Restoration of Roman-Era Monuments Completed at Ancient Olympia in Greece

Mon, 04 May 2026 22:51:00 +0200

Greece has completed a major restoration project at Ancient Olympia, focusing on three significant Roman-era monuments: the Early Christian Basilica, the South Thermae, and the Baths of the Leonidaion. Funded with €3.6 million ($4.2 million) from the Recovery Fund, the project expanded the archaeological site by approximately 2.47 acres. The Early Christian Basilica, associated with the workshop of the famous sculptor Phidias, retains elements from both its Classical and Roman phases, highlighting continuous use through the Byzantine era. The South Thermae were stabilized, restored, and made more accessible to visitors, with new pathways and flood protection added. The Baths of the Leonidaion, dating to the 3rd century AD, remain among the best-preserved Roman structures at Olympia, featuring intact roofing, mosaic floors, heating systems, and hydraulic networks. In addition to the restorations, Greece has improved visitor infrastructure with upgraded ticketing, shops, restrooms, and d