Katakolon (Olympia) Greece Port Guide

Katakolon port is the gateway to the world-famous

Olympia site. There are ruins of the Altis Sanctuary, a
sacred place to worship eus, the father of the gods. The
Temple of eus had a huge statue with i!ory and gold that
was one of the se!en wonders of the world. "#ca!ations
from the ruins unco!ered well-preser!ed masterpieces,
which are now on display at the Archaeological $useum.
%n the &
th
century '(, a sacred truce was made )y *reek
(ity States to cease hostilities for a short time e!ery
four years to hold Olympic games. There are ruins of
)uildings used in the games. +hen you !isit the stadium,
you can ha!e a foot race with your friends.
Olympia is only ,- miles and a -.-minute ride from Katakolon. Admission to the site and museum is / euros.
The site has wide pathways and there are no hills nor steps to clim). %t0s easy to walk1 people in wheelchairs get
around fine. 2owe!er, )e prepared for the sun and heat.
GPS Coordinates
This guide includes *3S (oordinates for tourist sites and key locations. Open this port guide in one window on
your computer and open *oogle $aps in a second window. (opy and paste the *3S coordinates into *oogle
maps to find sites and get directions and time for tra!el )y car, )us, walking, or )icycle. The coordinates can )e
used with any *oogle map format such as map, satellite, earth, and terrain !iews at any map scale.
These coordinates can also )e used in hand-held or !ehicle *3S de!ices. 4ote that these de!ices can accept
different formats. %t0s important to set your de!ice to accept data in this format5
6egrees, $inutes, and Seconds shown as 4 ddd7 mm0 ss.ss, " ddd7 mm0 ss.ss
Table of Contents
Subject Pages
Katakolon (Katakolo) Port - Cruise ship dock location 2
Travel Options to Olympia rental car, taxi, train, ships excursion !us, private tour !us 2-"
# short history o$ Olympia %
&ap o$ Olympia To'n and (istoric )ite *
+alkin, routes to the historic site -
Ticket !ooth, carria,e ride .
&o!ility /ssues - 0o 1ou 2eed a 3uide4 5
Photos 6 map o$ ruins site 7-89
#rchaeolo,ical &useum 88-82
3P) coordinates $or Olympia area 8"
Olympia To'n 8"-8%
(otel :riniotis vie' o$ the !eaches 8*
3oal o$ port ,uides 1our $eed!ack is important 8-
CAVEAT
%nformation contained herein is )elie!ed to )e accurate. 38"AS" !erify information for your tra!el plans.
Opinions e#pressed are my own. 9ou are free to use and share this guide for non-commercial purposes. This
port guide is protected )y copyright law - see the last page of this guide for legal notices.
Tom Sheridan
Note: I would like to thank Len Cole and Raymond Ma for their help on this guide.
Katakolon-Olympia-9.-2%-298" Pa,e 8 o$ 8- ;or more ,uides, see '''<TomsPort3uides<com
Katakolon (Katakolo) is the Port for Olympia
There are two piers as shown in the 'ing.com aerial photo ao!e.
Katakolon is a tiny port town with a
resident population of :;,. The sea front
is lined with cafes and restaurants. (photo
left) 9ou can rela# under in the shade and
en<oy the !iew with a drink or meal.
Shops are on the streets perpendicular and
parallel to the sea front.
In Katakolon you can visit the
local galleries and shops found
on the main street that have
traditional Greek crafts done by
the local artists. The cafes here
have wonderful fresh seafood and
their menus are mostly made of
the locals favorite delicacies.
See http"##$$$%katakolon%or&#
Katakolon port is the &ate$ay to the $orld'famous( historic site of Olympia% )t*s the only si&nificant
tourist site in the area% Olympia is a must'!isit site%
Tra!el Options to Olympia"
%t0s =; km >,- miles? and a -. minute ride to the parking lot at Ancient Olympia. @or me, the tra!el issues are
relia)ility of transit, how far % ha!e to walk, the likelihood of getting lost, and cost.
+e took the ship0s )us e#cursion tour the first time we !isited Olympia in ,..&. A guide walked with us and
e#plained details a)out the site. She was !ery good. +e en<oyed the tour.
Katakolon-Olympia-9.-2%-298" Pa,e 2 o$ 8- ;or more ,uides, see '''<TomsPort3uides<com
Tra!el Options +et$een Katakolon Port and Olympia
@or our second !isit to Olympia in $ay ,.;A, % considered renting a car, a ta#i, the train, and a pri!ate )us tour5
,or me( rentin& a car seemed to e more of a hassle than it $as $orth%
%t0s only -. miles round trip. There0s not much to see dri!ing through the farm areas and there are no places to
!isit en-route. There can )e pro)lems finding a place to park at Olympia and renting a car can )e e#pensi!e.
Ta-is are =A euros each way or ;;. euros for a =-hour tour, including waiting time.
The train is a lo$'cost option( ut there is a reliaility issue%
Trains are modern, clean, air conditioned, and the fare is only , euros. Trains )etween Katakolon, >Katakolo
>OS"? station? and Olympia are run )y the 2ellenic Bailways Org. Trains only run on the days ships are in port.
Train ser!ice )etween Katakolon and Olympia was cut )ack se!erely in the *reek financial crisis. +ith limited
ser!ice, tra!elers complained they had to change trains in 3irgos and worried they might not get )ack to the ship
on time. Train ser!ice was restored, )ut the issue is not resol!ed. The *reek *o!ernment has announced
offering a tender for sale, in the second Cuarter of ,.;A, of a ;.. percent stake in the 2ellenic Bailways
OrganiDation >OS"?.
(AET%O45
Train schedules might change during these times of cost-cutting and pri!atiDing the *reek Bail System.
Ferify the schedule during the day you will )e in port. There is a ,=-hour phone ser!ice in *reece to
o)tain train information in "nglish and *reek )y calling ;;;. while in *reece. The email contact is
callcenterGosenet.gr see http5HHwww.olympia-greece.orgHkatakolon-train-)us.html
"#tensi!e information on all tra!el options )etween Katakolon and Olympia is a!aila)le at
http5HHwww.katakolon.orgHkatakolon-train.html, )ut their latest update on trains is dated Iuly ;-, ./00.
% suggest you ha!e a )ackup tra!el plan to Olympia in case the train is not running the day you are in port.
Ship*s us e-cursion
Ship0s tours are always relia)le, and the ship won0t lea!e without you. Our tour in ,..& had a guide. She was
!ery good. +heelchair transport is an issue for some passengers. (heck with your ship. 3eople in wheelchairs
were touring the archaeological site. % assumed they used the ship0s e#cursion )us to Olympia.
Pri!ate +us Tour
$y priority was relia)le, reasona)ly priced transportation to Olympia. The Katakolon E-press +us Tour was
perfect for our needs on $ay ;/, ,.;A. 8en (ole and Baymond $a organiDed pri!ate e#cursions for se!eral
ports !ia our ship0s (ruise (ritic Boll (all. Bay arranged the )us tour in Katakolon. There were J; of us on
two )uses. (ost was K ,. euroHperson cash on the )us. The )us was con!eniently parked outside the security
gate near our ship, so we didn0t waste time walking into town. 9ou can arrange tours for a group or sign up
indi!idually for the )us at http5HHwww.katakolon-e#press.comH The company also offers a ;. euro, A-hour tour.
2ere0s the schedule for our )us tour5
/ am 6epart from the security gate near our ship in Katakolon
/5=- am Arri!e Ancient Olympia
;,5,. pm 6epart Ancient Olympia for a ,.-minute stop at the town of Olympia
;5=. pm Arri!e at the 2otel Friniotis to see the )eaches
,5;- pm Arri!e )ack at the ship dock in Katakolon
The )us made a special stop at the resort 2otel Friniotis so we could see the )eaches. +e were pleased with the
tour. % would highly recommend it. % ha!e descri)ed the details in this port guide.
GPS Coordinates for Katakolon Port Area (see the map on page 2 of this guide)
Cruise ship securit gate !est pier " #$% #&' ()*+#,- . 2)% )/' /*0&,
Cruise ship securit gate east pier " #$% #&' (1*#),- . 2)% )/' 2/*2#,
Katakolo (2S.) Train Station " #$% #&3 +(*/4- . 2)%)&3 +&*/4
Katakolon-Olympia-9.-2%-298" Pa,e " o$ 8- ;or more ,uides, see '''<TomsPort3uides<com
A Short 1istory of Ancient Olympia
Olympia was named after $ount Olympus, the residence of eus, father of the gods. %t was a sanctuary, a
center for worship. %n ;... '(, pilgrims came from all o!er *reece to make offerings to eus. "missaries of
*reek (ity States !isited the Oracle of Olympia asking for the gods0 )lessing in )attle.
According to legend, a sacred truce was entered in &&: '( )y *reek (ity States to cease hostilities for a short
time during Olympic games. The games )egan in the &
th
century '( and were held e!ery four years.
The ma<or Olympia construction period was from the :
th
through the =
th
centuries '(.
Ancient 2lmpia (abo5e)
The Temple of 2era >wife of eus? was constructed.
The *reek (ity States )uilt treasuries, i. e.,
miniature structures to hold their offerings to eus.
The temple of eus was completed in =-: '(. A
huge, ;,.= meter high wood statue of eus with gold
and i!ory ornamentation was placed in the temple. %t
was one of the se!en wonders of the world.
The Bomans conCuered *reece in ;=: '(. The
conCuering general respected Olympia and ga!e war
)ooty as an offering of thanks to eus. %n A; '(,
Boman emperors )uilt hostels and )aths in Olympia.
Statue of 6eus (abo5e)
%n A.. A6, the )uildings in Olympia were damaged )y an earthCuake.
%n AA. A6, (onstantine remo!ed the statue of eus and took it to (onstantinople.
The last Olympic games in Olympia were held in A/A A6.
The Olympia site was a)andoned after catastrophic earthCuakes in the -
th
century A6.
%n ;&&:, an "nglish archeologist, Bichard (handler, disco!ered the site. %n ;J&-, the *erman Archeological
%nstitute )egan ma<or e#ca!ations.
%n ;J/:, 3ierre de (ou)ertin was instrumental in creating an international Olympic games committee. 2e is
credited as the father of modern Olympic games. The first modern Olympic games were held in Athens,
*reece.
Katakolon-Olympia-9.-2%-298" Pa,e % o$ 8- ;or more ,uides, see '''<TomsPort3uides<com
Olympia To$n and 1istoric Site (map elo$)
Katakolon-Olympia-9.-2%-298" Pa,e * o$ 8- ;or more ,uides, see '''<TomsPort3uides<com
4OT"5 There are two )us parking lots. Some )uses drop passengers off at the main lot and then pick them up
at the parking lot ne#t to the museum. 2ake sure you kno$ the meetin& point for your us to Katakolon%
Terminolo&y"
Olympia To$n is also called the $odern Town of Olympia, Archaia Olympia, and Archea Olimpia.
The historic site is called Ancient Olympia and Antikes Olympia%
The museum is referred to as the Archaelogical $useum%
The ruins are descri)ed as the Archaeological Site.
3alkin& 4outes Sho$n on the 2ap on the Pre!ious Pa&e
7rom the main bus parking lot to the ticket booth8
+alk 88%5 $eet south and !ear le$t 'here the road divides< This route is sho'n on the map as !lue dots<
The Ticket =ooth 'ill !e on your le$t< Tickets $or the museum and archaeolo,ical site are 7 euros<
7rom the ticket booth8
The entrance to the archeological site ruins is 299 $eet directly south<
The entrance to the 9useum is 7*8 $eet to the north (sho'n as yello' dots on the map)<
7rom the museum to the museum bus parking lot, its 8""- $eet (sho'n !y ,reen dots on the map)< 1ou 'alk >
"9 $eet do'n three $li,hts o$ stairs as you approach the &useum =us Parkin, ?ot<
The $alk from the train station to the main us parkin& lot is 0567 feet% (map elo$)
*oogle plots the walking route through the town. %t would appear to )e a shorter east along )oth parking lots.
%f you were <ust going to the museum, it would )e shorter to walk !ia the museum )us parking lot.
Katakolon-Olympia-9.-2%-298" Pa,e - o$ 8- ;or more ,uides, see '''<TomsPort3uides<com
The Ticket +ooth
4e#t to the ticket )ooth (photo ao!e left), there is a small stand selling water, drinks, and ice cream. 9ou will
also see a horse-drawn carriage. %t will take you to the )us or museum for , euro or to the (ou)ertin monument
for - euroHperson. +e rode the carriage to the monument and had a great !iew of the stadium (photos elo$)%
The carriage ride was ,:J, feet along a
road a)o!e the stadium so you can look
down on it.
The monument is in honor of 3ierre de
(ou)ertin the LfatherL of modern Olympic
*ames. 2e led the effort to organiDe the
international Olympic *ames committee in
;J/:.
Katakolon-Olympia-9.-2%-298" Pa,e . o$ 8- ;or more ,uides, see '''<TomsPort3uides<com
2oility )ssues
The historic site has wide pathways that are flat with an occasional slight grade. There are no steps e#cept for
the stairs from the museum down to the museum )us parking lot. The area is easy to walk. % saw people in
wheelchairs1 they got around fine.
2owe!er, )e prepared for the sun and heat. $ost people wear a hat, some carry um)rellas. There are se!eral
trees pro!iding shade and lots of )ig rocks to sit on.
There are toilets to the right and down a flight of stairs as you enter the gate to the archaeological site.
8o 9ou :eed a Guide;
+e toured the ruins on a ship0s e#cursion with a guide in ,..&. She was !ery good. On our $ay ,.;A !isit, %
was with 8en (ole >AKA (aptain 3in)all?. 2e had descriptions of the ruins on his net)ook and read them to
me as we walked the site. Also, there are e#cellent descripti!e signs near the ruins. +ith a )it of preparation,
you can )ring information with you and use the signs at the ruins so you pro)a)ly don0t need a guide.
Phillippeion
This monument was
dedicated to 3hilip %%, king
of $acedonia.
Tips on taking photos8
Photo,raph the ruins and
the si,n descri!in, the
reconstruction<
/ts a ,ood record< The
photo o$ the si,n can !e
cropped and used 'ith your
photos< / cropped the si,n
into t'o sections to separate
the text $rom the ima,e as
sho!n at left<
Katakolon-Olympia-9.-2%-298" Pa,e 5 o$ 8- ;or more ,uides, see '''<TomsPort3uides<com
4econstructed Column at Temple of <eus( =the father of the &ods> (elo$)
Photo&raph your friends &ettin& ready to race (ao!e)
Arch to the stadium (left)
Katakolon-Olympia-9.-2%-298" Pa,e 7 o$ 8- ;or more ,uides, see '''<TomsPort3uides<com
2ap of the Archaeolo&ical Site
Katakolon-Olympia-9.-2%-298" Pa,e 89 o$ 8- ;or more ,uides, see '''<TomsPort3uides<com
Archaeolo&ical 2useum of Olympia
It's one of the most important museums in Greece presenting the history of the most celebrated sanctuary of
antiuity! the sanctuary of "eus! father of both gods and men! where the #lympic games were born. The
permanent e$hibition contains finds from the e$cavations in the sacred precinct of the %ltis dating from
prehistoric times to the &arly 'hristian period. %mong the many precious e$hibits the sculpture collection! for
which the museum is most famous! the bron(e collection! the richest collection of its type in the world! and the
large terracottas collection! are especially noteworthy.
The visitor is introduced to the history of the great )an*+ellenic sanctuary from the &arly ,ron(e %ge to the
si$th*seventh centuries %-. The sculpted decoration .metopes and pediments/ of the temple of "eus! the most
important e$ample of the 0evere 0tyle in Greek art! the statue of 1ike by )aionios and the +ermes of )ra$iteles
are the museum2s pieces de resistance. The bron(e collection is the richest of its kind in the world.
The e$hibition occupies twelve galleries set out in chronological order. Its aim is to present the ob3ects! inform
the visitor in a simple yet scientific manner and assist him4her according to the latest museological standards. It
gives a full picture of the historical development of both the sanctuary and ancient Greek art through a wide
selection of e$hibits! as well as information panels! maps! drawings! photographs and reconstructions and
models of the monuments. Author Olympia Vikatou( archaeolo&ist
See http"##odysseus%culture%&r#h#0#eh0?0%@sp;o@AidBC0.6 and http"##$$$%olympia'&reece%or&#museum%html
#dmission to the museum@ - euro (ours@ 5@"9 am to 5 pm in the summerA closes at -@"9 pm in the 'inter<
4aymond 2a*s comments re the museum"
5e visited the %rchaeological 6useum following our
tour of the ad3acent %rchaeological 0ite of %ncient
#lympia. The museum was filled with important ob3ects
e$cavated from the %rchaeological 0ite. &$hibits include
a sculpture collection! a bron(e collection! and a large
terracotta collection.
+ighlights of our visit included7
The 1ike of )aionios * a winged woman!
+ermes of )ra$iteles 8 this masterpiece depicts
+ermes carrying the infant -ionysos! and
0culptured ornaments from the Temple of "eus.
If Katakolon is a port of call for your ship, Ancient
Olympia is a must visit site. It2s a world*famous historic
site. %nd the admission fee of 9 &uros for the 6useum
and %rcheological site is a bargain:
;en 'ole coordinated shore e$cursions for many ports
through our 'ruise 'ritic <oll 'all. I organi(ed bus
tours of %thens and #lympia. The tour bus company for
#lympia was Katakolon &$press. There were => of us on
two! modern! clean! air*conditioned buses. The bus was
ine$pensive and an efficient travel method.
Raymond Ma
1ermes of Pra-iteles (photo ao!e)
Katakolon-Olympia-9.-2%-298" Pa,e 88 o$ 8- ;or more ,uides, see '''<TomsPort3uides<com
Terracotta collection (ao!e)
Sculptured ornaments from the Temple of <eus (ao!e)
The :ike of Paionios( the statue depicts a $in&ed $oman (ri&ht)
Katakolon-Olympia-9.-2%-298" Pa,e 82 o$ 8- ;or more ,uides, see '''<TomsPort3uides<com
The Olympia area consists of the Town of Olympia, ruins at the Archeological Site, and the $useum. %t0s
common to ha!e multiple names and spelling of names for one location. The town of Olympia is descri)ed as
the modern town. %t appears on maps as Archaia Olympia.
GPS Coordinates for the Olympia Area
A:C)E:T OD92P)A
Olympia Train )tation 2 ".B "5 %"<*C, D 28B ". "*<5E
&ain =us Parkin, ?ot 2 ".B "5 "9<9%C, D 28B ". "9<-*C
&useum =us Parkin, ?ot 2 ".B "5 "7<2C, D 28B ". "*<5E
Ticket =ooth 2 ".B "5 2*<78C, D 28B ". %8<92C
#rchaeolo,ical &useum 2 ".B "5 "-<25C, D 28B ". %-<8%C
Dntrance ,ate to archaeolo,ical site 2 ".B "5 2%<87C, D 28B ". %8<.5C
Cou!ertin monument 2 ".B "5 27<2.C, D 28B "5 7<%"C
DOCAT)O:S ): A4C1AEDOG)CAD S)TE
Dntrance ,ate to archaeolo,ical site 2 ".B "5 2%<87C, D 28B ". %8<.5C
Toilets near entrance ,ate 2 ".B "5 2"<29C, D 28B ". %9<.9C
Foman (ouse 2 ".B "5 22<8E, D 28B ". %%<5E
Prytaneion 2 ".B "5 29<"C, D 28B ". %*<8E
3ymnasium 2 ".B "5 28<.C, D 28B ". %8<.E
Palastra 2 ".B "5 85<%C, D 28B ". %2<7E
#ncint (ostels 2 ".B "5 8*<%C, D 28B ". %9<-E
?eonidaion 2 ".B "5 8"<"C, D 28B ". %%<5E
)outh =aths 2 ".B "5 8"<%C, D 28B ". %.<"E
)outh )toa 2 ".B "5 8"C, D 28B ". *9E
=ouleterion 2 ".B "5 8%C, D 28B ". *9<2E
Temple o$ Geus 2 ".B "5 8-<%C, D 28B ". %5<*E
Pelepion 2 ".B "5 85<8C, D 28B ". %.<%E
Treasuries 2 ".B "5 29<"C, D 28B ". *8<8E
#rched entrance to )tadium 2 ".B "5 87<77C, D 28B ". *"<.5C
The To$n of Olympia (Archaia Olympia)
Our tour )us stopped in Olympia. %t was an opportunity to rela# with a cold drink, walk the town, and do some
shopping. The photo elo$ shows cafes near the center of town.
Katakolon-Olympia-9.-2%-298" Pa,e 8" o$ 8- ;or more ,uides, see '''<TomsPort3uides<com
The modern town of Olympia has many shops, cafes, restaurants, and some good hotels. (photo elo$)
Stores had a selection of products including reproductions of pottery and statues. There were some fine <ewelry
stores. 3eople who purchased <ewelry were pleased and commented on the great prices.
(ruise ship e#cursion )uses do not stop in Olympia. @or me, stopping in Olympia town was an ad!antage. %
wanted a cold drink after touring Ancient Olympia in the hot sun. $any people on our )us wanted to do some
shopping in Olympia. %t0s a large town with many shops and a resident population of ;A,=./.
1ere are the GPS coordinates for Olympia to$n
Olympia to'n center 2 ".B "5 "5<-*C, D 28B ". "8<"8C
Train station 2 ".B "5 %"<*C, D 28B ". "*<5E
After our stop in Olympia, we were offered the option of stopping at a resort hotel near the north )eaches. The
e#tra stop was offered )y Katakolon "#press )us company in appreciation for Baymond $a0s amaDing <o) of
organiDing our )us tour for J; people.
+e were in no rush to return to the ship and gladly accepted the offer.
Katakolon-Olympia-9.-2%-298" Pa,e 8% o$ 8- ;or more ,uides, see '''<TomsPort3uides<com
1otel Vriniotis A&ios Andreas( Katakolo Pir&os GPS B : ECF E5* ?/%6/G( E .0F 07* EC%HHG
%t0s an upscale hotel with scenic !iews from the patio. +e were under no o)ligation to purchase anything, )ut %
had to ha!e a cold )eer to rela# and en<oy the !iews.
The entrance to the hotel is impressi!e (photos elo$)
Vie$ of the each from the hotel patio (photo elo$)
Katakolon-Olympia-9.-2%-298" Pa,e 8* o$ 8- ;or more ,uides, see '''<TomsPort3uides<com
Goal of Port Guides ' 9our ,eedack )s )mportant
Goal
Port &uides are desi&ned to help you plan a &reat cruise !acation
)y pro!iding information, which % )elie!e to )e accurate, such as5
+here the ship docks,
+hether you can walk to the near)y town,
Things to see and do,
Options for self-guided or organiDed tours, and
Tra!el issues uniCue to the port area.
Knowledge of ports is important )ecause you ha!e to make many decisions and commitments long )efore your
ship arri!es in the port. 9ou can use this port guide as a source of information, )ut you are responsi)le to !erify
accuracy of the information you use to plan your !acation.
3hy feedack is important
Eser feed)ack helps me make corrections and fine tune the su)<ects included, the length of guides, format, etc.
% welcome offers to colla)orate with me )y pro!iding information for inclusion in the guides.
The guides ser!e as an introduction to a port and are not intended to answer e!ery Cuestion a)out the details of
each port and tourist destination. There are other sources of information such as www.(ruise(ritic.com for
your detailed Cuestions. Knowledgea)le (( mem)ers will share their information.
1elp =spread the $ord> aout my $esite
The only negati!e feed)ack % get is, % wish % knew a)out your port guides )efore my !acation. $y we)site
was created in April ,.;;, and it is unknown to most cruisers. %f you see !alue in my port guides, tell your
friends, post a reference to my guides and my we)site on the )logs, etc. And if you wish to recei!e email
notification when new port guides are a!aila)le, send your email address to me at
TomsPortGuidesI&mail%com
% wish you a great cruise !acation.
Begards,
Tom Sheridan
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Katakolon-Olympia-9.-2%-298" Pa,e 8- o$ 8- ;or more ,uides, see '''<TomsPort3uides<com