The excavations that began in Olympia in 1875 revealed the stunning remains of the most famous sanctuary of antiquity. The discovery attracted global attention and prompted the Piraeus, Athens and Peloponnese Railways to build a branch line to Olympia to serve future visitors. The line opened in August 1891. Considering Olympia’s historical importance, the railway company commissioned the German architect Ernst Ziller to build a station with a façade that would incorporate the “Greek order”. It would also evoke the aesthetics and atmosphere of ancient Greece. The company also built a hotel on a hill near the archaeological site. This luxury resort (next to the Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games) offered visitors a panoramic view of the archaeological site. Today the hotel operates as a conference and exhibition centre.