Nymphaeon of Olympia, Ancient water structure in Olympia, Greece.

The Nymphaeum of Olympia is a monumental fountain built around 153 AD by Herodes Atticus in honour of his wife Regilla. Its semicircular basin, 16.62 m wide, fed a rectangular pool 21.90 m long and 3.76 m deep through five lion-head spouts; 83 more spouts distributed water across the sanctuary. The 34 m wide, 17 m high facade had two kiosk-like temples at the ends and niches with statues of Herodes, Regilla, and the imperial family.

Herodes Atticus funded the Nymphaeum around 153 AD, after attending the games with his wife Regilla, who was made an honorary priestess of Demeter. The aqueduct tapped a source likely linked to ancient Pisa's municipal supply, and the water arrived by the next Olympiad. It fed new baths, a hotel pool and troughs along the playing fields.

Water held both spiritual and practical meaning at this site, with Greeks honoring water nymphs while Romans engineered a working supply system. The structure reflects how ancient societies blended worship with the need to serve large crowds.

The site is part of the broader Olympia archaeological complex and can be explored on foot with the remains relatively visible in the open. Using a map or guide before visiting helps you understand the different components and how the system worked.

The system used natural slope to move water through brick-lined channels downhill without needing pumps or machines. This simple solution was so effective it could supply thousands of people daily.