The region has been inhabited since the Palaeolithic Age. The most signifcant centre was the city Ilida. In 776 B.C. the ruler of Ilida, Ifitos re-organized the contests in honour of Zeus. It has been set up the first Olympic contests and henceforth each four years period they have taken place panellenic games during of which period war actions were ceased. The capital of the prefecture, Pyrgos, is in a distance of 310 km. from Athens. 19 km. eastwards of Pyrgos, in a valley among Kronios hill with rich vegetation, the river Alfios and the tributary of it Kladeos the Ancient Olympia is spread. Beginning of Olympic Games is dated back to the legendary period. They were celebrated continuously till 393 A.D., when they were abolished by the emperor Theodossios the First. In 1896 they were revived in Greece by the French historian and paedagogue P.de Coubertin and since then each four years time a torchlight-man sets off from Ancient Olympia transferring the sacred fire to the place of the games. Entering the archaeological site the first building to the left is Prytanio where the award ceremony of the winners took place. A little to the south it is to be found the Filippio monument and close to it Iraeon. To the south-western side of Iraeon it is the Pelopios altar and nearby the temple of Zeus. You will also see the Vouleftirio where the athletes gave the Olympic oath as well as Leonidaeo serving as a hostel for the accommodation of official persons. You can also visit Palaestra, Gymnasium and the Bathrooms. Facing the archaeological site there is the new museum of Olympia with findings of the region, the stone head of Hera, the statue of Hermes – work of Praxitelis, Niki of Paeonios, the helmet of Miltiades, sculptured works of pediments and metopes of the temple of Zeus, vessels, clay and copper configurations and many others. In the Museum of Olympic Games, besides reminiscents of the history of the games, you will see the unique in the world stamps collection regarding the Olympic games. Farther to the north, in a distance of 26 km. from Pyrgos, there is the spa Kaiafas, in a wonderful lanscape, with the islet of Aghia Aekaterini in the centre of a small lake. In the beautiful village Kastro it is worthwhile to visit the fortress Chlemoutsi, the best preserved Frankish castle of Peloponnese. It is situated at the top of a hill 250 m.high, called with the ancient name Helonata. For swimming you will go to the beaches of the region. In the village Kyllini by the sea, 43 km. northwest of Pyrgos, you will see ruins of the wall surrounding the city. Near the harbour it is located the byzantine monastery of Panaghia of Vlacherna of the 12th century, with remarkable wall paintings. A few kilometres after Chlemoutsi there are the Loutra of Kyllini, famous spa with curative springs and marvellous beaches.