Tag: Ancient Olympia

Germany Returns Stolen Olympia Artifact After Decades

On October 10, 2025, a limestone fragment of an Ionic capital, illegally taken from Ancient Olympia’s Leonidaion in the 1960s, was repatriated from Münster, Germany. Returned through the University of Münster’s cooperation, this artifact’s homecoming highlights Greece’s ongoing fight against illicit antiquities trade and strengthens cultural ties between nations.

Disabled Visitors Stranded as Acropolis Facilities Crumble

Greece’s most iconic monument, the Acropolis, is facing mounting criticism as accessibility failures and poor visitor facilities mar the experience for thousands of tourists. A broken lift, malfunctioning toilets, and reliance on the fire brigade to assist disabled visitors highlight serious infrastructure issues—just as ticket prices rise and global tourist numbers surge.

Maria Menounos to Lead Greek Olympic Campaign as Ambassador for LA 2028

Greek-American star Maria Menounos has been named ambassador for the Hellenic Olympic Committee, bringing Hollywood flair to Greece’s preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Tasked with uniting the Greek diaspora, Menounos will also serve as Master of Ceremonies for the Olympic Flame Lighting in Ancient Olympia, a role that left her emotional. “I’m proud to be Greek and help our athletes,” she said, tearing up at the thought of the historic moment.

IOC Session Kicks Off in Ancient Olympia with Greek Support for Olympic Ideals

The 144th IOC Session opened ceremonially in Ancient Olympia on Tuesday, with Hellenic Republic President Constantine Tassoulas welcoming global delegates to the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Ahead of the formal session at Costa Navarino from March 19-21, where Thomas Bach’s successor will be elected, Tassoulas pledged Greece’s support for the Olympic movement. Bach hailed athletes as peace ambassadors, while an olive tree planting symbolized unity before his meeting with Tassoulas at the Archaeological Museum.

Ancient Greek Bronze Griffin Returns to Greece from MET Museum

Greece’s Culture Minister Lina Mendoni attended a ceremony at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) in New York, marking the return of a 7th-century BCE bronze griffin head to Greece. Research revealed the artifact had been removed from the Archaeological Museum of Olympia in the 1930s under illegitimate circumstances. The repatriation is part of the MET’s Cultural Property Initiative, which strengthens provenance research and international collaboration. The griffin is expected to return to New York on loan for a special exhibition in 2026, further solidifying ties between Greece and the MET.

Enhancement of Roman Structures Brings New Perspective to Ancient Olympia

The Ministry of Culture is progressing with a restoration initiative at Ancient Olympia to enhance Roman-era structures, including the Cladeus Bath complex. This project aims to integrate these monuments into the accessible archaeological site, offering visitors a broader historical perspective.

Ancient Olympia Ilia at the Epicentre

Ancient Olympia at the Epicentre

The Archaeological Site of Olympia, in the historic and culturally rich region of Ilia, Greece, was a fitting venue for an event held this week by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports, designed to kickstart a government initiative to strengthen synergies between culture and tourism.

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