woods with his bow kill wild animals. One day, whilst hunting; he happened upon a beautiful young woman who surprised him and he thought she was the goddess of Olympus. She left quickly, without speaking. After, he spent his time searching for her and he learned from villagers that her name was Arethousa. A few days later they met again and talked for hours. Alpheus fell in love with her and asked to her to marry him, but Arethousa refused. To avoid the pain; Alpheus travelled to distant Sicily, but he always dreamed of returning. He cried and constantly longed to be back in the Peloponnese. Alpheus was lost and searching in vain for his love, and the Gods pitied him and transformed him into a river. He became a rich and clear waters entering the deep sea as if trying to reach the Peloponnese.

Alpheus River
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Nature & Sea

"The Sea is my only love because it has the appearance of perfection and her name is an exclamation mark "Kariotakis K. The crystal blue waters of the Ionian Sea are just one more reason to visit the region of Olympia. Golden sands beneath the summer sun, small traditional tavernas, cafes and other recreational areas offer comfort, moments of pleasure and relaxation. Many beaches have been awarded gold stars and the blue flag in recognition of their beauty and purity.

The Sea
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Adventure & Sports

Combine sports and adventure with a range of activities in a beautiful natural environment. Hiking on majestic trails, downhill river rides, rock climbing, diving 4x4 off-road, rafting, kite-surfing, bicycling and other such activities are offered to anyone who enjoys the element of surprise, the unexpected and the unknown.

Adventure & Sports

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Ancient Olympia; with a strong brand-name, rich cultural heritage, a unique natural environment, temperate climate and diversity of heritage tourism is an ideal destination for global conference tourism, incentive travel and more. In addition to providing modern facilities for conferences with its convention centres ; Olympia offers suitable accommodation, road transport, and an experience and knowledge with past events. The conference halls, with a total capacity of 1810 people; (largest room 450 people), as well as a fantastic choice of accommodation in the area, offer excellent potential for successful sessions in Olympia.

Conference

Conference Centers
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Amalia Hotel Telephone :+30 2624 022 190 Fax : +30 2624 022 444 Email: olympia@amaliahotels.com Web page : www.amalia.gr Europa Hotel Telephone : +30 26240 22650 Fax : +30 26240 23166 Email:hoteleuropa@hoteleuropa.gr Web page :www.hotelseuropa.gr Neda Hotel Telephone : +30 26240 22563 Fax : +30 26240 22206 Email: info@hotelneda.gr Web page : www.hotelneda.gr

Antonios Hotel Telephone : +30 26240 22348 Fax : +30 26240 22112 Email: info@olympiahotels.gr Web page: www.hotelantonios.gr Olympion Asty Hotel Telephone : +30 26240 23665 Fax : +30 26240 23123 Email: olasty@otenet.gr Web page:www.olympionasty.gr Olympic Village Hotel Telephone : +30 26240 22811 Fax : +30 26240 22812 Email: htlolvil@otenet.gr Web page :www.hotelolvillage.gr

Accomodation

Accommodation
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Hercules Hotel Telephone : +30 26240 22696 Fax : +30 26240 23035 Email: info@hotelhercules.gr Webpage:www.hotelhercules.gr Ilis Hotel Telephone : +30 26240 22547 Fax : +30 26240 22112 Email: info@olympiahotels.gr Web page :www.hotelantonios.gr Kronion Hotel Telephone : +30 26240 22188 Fax : +30 26240 22502 Email: kronio@hol.gr Web page:www.hotelkronio.gr

Hermes Hotel Telephone: +30 26240 22577 Fax: +30 26240 22577

Accomodation

Inomaos Hotel Telephone : +30 26240 22056 Fax : +30 26240 22516 Email: inomaos@hol.gr Web page :www.hotelinomaos.gr Pelops Hotel Telephone : +30 26240 22543 Fax : +30 26240 22213 Email: hotelpelops@gmail.com Web page :www.hotelpelops.gr

Accommodation
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Pension Bacchus Telephone: +30 26240 22298 Fax: +30 26240 22235 Email: info@bacchustavern.gr Web page:www.bacchustavern.gr

Pension Posidon Telephone: +30 26240 22567 Fax: +30 26240 22235 Email: info@pensionposidon.gr Web page:www.pensionposidon.gr

Accomodation

Camping Alphios Telephone : +30 26240 22951 Fax : +30 26240 22950 Email: alphios@otenet.gr Web page: -

Accommodation
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Designed by Konstantinos Tassopoulos Kostas.tassopoulos@yahoo.gr