Day Seven - Katakolon

Katakolon is just a small port on the west coast of the Peloponnese peninsular in Greece, today it was the second stop of our cruise. The port was developed in the 19th century to serve the local currant trade but nowadays it’s importance is it’s proximity to the ancient site of Olympia, the home of the Olympic games. We had booked an excursion to the site which would leave soon after the ship had docked and so, in order to avoid the queues in the restaurant, opted for a room-service breakfast. This we ate on the balcony as we neared the coast.

The excursion was very well organised, with at least 15 coaches leaving for visits to the site, as soon as one was filled it left. We due to start at 9.30 but by 9.15 we were on our way along the small Greek roads to the village of Olympia. On the way the guise explained the history of the site so that when we arrived we already had some background information.

The weather was perfect for sightseeing with the temperature in the low 20s and a slight breeze coming off the mountain blowing the odd dark cloud. The site is very open with little shade so this time of the year is good for a visit,it must be exhausting in the middle of summer.

The history of the games dates back to around 776 BC and the site was a sacred place in the Greek world. As today the games took place every four years with athletes travelling from all over the Greek world to take part, men only as no women were allowed! In addition to housing the gymnasium, the stadium and the hippodrome where the various sports took place, the site also contains numerous temples to the Gods.

It is at the temple of the Mother of Gods,Rhea, or The Metroon, where still today the Olympic flame is lit. Utilising a mirror to reflect the sunlight onto a torch held by a statuesque Greek girl. The Temple is shown below, the statuesque Greek girl is not!

The stadium, which apparently could hold between thirty and forty thousand spectators was entered via a long tunnel, the arch of which can still be seen today.

Inside on the track, the original marble starting blocks are still present. We are told that a false start was punished by a public flogging. The blocks give an opportunity for tourists to pose for silly photographs!!!!

Next to the archaeological site is a large museum containing artefacts found during the excavation of the site. These range from small pots to large statues such as the one below of Nike, which coincidentally was the same brand of footwear I was wearing!!

We were back aboard for around 1.30 which allowed time for lunch and a return to the village of Katakolon for some shopping. The ship looked magnificent against a lovely blue sky.

Tonight it was another production show in the theatre entitled “Curtain Up”, featuring songs from well-loved West End musicals such as West Side Story, Guys & Dolls, Miss Saigon and several of “The Lords”. You would have loved it Victoria and Helena it was first class. Apparently it was the premiere of the show tonight and although there was a slight gremlin at the start it didn’t spoil the show. Tomorrow Corfu!!!