Plizio Visual Lab
Marathon
Marathon is one of Greece's most historically significant sites. It was here in 490 BC that the Athenians defeated the Persian army, a victory that shaped the course of Western civilization. The archaeological area features the Burial Mound (Soros) of the 192 Athenians who fell in battle. According to legend, the messenger Pheidippides ran from here to Athens to announce the victory before collapsing dead, this story inspired the modern marathon race. Beyond its history, Marathon has impressive natural sites: Lake Marathon is an artificial reservoir with a dam built in the 1920s entirely from white Pentelic marble. Nearby lies the Schinias National Park, featuring one of the last coastal pine forests in Greece and a long sandy beach. The Archaeological Museum of Marathon displays finds from the plain and surrounding areas, including trophies from the great battle.
- Location: Greece
- Top sights: Kotroni · Marathon Run Museum · Polemika Orugmata 2 P.P.
- Nearby: Avra (7 km)
- Population: ~7.170 (2019)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 9 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 28 | 27 | 24 | 19 | 15 | 11 |
| Rain mm | 66 | 58 | 53 | 30 | 21 | 20 | 12 | 8 | 29 | 49 | 69 | 86 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Site of the Battle of Marathon (490 BC)
- Birthplace of the marathon race (42.195 km)
- Burial Mound of the 192 fallen Athenians
- Marathon Dam built from white marble
- Schinias National Park and pine forest
- Located 40 km northeast of Athens
- Starting point of the annual Athens Marathon
- Features a specialized archaeological museum
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Marathon (3)
Marathon Run Museum🏛 museum
The Marathon Run Museum in Marathon is dedicated to the history of the marathon race and its ancient origins.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the historical significance of Marathon?
Can you visit the Tomb of the Athenians?
What is the Marathon Dam?
Is there a beach nearby?
When does the authentic Marathon race start?
Marathon: where is it located?
Marathon: what is there to see?
Marathon: when is the best time to visit?
Marathon: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
