Temple of Hera
Temple of Hera features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Ancient Olympia. Give it roughly ~60 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type ruins
- Suggested visit ~60 min
- Ancient Olympia Ancient Olympia guide
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About Temple of Hera
The Temple of Hera, the oldest temple at Olympia, from around 600 BC, where the Olympic flame for every modern Games is lit by the rays of the sun in front of its ruined columns.
The temple was built around 600 BC, and its first columns are thought to have been of wood, later replaced in stone. The famous statue of Hermes was found in its ruins in 1877. Since 1936 the Olympic flame has been lit at the altar in front of it.
The temple is part of the main site ticket. On the days of the flame-lighting ceremony and its rehearsals, the area may be closed to visitors. Come in the morning, when the light on the columns is soft.
Did you know? The columns of the Temple of Hera at Olympia all differ slightly; the earliest are thought to have been wooden and were replaced in stone one by one.
How long is a visit to Temple of Hera?
Set aside roughly ~60 min for Temple of Hera. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is Temple of Hera worth your time?
Temple of Hera is among the 13 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Ancient Olympia, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Ancient Olympia
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Temple of Hera and read more:
Day 1 of the Ancient Olympia in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Temple of Hera
Preview the Ancient Olympia tour free in the Gingerguide app.