Panathenaic Stadium: Cradle of the Modern Olympics

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Visit the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, the world's only all-marble stadium and the birthplace of the modern Olympic Games.

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Panathenaic Stadium

The Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro, is a historic stadium in Athens, Greece, and the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble. Originally constructed in 330 BC for the Panathenaic Games, it was renovated in 1895 to host the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.

A brief summary to Panathenaic Stadium

Leof. Vasileos Konstantinou, Athens, 116 35, GR
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Local tips

Visit in the morning or late afternoon, especially during summer, to avoid the heat reflecting off the marble.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll want to walk around the track and explore the stadium.
Take advantage of the audio guide included in the ticket price to learn about the stadium's history.
Don't miss the underground passage (diodos) used by athletes in antiquity to enter the stadium.

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Getting There

Public Transport

The Panathenaic Stadium is easily accessible via Athens' public transportation system. Several metro lines and bus routes serve the stadium. * **Metro:** Take Metro Line 2 (Red Line) or Line 3 (Blue Line) to Syntagma Station. From Syntagma Square, walk south through the National Garden for about 15 minutes to reach the stadium. Alternatively, take Line 2 (Red Line) to Akropoli or Evangelismos stations, each about a 1 km walk to the stadium. A single metro ticket costs €1.40. * **Bus/Trolley:** Several bus and trolley lines stop near the stadium, including routes 2, 4, 10, 11, 90, 209, and 550. Look for the 'Stadium' bus stop. A single bus ticket costs €1.40.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Athens and offer a convenient way to reach the Panathenaic Stadium. A taxi ride from Syntagma Square to the stadium typically takes about 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost for such a short trip is €5-€6.
Walking

If you are in central Athens, walking to the Panathenaic Stadium is a pleasant option. * From Syntagma Square: Walk south through the National Garden. Exit the National Garden on the southeast corner and the Stadium will be across the street. The walk is approximately 1.2km and takes about 15 minutes. * From the Acropolis: Walk along Vasilissis Olgas Avenue and then Vasileos Konstantinou Avenue. The walk is approximately 1km and takes about 15 minutes.

Discover more about Panathenaic Stadium

The Panathenaic Stadium stands as a testament to Athens' rich sporting history and enduring legacy. Originally built around 330 BC on the site of a simple racecourse by the Athenian statesman Lykourgos, it was intended to host athletic competitions as part of the Great Panathenaea, a religious and athletic festival held every four years in honor of the goddess Athena.In 144 AD, the stadium underwent a significant transformation when it was rebuilt in marble by Herodes Atticus, a wealthy Athenian Roman senator. This renovation gave the stadium a horseshoe shape and provided marble seating for an estimated 50,000 spectators. However, after the rise of Christianity in the 4th century, the stadium fell into disuse, and much of its marble was looted.The stadium was excavated in 1869, and the idea of hosting the first modern Olympics in Athens took hold in the mid-1800s. In 1895, a wealthy entrepreneur funded its full restoration, using beautiful white marble, hence its nickname 'Kallimarmaro'. The stadium hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympics in 1896. Today, the Panathenaic Stadium remains one of Athens' most popular tourist attractions and is the place from which the Olympic Flame is delivered to all Olympic Games. Visitors can explore the stadium, walk or jog on the track, and visit the Olympic Games Museum.