Olympia: Walking Among the Origins of the Olympic Games

Arriving in Olympia, Greece by cruise was one of those travel moments that immediately felt special. This is the birthplace of the Olympic Games, where athletes once competed thousands of years ago. Standing in the same place where so much history unfolded was both humbling and inspiring.

Walking through the archaeological site, I found myself surrounded by ruins of temples, columns, and sanctuaries. Informational signs throughout the grounds helped bring the site back to life, showing drawings of what it once looked like. It’s difficult to picture the grandeur of the temples and the crowds that gathered here, but those signs gave just enough detail to spark the imagination.

One of the highlights was standing in the ancient stadium. The track is still visible, and it’s easy to imagine the roar of spectators cheering on the athletes. I also stopped at the Philippeion, a circular monument that once honored Alexander the Great’s family. Even though much of it lies in ruins, the restored columns make it one of the most striking spots in the complex.

Everywhere I turned there were remnants of history waiting to be explored. From the Temple of Hera to scattered stone altars and bases, each corner of Olympia carried a sense of significance. It was incredible to wander the same grounds where traditions that continue today first began.