Nemea, Archaeological site in Peloponnese, Greece

Nemea is an ancient sanctuary of Zeus in the northeastern Peloponnese, with a 4th-century BC limestone temple whose three original columns still stand. The site includes a stadium set in a natural hollow, entered through a 36 m barrel-vaulted tunnel, and nine poorly preserved oikoi south of the temple.

The sanctuary emerged in the 6th century before Christ as a place for religious worship and contests between Greek cities. These events were among the four major festivals that brought all Greeks together and took place every two years.

The temple served as a center for religious ceremonies and was connected to a competition ground where men from all Greek cities gathered. This combination shows the role of athletics in religious practice and social life in ancient times.

Access is through a main entrance with a ticket desk and information panels explaining the walk through the ruins. The site covers a wide area with maintained paths that are easy to walk even in hot weather and offer shade under scattered trees.

The 36 m barrel-vaulted tunnel that athletes used to enter the stadium is the earliest known ancient Greek vault. Its walls carry ancient graffiti, including the name "Telestas", a known Olympic victor.