Sanctuary of Zeus at Nemea and Its Museum

What it is

Nemea was one of the four great sanctuaries of the Panhellenic games, with Olympia, Delphi and the Isthmus. The Temple of Zeus, from about 330 BC, was among the first to mix the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian orders; three columns always remained standing and others have been raised again in recent decades. Around it are the oikoi, the buildings of the cities' delegations. All in the middle of vineyards.

The museum

Next to the entrance, small, with pieces from the sanctuary and the region and the history of the excavations. Half an hour.

Admission and opening hours

The ticket costs €10 (reduced, €5) and is valid for the sanctuary, the stadium and the museum. From May to 15 September it opens from 8:00 to 20:00; in spring and autumn the closing time changes every fortnight, from 18:00 to 19:30. From November to March, 8:30 to 15:30 and closed on Tuesdays. Last entry, 20 minutes before. It closes on 1 January, 25 March, 1 May, Easter Sunday and 25 and 26 December.

Getting there

It is in Archaia Nemea, ancient Nemea, about 10 minutes by car from the town of Nemea and 25 from Corinth. Parking next to the entrance. From Athens, leave the Tripoli motorway at Nemea, 1 h 20 min away.