The Philippeion is a circular building — a tholos — begun by Philip II of Macedon after his victory over Athens and Thebes at Chaeronea in 338 BC, and probably completed under his son, Alexander the Great. It was the only building in the Altis dedicated to mortals.
Its outer ring of Ionic columns enclosed a chamber holding statues of Philip and his family, including Alexander and his mother Olympias, by the sculptor Leochares. It was a bold political statement: the Macedonian dynasty placed among the gods, in the most important sanctuary in Greece. Some of the columns and entablature have been re-erected in recent decades.
What to see at Philippeion
Walk around the tholos
Circle the building to see the curve of the re-erected Ionic columns and the fine marble work of the entablature.
Read its politics
Note the location — right beside the Temple of Hera and near the entrance to the Altis, where every visitor would see it.
How to get to Philippeion
- On site: at the north-west corner of the Altis, beside the Temple of Hera.
Insider tips
- The VR tour shows the Philippeion complete with its roof and statues — one of its most striking reconstructions.
- Combine it with the Temple of Hera and the Nymphaeum, all within a few steps.
Best tours & tickets for Philippeion
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Philippeion with context:
Self-guided VR from €25 Olympia: The Famous VR Glasses Tour with Audio Guide
The best-reviewed experience at Olympia. Hold up the VR glasses at marked points around the site and the ruins in front of you are rebuilt as they looked in antiquity, while an audio guide tells the story. The site entry ticket is usually separate — check the listing.
- See 15 monuments reconstructed through VR glasses
- Multilingual audio commentary at your own pace
- The Temple of Zeus and Philippeion as they once stood
Ticket + audio from €26 Olympia: Archaeological Site & Museum E-Ticket & Audio Guide
A hassle-free visit: a prebooked e-ticket for the site and museums plus a mobile audio guide that explains Olympia’s history as you walk. A sensible middle ground between wandering unguided and hiring a guide.
- Entry to the site and the museums
- Self-guided audio tour on your smartphone
- Explore at your own pace
