Leaving the campsite near Nicopolis early while it was relatively cool, I headed south to Olympia. It was around 275km from Nicopolis, and about halfway I stopped at Patras for a small break. To get to Patras you have to cross a large new suspension bridge, which is very impressive. I visited Patras about 40 years ago but riding through the town, I could remember nothing about it. Age, eh..?
Arriving in Olympia just after lunchtime I found a great campsite just outside the town, the Camping Alfios. It was 15eu a night and they had superb facilities as well as a Taverna. Best of all, it had a lovely cool swimming pool – which I made use of each day I stayed there.
The following day I visited the historic site of Olympia, marvelling that the Olympiad started here around 350BC and would take place every four years. Besides the gymnasiums and temples, there were also several baths, and the first ever outside swimming pool – around 370BC. Around 350AD the games were stopped by the Romans emperor of the time who believed the Olympiad was too pagan, as it centred around the Temple of Zeus, and Rome now was firmly Christian. People kept living there for another 300 years until the whole area was stricken by strong earthquakes around 650AD, and it was decided to abandon the site. I also visited the museum, to see lots of artifacts, as well as cool down in their air conditioned building.
Nearby is the town of Olympia. With one main street running through the town it has Tavernas plus lots of small shops. In the centre I stopped at one taverna in the centre for a refreshing drink and something to eat. They had machines spraying a cool water-based fog, and sitting in the shade and being cooled down after spending a few hours in the strong sun in the ruins was a very welcome distraction. I also managed to buy a new hat to keep the sun off my neck, as well as some new flip-flops – as I lost my old ones…
It was an incredible day, though. Being able to walk around the birthplace of the Olympics is an incredible feeling.
