Katakolo on the western main coast of Greece was Azura’s last port of call before our return to Malta and then home. We had a visit booked to see the site of the first Olympic village. Ok, that does it a massive injustice.
Olympia the mountain is the home of the Greek gods, and is nowhere near the site of Olympia. The site itself was of religious significance to the Greeks long before it’s role in the original Olympics, the first of which was held in 776BC.
The site has been subject to earth quakes, the original buildings are beyond derelict, but efforts are very slowly being made to restore columns are being rebuilt. The segments of the columns are lined up ready for reconstruction.
Buildings that include the Temple of Zeuss, gymnasiums even hotels for spectators. There’s a separate museum for the artefacts that have been found during excavations. Even the Olympic stadium can still be used. People run the length. It really is an impressive sight.
Our guide was very enthusiastic she became breathless as she described the area. It’s well worth a look around.
We returned to the ship, grabbed a light lunch and then went for a walk in the village, only five minutes from the ship, a little bit of window shopping and then stopped at a bar for a drink.
The ship left berth at 1830, and started what would be a very smooth trip back to Malta. Giving us our last full day at sea to pack.
Bills Posts 