Ancient Elis
On Gingerguide's self-guided Ancient Olympia audio tour, Ancient Elis is a stop worth about ~90 min. Stand in front of it, press play for a short narrated story, and put any follow-up question to the built-in AI guide.
- Type ruins
- Suggested visit ~90 min
- Ancient Olympia Ancient Olympia guide
About Ancient Elis
Ancient Elis, the ruined city in the plain north-west of Olympia that organised the Olympic Games for most of their history, where the judges lived and the athletes trained before every festival.
Elis controlled the sanctuary of Olympia and the Games for most of their history, from the sixth century BC. Its judges, the Hellanodikai, lived here for months before each festival. The site has a theatre of the fourth century BC.
The open-air site is free, and a small museum nearby has its own ticket. Elis lies about 35 kilometres north-west of Olympia, off the usual tourist route, so a car is needed. Check opening times before you go.
Did you know? The judges of the Olympic Games, the Hellanodikai, were chosen from the citizens of Elis and lived in the city for ten months before each festival.
How much time do you need at Ancient Elis?
Around ~90 min works well for Ancient Elis — time to look properly and listen to its story on the spot. Linger if you like; nothing on a self-guided walk is on a clock.
Should you stop at Ancient Elis?
Yes — Ancient Elis made the cut as one of 13 places the Gingerguide team researched and narrated across Ancient Olympia. The story tells you why it is worth the stop, and the AI guide fills in anything you still wonder.
Nearby stops in Ancient Olympia
Day 2 of the Ancient Olympia in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Ancient Elis
Preview the Ancient Olympia tour free in the Gingerguide app.