Temple of Hera, Olympia
Temple Ancient Greek temple at Olympia, early Doric architecture
Ruined sanctuary at ancient Olympia visited for its Doric remains, proximity to the archaeological site and museum, and as part of itineraries focused on classical Greece and the origins of the Olympic festival.
The Temple of Hera at Olympia is an ancient Greek temple in the sanctuary of Olympia in western Greece, dedicated to the goddess Hera and built in the Archaic period around 600 BCE. It is one of the earliest examples of Doric temple architecture at the site.
Visitors encounter the temple ruins as part of the wider Archaeological Site of Olympia, where the temple’s foundations, column remnants and platform are visible alongside other monumental remains. The site is presented for public viewing with explanatory signage and pathways.
The temple was constructed for cult use and offerings to Hera and later fell into ruin through centuries of use, disuse and seismic damage. Archaeological excavations from the 19th century onward have uncovered and recorded the surviving architectural elements and associated finds.
The temple stands within the archaeological complex at Olympia in the western Peloponnese, Greece, near the Alfeios River and the modern village of Olympia.
- Archaic date: The standing ruins date to the Archaic period, with the temple generally dated to around 600 BCE.
How to Get to Temple of Hera, Olympia #
The Temple of Hera is inside the archaeological site at Ancient Olympia in Western Greece. Drive to the village of Ancient Olympia (the site is signed and has parking) from nearby towns via the Greek National Road (E55/EO9); Pyrgos is the nearest larger town with regular road links and local bus/tour connections to Olympia. Once at the archaeological site the temple is a short walk from the site entrance and from the Archaeological Museum of Olympia.
Tips for Visiting Temple of Hera, Olympia #
- Arrive at the Olympia archaeological site when it opens to avoid mid-day coach tours and see the Temple of Hera in the softer morning light.
- Buy a combined ticket and visit the Archaeological Museum of Olympia in the same visit-the museum sits adjacent to the site and provides key context for the ruins.
- Summer afternoons are busiest; if you can only visit later in the day, aim for late afternoon when many tour groups have departed.
Best Time to Visit Temple of Hera, Olympia #
Best time: spring or autumn for pleasant temperatures and smaller crowds when exploring the Temple and the archaeological site.
Weather & Climate near Temple of Hera, Olympia #
Temple of Hera, Olympia'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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