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Olympia was the site of the ancient Olympic Games. It is situated in a valley in the western part of the Peloponnese, named after "Pelops", who according to Greek mythology is the founder of the Olympic Games. Olympia was a sanctuary that had many buildings, temples and shrines associated with the Games and the worship of the Gods. It was also a national shrine of the Greeks and a meeting place for worship and other religious and political practices as early as the 10th century B.C. The central part of Olympia was dominated by the majestic temple of Zeus, with the temple of Hera parallel to it.

The first ancient Olympic Games can be traced back to 776 BC where they were dedicated to the Olympian Gods and staged in Olympia. The Olympic Games were closely linked to the religious festivals of the cult of Zeus but they aimed to showcase the physical qualities and evolution of performances accomplished by young people, and to strengthen relations among Greek cities.

Originally a one-day event, the ancient Olympic Games were subsequently extended to five days in 5th century BC. The sports competed in the ancient Games included running, javelin, boxing, discus, long jump, pentathlon, pankration and equestrian events.

Winners of the events received sacred olive tree wreaths on their heads at the official award ceremony on the last day of the Games, conducted at the vestibule (lobby) of the temple of Zeus.

Citizens of ancient Greece lives by a set of ideals and values that were later developed and refined into the concept of the ‘Olympic spirit’. These values are Areti (Virtue), Amilla (Noble competition), Timi (Honour), Elefteria (Freedom) and Irini (Peace).

The athlete who lived his life with honour and aspired to be the best was well-respected by his fellow citizens. He showed respect for his fellow competitors and followed the rules of the Games. He valued moral rewards more than profit and had a sense of self discipline and duty towards his family and the city.

A unique feature of Olympia is the ancient constructions which mark the various stages of Greek history. The temple of goddess Hera, for example, was built in the 7th century BC and has Doric columns with huge capitals dating from ancient times. On the other hand, there is the temple of Zeus which belongs to the Classical period, the main era in which most Greek buildings belong to. There are also other later structures from the Hellenistic times with Roman and Byzantine exponents that are conserved in Olympia.

One of the most characteristic parts of Olympia is the stadium, which could seat about 20,000 people and was the largest of its kind in its time.

The temple of Zeus also contained one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the 13 metre statue of Zeus in ivory and gold, by Phidias (a Greek sculptor). It was later removed to Constantinople by Theodocious and eventually destroyed in a fire.

Today, the archaeological site of Olympia is marked as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

As the birthplace of the Olympic Games, it is a tradition that the Olympic flame is lit in Olympia to mark the start of the torch relay for every Olympic Games. A monument was erected in Olympia to commemorate founder of the Olympic Movement, Pierre de Coubertin, after his death in 1937.