Founded in the 7th century BCE, Olynthos quickly grew into one of the most influential city-states in northern Greece throughout the classical period. While the archaeological site is not one of the most famous collections of Greek ruins in the country, it does house one of the best-preserved examples of the Hippodamian grid city planning system.
Along with its breathtaking natural setting between two flat-top hills and its expansive remains of city ruins, ancient Olynthos is a must-visit destination for exploring the historical past of the Halkidiki region of Greece and makes an excellent stop along a more comprehensive road trip of the region’s archaeological sites, which include ancient Philippi and Stagira.
Whether looking for a taste of history while visiting the beach resorts of Halkidiki’s southern coast or an extensive look into the city planning of the ancient world, this is everything you need to know for a fun and informative visit to the Archaeological Site of Ancient Olynthos, Greece, from where to stay to the most exciting ruins found within the site.
Visit Ancient Olynthos, Greece: A Brief Guide
Opening Hours: 08:30 – 15:30; Closed on Tuesdays
Ticket Prices: €4.00 per ticket/ €2.00 reduced price
Address: Olynthus 632 00, Greece
Nearby Hotels: Nafsika Suites | Bianco Mare Studios-Apartments | Sokratis Hotel
Tours: Mercedes Private Tour from Athens to Macedonia Meet Alexander the Great
Top Sights: Ancient City Ruins | Floor Mosaics | Archaeological Museum
Ancient Olynthos Map
Ancient Olynthos: A Brief History
While the area has been inhabited since the Neolithic Period, the city of Olynthos was founded by the Bottiaeans in the 7th century BCE following their expulsion from the Macedonian kingdom by Philip of Macedon.
Olynthos played a relatively obscure role in the early centuries of its existence and only really began to appear in the history books at around 480 BCE, at which point the city was invaded by the Persians. Killing the region’s Bottiaean inhabitants, the Persians then handed control of the city over to the local Chalcidice Greek people.
Following the defeat of the Persians shortly after, Olynthus was temporarily subjugated by Athens until the city ultimately wrestled back its independence in 432 BCE. Around this time, the city experienced a population boom, with several nearby towns immigrating to the growing powerhouse.
Within a decade, Olynthos was the dominant city in the region, forming and heading the Chalcidian League in 423 BCE. The city also experienced a constructional expansion at this time, with the North Hill being developed under the Hippodamian grid plan, the ruins of which can still be explored today.
While temporarily conquered by Sparta in the 4th century BCE, Olynthos remained the preeminent city of the Chalkidici region until 348 BCE. Having transitioned their allegiances to Athens during the Athenian-Macedonian war, Olynthos garnered the wrath of Philip II, who ultimately conquered and razed the Greek city.
While the city was never rebuilt to its former glory, the remains of Olynthos can still be explored along their perches atop two flat-topped hills, and the site even remains one of the best examples of the Hippodamian city organization systems in Greece today.
Things to See and Do in Ancient Olynthos
1. The Neolithic Settlement
The archaeological site is separated into three different periods of construction. The earliest dated remains of excavations on the site are found at the edge of the southern hill and date back to the Neolithic Period. This region of the site consists of prehistoric stone houses, pottery, and ceramic vases, which indicated early occupation of the region dating between the 3rd and 1st millennium BCE.
2. Archaic City
Dating to Olynthos’ early foundation, the ruins of the archaic city are found throughout the entire south hill. Here, visitors can explore some of the earliest ruins of the historical city along two prominent avenues that lead through the region’s ancient shopping district, administrative center, and agora.
3. Classical City
Located atop the larger north hill, the classical city is the most extensive section of the Archaeological Site of Ancient Olynthos and dates back to the city’s population and construction expansion in the 5th century BCE.
The most prominent exhibit within the site, the classical city is where visitors can explore one of the best preserved examples of the Hippodamian grid plan system, which consists of vertical and horizontal streets dividing the city into blocks with ten houses and a sewage pipe laid between every fifth house.
4. The Archaeological Museum of Olynthos
While not particularly large, the Archaeological Museum of Olynthos is a must-stop visit along any trip to the archaeological site. Despite not housing any finds from the excavations (you will have to go to the Archaeological Museum of Polygyros for those), the museum does offer an audio-visual guide through the history, development, and digs of the site.
How to Get to Ancient Olynthos, Greece?
Unfortunately, there is no public bus network servicing the route to ancient Olynthos, and those intent on visiting the site must do so by private transport. Located about an hour’s drive southeast of Thessaloniki, the archaeological site is easiest to visit from Greece’s northern capital. Still, you can find directions from several major tourist spots below.
Where to Stay Near Ancient Olynthos, Greece?
While there are no accommodation options within the modern city of Olynthos, several beach resorts and hotels are found just a short drive away along the southern shores of the Halkidiki region. The following are just some of the best accommodations within a short drive from the site.
FAQS About Ancient Olynthos, Greece
Where is Ancient Olynthos?
Located within the Halkidiki region of northern Greece, the Archaeological Site of Ancient Olynthos is nestled between two hills between the Kassandra and Sithonia Peninsula. It is only about an hour’s drive from Thessaloniki.
How Much is Admission at Ancient Olynthos?
General admission to the Archaeological Site of Olynthos costs only €4.00 per ticket. However, the site offers reduced rates at half the price for off-season visits.
How Long Do I Need to Explore Ancient Olynthos?
While the ruins of the ancient city are expansive, the archaeological site doesn’t actually take that long to explore. Still, I would plan to spend an hour to two hours hiking through the historical remains and its surrounding scenic hills.
What Are Some Other Archaeological Sites Near Ancient Olynthos?
Enjoyed learning about ancient Olynthos and its historic city ruins? Check out these other archaeological sites located nearby.
Temple of Ammon Zeus (36 km)
Archaeological Site of Toroni (75 km)
