A complete guide to visiting the Temple of Zeus in Olympia

It’s a short trip from Athens, but visiting the Temple of Zeus in Olympia, Greece, is more than worth the effort. Once home to an ancient wonder of the world — a towering statue of Zeus himself — and surrounded by the archaeological site of Olympia, this place leaves an impression.

Since Olympia was also the home of the ancient Olympic Games, a visit here tells an incredible story through its archaeology and architecture. This guide has everything you should know before visiting, from when to visit the Temple of Zeus to some background history that’ll enhance your experience.

Know before you go to the Temple of Zeus in Olympia

1. When is the best time to visit the Temple of Zeus?

The best time to visit the Temple of Zeus in Olympia is during spring or fall. The weather’s nice and cool, perfect for visiting the ruins without melting in the summer heat. Plus, you’ll miss the big tourist crowds, making it easier to soak up the history around you.

2. What are the opening hours for the Temple of Zeus?

The Temple of Zeus in Olympia is open from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM during winter, from November to March. In the summer months, from April to October, the extended hours are from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The temple is closed on public holidays: January 1, March 25, May 1, Greek Easter Sunday, and December 25 and 26.

3. How much time should I spend at the Temple of Zeus?

Plan for about one to two hours at the Temple of Zeus in Olympia — it’s one of the most impressive historical sites in Greece, so you’ll want plenty of time to take it in. A couple of hours will give you enough time to check out the temple and its surrounding archaeology, snap some pics, and enjoy the vibe. If you’re super into history or want to check out the nearby museum, you might want to build in a little more time.

4. How do I get to the Temple of Zeus in Olympia?

If you don’t mind driving a bit or want to join a tour (which is a great way to experience Olympia), you can easily make your visit a day trip from Athens. The car trip takes about three to four hours each way: You’ll follow the highway from Athens towards Patras and then take the exit to Olympia. There’s also a bus that departs from the KTEL bus station in Athens.

Once you’re in Olympia, the temple and its surrounding archaeological site are a short walk from the town center. Local taxis are widely available, as are rideshare services like Beat and Uber.

5. Should I book tickets for the Temple of Zeus in advance?

You don’t need to book tickets ahead of time, but it can make your visit way smoother. If you’re visiting during peak times like summer, getting tickets online or booking skip-the-line entry tickets can save you from lines and help you plan your day better.

6. Is a tour of the Temple of Zeus worthwhile?

Absolutely. It’s a great way to dive into the past and bring what you see to life by giving it context. A guided tour of Olympia can teach you a lot about its history and the surrounding culture, plus you’ll learn about archaeological finds and current preservation efforts. Private tours are available, but if you want to join a group, that can be a great way to meet other travelers and share the experience.

7. Is the Temple of Zeus wheelchair accessible?

The Temple of Zeus in Olympia has some paths that are wheelchair-friendly, but since it’s an ancient site, some parts might be tricky. Contact the museum beforehand to see where these might be and what other accommodations they might offer. The archaeological site has accessible restrooms.

8. Can I visit the Temple of Zeus for free?

There is an entry fee; however, there are also several free general admission days throughout the year, like International Monuments Day and European Heritage Days. Some folks always get free entry to the Temple of Zeus in Olympia: If you’re under 18, an EU student, have a disability, are an archaeologist (ICOM/ICOMOS member), or a journalist, you won’t need to pay.

Highlights at the Temple of Zeus

9. What can you see at the Temple of Zeus?

First up are the ruins of the imposing temple itself, including towering columns that, with a little bit of imagination, can transport you back to ancient times. The whole area is part of the Olympia archaeological site, so after seeing the temple, you can explore the ancient stadium where the first Olympic Games took place. Plus, there’s the Archaeological Museum nearby with some incredible artifacts.

10. What scenes are depicted in the Temple of Zeus?

The Temple of Zeus in Olympia has some impressive pediments that retell stories from the Greek myths. The Eastern Pediment shows the epic chariot race between Pelops and King Oenomaus, with Zeus in the middle keeping an eye on everything. The western one shows a wild wedding party fight between the Lapiths and Centaurs, with Apollo stepping in to keep things under control. There were also some panels showing Heracles taking on the Twelve Labors, wrestling lions and catching mythical creatures.

History and Facts about the Temple of Zeus

11. How old is the Temple of Zeus?

The Temple of Zeus was built back in the 5th century BC, making it over 2,500 years old. It was dedicated to Zeus, the god of Greek mythology, and had a massive statue of him. The temple was the centerpiece of Olympia, which is also where the original Olympic Games kicked off.

12. What are two interesting facts about the statue of Zeus?

The Statue of Zeus was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was enormous — 40 feet tall — and made from ivory and gold. Created by the sculptor Phidias, it depicted Zeus on his throne, holding a mini goddess of victory and a scepter with an eagle on top.

The statue was something of a tourist attraction: People came from all over just to see this statue. But when the Roman Empire switched gears to Christianity, they moved the statue to Constantinople. It’s since been lost, likely in a fire.