Visit the Olympia (Temple of Zeus) in Athens: tickets, rates, schedules

How to visit the Olympia, what to do and what to see in this historic monument in Athens? Welcome, we'll tell you everything.

To offer a ticket to the Olympia in Athens is to discover the temple of Zeus: the God of Gods in person! The columns of this vast Corinthian temple stand on a esplanade at the foot of the majestic Acropolis .

Although the ravages of time have reduced this monument to the state of ruin, it is a major cultural point of interest in the classical period of Athens. His rich and enlivened history fascinates the specialists of antiquity as well as the travellers in the Greek capital.

To convince you to be part of it, Wanderlix tells you everything about this secular masterpiece!

History of Olympia

The temple of Olympieion is located a few hundred meters from downtown Athens, south of the Acropolis. Its foundations date back to 515 BC, but the construction site has experienced many interruptions. The period of Athenian democracy, which succeeded that of the tyrants (initiators of its construction), saw the temple remain unfinished.

It was now no longer a good tone to erect such massive buildings at the expense of the people... The work resumed only in the third century BC under the Macedonian administration. It was King Antiochus IV who ordered the Roman architect Decimus Cossutius to build the larger temple... The world , respecting the principles of the Corinthian order, a classical architectural style!

Finally completed around 130 BC, under the impulse of the Hadrian emperor who wished to honor the god Zeus, this temple did not resist the contempt of time. The earthquakes frequent in the Byzantine era and the subsequent looting and the reuse of the building materials will have left the work in a state close to what it is today.

Moreover, in 1852, it was a storm that projected one of these gigantic columns on the ground: this one is still lying on the ground, one can approach it when one comes to visit the Olympia!

Our advice to visit the Olympia

Duration of the Olympian visit

Visiting Olympia is easily done by half an hour : this duration is enough to discover all points of interest.

Best time to visit the Olympia

In our view, it is best to opt for spring or Autumn to buy a ticket for the Olympia. The summer season is (as in most tourist spots) the one where tourists are the most numerous.

Let’s also say that Athens is experiencing very high temperatures in the summer and that we suffocate quickly in the Greek capital!

Additional information

• The current building is in ruins, but it is possible to observe an almost identical copy of it, without even leaving French territory! The church of the Madeleine in Paris, although more imposing, is a similar aspect;
• ♪ people with reduced mobility can hardly visit Olympia. Indeed, the place offers only few access ramps;
• Unlike the Acropolis, booking is not essential to access the site in high tourist season: the place is frequented but never black world;
• Our friends animals are not welcome inside the building;
• If security is the norm in the Greek capital, do attention to pickpockets during the summer season. They only target the affairs of the most dizzy tourists: you’re not part of it, are you?
• Banks in the shade and free and free drinking water are available to tourists. Practical summer!
• Rocks, dust... forget tongs and sandals and prefer a good pair of closed shoes.

What to do during your visit to the Olympia?

As the illustrious Parthenon, the temple of Olympia is all built in white marble from the careers of Pentélique (a mountain of Attica). It measures 108 meters long over more 40 meters wide .

Originally, a hundred-four corinthian columns, 17 metres tall, over 2.6 metres in diameter, supported the roof. Today, only fifteen of these columns are still standing toward heaven. They seem to challenge the time that passes! Sculptures to the glory of the god Zeus decorated the foreheads and busts of illustrious men dominated the visitor. The Emperor Hadrian himself was represented but, like the others, mysteriously disappeared...

Today, visiting the Olympieion (or rather its remains) gives an idea of the colossal size of the building and the technical prowess of its construction at the time. On the northwest side of the temple still stands the Gate of Hadrian, an imposing 18-metre tall marble arch built in 131.

He once separated the ancient city from the modern city. The ruins of Olympieion are located close to the district of Pláka, the Acropolis and the Greek People’s Art Museum. The Dionysos Theatre and the Anafiótika are also a few minutes’ walk away.

How much does a ticket cost to the Olympia?

The ticket for Olympia can be purchased at the entrance of the temple. It will cost you 6 € per adult and 3 € in reduced price . If you are a European resident under the age of 25, good news: free !

The "Acropole combined ticket", which will be detailed below in this article, costs 30 € .

How do I book an Olympian ticket online?

The simple ticket to the temple of Zeus is not not available online . However, the Athens City Pass For example, you will be able to visit Olympia and can be purchased online.

Are there any guided tours of the Olympia?

Audio-guide tours can be downloaded on smartphones. They allow you to discover the building interactively.

Are there visits combined with other monuments in Athens?

We offer you to pair your ticket for the Olympia with other tourist sites using the Atens City Pass. This skip-the-line ticket also includes the visit of Parthenon, the Acropolis, the city of Athens, many museums, as well as a bus circuit and many more surprises!

Its price varies depending on age, duration and rates are very degressive. For an adult over 25 years of age, for example, a one-day card costs 59,90 € . For two days, its price reaches 66,90€ and four days, 74,90€ . Child formulas and 18-25 years are much less expensive.

For 30 € , you can also buy a “combined ticket for the Acropolis”. It allows to visit the latter, the Olympia, but also the Agora of Athens, the archaeological museum of Kerameikos or the library of Hadrian. The Lykeion site is also included. Not bad for a complete and rewarding visit, right?

Opening hours

Visiting the Olympia can be done 08:00 to 19:00 between April and October. Between November and March, the site closes its doors (finally its columns) to 3.30 p.m. . On January 1st, March 25th, May 1st, Easter Sunday, December 25th and 26th, closed .

How can I access the Olympia?

The Olympieion is located near the Pláka district: just below the Acropolis and close to the beautiful National Garden. To visit the Olympia, follow the lines bus No.1, 5, 15, 40 and 230 .

metro line N°2 also stops at the Acropolis: at the exit, cross the avenue Syggrou and see the columns of the temple. Count ten minutes to reach them at moderate speed!

Also note that the site (very tourist) houses a taxi station. However, you are advised to make the most of your visit on foot... avoiding the hottest times in summer!

Where to park near the Olympia?

Let’s be clear, Athenian traffic is like this city: Mediterranean and with a very tempered character! The local driving mode can decorate the traveler accustomed to an orderly and polished traffic!

To park, the places available in the street are rare: choose the locations with white marking (blue seats are for residents, yellows are prohibited).

If you spot one, put your warnings and not the flasher as in France. Also know that many covered parking lots are scattered in the area: it will cost you 4 € for three hours and 7 € for a whole day .

Where to stay near the Olympia?

Athens is the Greek capital and offers a variety of accommodation solutions. The Pláka sector is undoubtedly the best choice for stay close to the tourist attractions of Athens !

You will find more or less authentic and expensive hotels, you can use one hotel comparisons to help you find the offers at the best price.

You can also book a cozy apartment on a private rental platform such as Airbnb . Our advice? Psyrí, a neighborhood that has remained authentic, and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the city. For an immersion in the heart of the city, this is what is best done. When do you arrive?