World Heritage Identification Number: 517
World Heritage since: 1989
Category: Cultural Heritage
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇬🇷 Greece
Continent: Europe
UNESCO World Region: Europe and North America
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The Archaeological Site of Olympia: A Sanctuary of Ancient Greek Religion and Sport
The Archaeological Site of Olympia, located in a verdant valley in the western part of the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece, is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of ancient Greece. This significant archaeological site, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1989, has been inhabited since prehistoric times but gained prominence in the 10th century BC when it became a center for the worship of Zeus.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
The site of Olympia, in a valley in the Peloponnesus, has been inhabited since prehistoric times. In the 10th century B.C., Olympia became a centre for the worship of Zeus. The Altis – the sanctuary to the gods – has one of the highest concentrations of masterpieces from the ancient Greek world. In addition to temples, there are the remains of all the sports structures erected for the Olympic Games, which were held in Olympia every four years beginning in 776 B.C.
Encyclopedia Record: Olympia, Greece
Olympia, officially Archaia Olympia, is a small town in Elis on the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece, famous for the nearby archaeological site of the same name. The site was a major Panhellenic religious sanctuary of ancient Greece, where the ancient Olympic Games were held every four years throughout classical antiquity, from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD. They were restored on a global basis in 1894 in honor of the ideal of peaceful international contention for excellence.Additional Site Details
Area: 105.6 hectares
(ii) — Significant interchange of human values
(iii) — Unique or exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition
(iv) — Outstanding example of a type of building or landscape
(vi) — Directly associated with events or living traditions
Coordinates: 37.64 , 21.634
