A wildfire broke out in a forested area near the village of Kamena, close to Ancient Olympia in the Peloponnese, shortly after 1 p.m. on Friday, prompting an immediate response from firefighting autho...

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 digital services, including virtual reality applications and the Hellenic Heritage Guide. Ancient Olympia, historically a sacred Panhellenic sanctuary and the site of the Olympic Games from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD, continues to reveal its layered history spanning Classical, Roman, and Byzantine periods, underscoring its cultural and historical significance.