Download the app and explore ancient Nemea with the hero Opheltes!
Explore Digital Nemea! This online exhibit showcases archival records from the 1924-1927 excavations at ancient Nemea by Carl W. Blegen, on behalf of the Department of Classics at the University of Cincinnati. Peruse drawings, photos, watercolors, and other documents connected to the early excavations that are housed in the Archives and Special Collections.
Nemea on the map!
The archaeological site of Ancient Nemea lies in an upland valley in the modern Greek province of Korinthia and in the eastern foothills of the Arkadian mountains. The valley is about a mile wide, three miles long, and about 330 meters above sea-level.
It is currently occupied by a modern village of about 400 inhabitants, the ancient archaeological site, and many vineyards surrounded by olive groves. The northern end of the valley is dominated by the flat-topped Mt. Apesas where an altar of Zeus was said to have been established by the hero Perseus.
What, Exactly, Does Ancient Nemea Consist Of?
The most prominent feature of the modern archaeological site at Ancient Nemea is, of course, the Temple of Zeus. Just like other temples at major sanctuary sites in Greece (like the Temple of Zeus at Olympia or the Temple of Apollo at Delphi), the Temple of Zeus at Nemea stood within a large sacred area that consisted of many buildings and features: an altar of Zeus, a sacred grove of cypress trees, nine pavilions (oikoi), several kilns, a hotel (xenon), a bath house, a “hero shrine,” and an athletic stadium with monumental entranceway.
Today visitors can enjoy the temple and its surrounding buildings situated in a picturesque landscape, the on-site archaeological museum, and the ancient stadium. Between the village of Ancient Nemea and the larger town of (new) Nemea lie several award-winning wineries, too!
Planning a visit
Finalizing your plans to visit the archaeological site of Nemea with the whole family? Download Opheltes‘ Untold Stories - the digital game/guide developed by Diadrasis! This downloadable app will invite you to stroll through the site and uncover all its secrets under the helpful guidance of baby Opheltes himself! Also, did you know that in 2023, the Council of Europe and the European Commission, through their joint program European Heritage Days, selected the archaeological site of Nemea as one of three projects to receive the European Heritage Label? Discover how the Archaeological Site of Nemea brings European heritage to life for young visitors.
The archaeological site and museum of Nemea belong to the Εphorate of Antiquities of Corinthia, a regional Service of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture. In collaboration with the Nemea Center for Classical Archaeology and the American School of Classical Studies, the Corinthian Ephorate undertakes all necessary projects for the maintenance of the site, emergency works, restoration, and educational programming.
Admission to the archaeological site is €10 (including museum, main sanctuary, and stadium area). For additional details, reduced entry fees, contact information, and a list of days when the site is closed, follow this link. Have you visited the museum recently? We'd love to see your photos! Send them to nemeaucb@berkeley.edu.