Philippeion
Monument Circular ancient monument at Olympia celebrating Macedonian dynasty
A circular memorial at the archaeological site of Olympia, the Philippeion draws visitors interested in Classical architecture and the sanctuary complex where ancient Greeks staged athletic and religious ceremonies.
The Philippeion is a circular memorial structure located within the sanctuary (Altis) at the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia in the Peloponnese, Greece. It was erected in the late 4th century BC by Philip II of Macedon after his victory at Chaeronea and housed statues of the Macedonian royal family.
Architecturally it was a small circular colonnade in the Ionic order and was notable in antiquity for containing chryselephantine and other dedicated statues of the royal household. The ruined foundations and fragmentary columns are preserved within the excavated sanctuary area and are interpreted in situ at Olympia.
The Philippeion sits among the principal monuments of the Altis near the Temple of Zeus and is visited as part of the wider Olympia archaeological complex.
The monument is located at Olympia in western Greece, within the archaeological park that contains the main sanctuary and stadium.
- Setting: Located within the archaeological site of Olympia, it is a small circular memorial structure set among the temple precincts and ruins.
How to Get to Philippeion #
The Philippeion is part of the archaeological site of Olympia in the Peloponnese. From Pyrgos or the regional roads off the A8 motorway, follow signs to Ancient Olympia; local parking and visitor facilities serve the site. The archaeological complex is walkable once inside.
Tips for Visiting Philippeion #
- Combine a visit with Olympia's ruins; the Philippeion is on the same site and benefits from the more extensive archaeological context.
- Visit in morning light to reduce glare on the low marble remains and to give time for the museum at Olympia later in the day.
- Look for the Ionic detailing on surviving fragments-Philippeion's architecture is refined and subtly Hellenistic.
Best Time to Visit Philippeion #
The Philippeion is best visited in spring or autumn when the heat and crowds at Olympia are reduced.
Weather & Climate near Philippeion #
Philippeion's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 5°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (746 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 6 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (134 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (134 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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