Olympia

EMSA

Olympia

Hermes of Praxiteles (Olympia Museum)

VENUE

Ancient Olympia lies 20 km east of Pyrgos, the capital of Eleia, in a valley between the wooded Mount Cronion, the Alfios River and its tributary Cladeos. It is the place where the Olympic Games originated in 776 BC to honor Zeus ‘Father of gods and humans’. It is also the place where the idea of the common cultural heritage among the Hellenic City States was further enhanced. During the Games, the Olympic Truce was in force, and all hostilities were suspended.

These panhellenic contests were held every four years, attracting athletes from all City States of Hellas. The kotinos, the victor’s prize, was only a wreath made of a wild olive tree branch. The City States, whose athletes won at the Olympic games, used to tear down part of the city walls, implying that, with such brave men, defence walls were unnecessary. The Olympic Games came to an end in 393 AD by a prohibitive edict of the Byzantine Emperor Theodossios I. Fifteen centuries later, in 1896, they were revived in the place where were they were born, in Greece, by the French historian and educator Pierre de Coubertin.

The International Olympic Academy , the Symposium venue, was founded to protect and expand the heritage of the Olympic Idea and to develop the Olympic Movement. It is an educational institution, aiming at the training people devoted to the principles and ideals of Olympism, who will then disseminate these in their respective countries as ambassadors. It is also encouraging dialogue for the promotion of international friendship, understanding and cooperation in accordance to the ideals and principles laid down by the Ancient Greeks.

TRAVEL TO OLYMPIA

Olympia is accessible either from Athens, if travelling by air, or from Patras, if travelling by boat and/or car.
A.Travel through Patras: Olympia lies 115 km south west of Patras, the capital of Achaia in north western Peloponnese, which is directly accessible by car ferry from Italy on a daily basis, e.g. from Brindisi and Bari (travel time approx. 12 hours) or from Ancona (travel time approx. 24 hours by superfast ferries). The Patras coach terminal lies in the harbour area, and there are regular connections to Pyrgos and Olympia.
B.Travel through Athens (by air): From the Athens airport many airline or public transport buses to downtown Athens are available, as well as to the main Coach Terminal, connected to all major cities by regular departures. Depending on participation, on both routes, special coaches may be arranged to transfer the participants directly to Olympia. Details will be given later.