Elis (city) Religious Site

Address: Site near modern Elis/Ilida, Western Greece (Elis region)

Elis is an ancient city in the northwestern Peloponnese of Greece that in antiquity served as the administrative centre for the region of Elis and for the organisation of the Olympic Games at nearby Olympia. The site contains remains spanning the Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods.

Surviving remains at the archaeological site include civic and domestic structures, with material evidence of occupation and rebuilding over many centuries. Excavations have produced pottery, architectural fragments and inscriptions that are displayed locally.

In historical sources Elis was the city-state responsible for supervising the Olympic Games in antiquity and it played a regional political role in the Classical Greek world.

The site lies in the northwest Peloponnese, inland from the west coast of the peninsula and approximately 17 kilometres from the sanctuary of ancient Olympia.

• Archaeological Museum: An archaeological museum in the modern town displays finds recovered from excavations at the ancient site, including pottery and architectural fragments.

Elis is best reached by road from Pyrgos (about 30-40 minutes) or Olympia (25-30 minutes). There are regional bus services and car rental options; the site is rural and signage can be sparse so a local map or GPS is recommended.

• Combine a visit to the archaeological area with a stop at the nearby Elis Archaeological Museum in Amaliada for artifacts from the region.
• Wear good walking shoes-site surfaces are uneven and some ruins are exposed to the elements.