Panathenaic Stadium
Ancient marble stadium, site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
🌐 panathenaicstadium.gr🕒 Mar-Oct: 8:00-19:00, Nov-Feb: 08:00-17:00
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Panathenaic Stadium
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Landmark
The Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro (beautiful marble), is the only stadium in the world built entirely of white Pentelic marble. It stands on the site of an ancient stadium that was used as early as the 4th century BC for the Panathenaic Games. Its monumental current form was originally achieved in the 2nd century AD through the generous patronage of Herodes Atticus. After centuries of neglect, the stadium was extensively reconstructed for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, faithfully maintaining its horseshoe-shaped structure. With a capacity for approximately 50,000 spectators, it is not only a sporting landmark but also an architectural gem symbolizing the continuity of Greek culture over millennia. Today, the stadium serves as the finish line for the annual Athens Marathon and hosts ceremonies such as the handover of the Olympic flame. Visitors can walk through the vaulted tunnel once used by athletes and experience the historic atmosphere of this unique venue.
- Location: Greece
- Top sights: Panathenaic Stadium · Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation · Ruby Art
- Nearby: South Athens (5 km)
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
Visiting
The stadium is open to visitors daily, and you can walk on the track and sit in the marble stands. An admission fee is required, and an audio guide is available for a small extra cost.
Typical hours
Typical opening hours are from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM in summer and shorter in winter, but always verify beforehand. The stadium often closes early for special events or maintenance.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the stadium, including from the high seats for a panoramic view. Tripods may require special permission, so hand-held cameras are best.
Time needed
Plan about 45 minutes to an hour to explore the stadium and watch the short video presentation. If you enjoy athletics history, you might linger up to 1.5 hours.
Combine with
Combine with a visit to the nearby Temple of Olympian Zeus and the National Garden. The Acropolis Museum is also a short walk away, making a full day of ancient Athens.
Getting there
The stadium is easily reached by metro: take line 2 (red) to Acropoli station and walk 10 minutes east. Alternatively, buses from Syntagma Square drop you close by.
Insider tip
Visit in the late afternoon when the marble glows in the golden light and the heat is less intense. Also, look for the small museum under the stands showcasing Olympic torches.
Geography
Facts
- The stadium was originally built of limestone by Lycurgus in 330 BC.
- The 1896 reconstruction was funded by the Greek businessman George Averoff.
- In antiquity, during the time of Herodes Atticus, it could accommodate up to 80,000 people.
- The stadium features an unusually sharp turn, which is typical of ancient racetracks.
- It hosted the archery competitions during the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.
- The track within the stadium measures approximately 204 meters in length.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Panathenaic Stadium (7)
Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation🏛 museum
Museum of modern and contemporary art in the Pangrati neighborhood.
🌐 goulandris.gr🕒 We-Th, Sa-Mo 10:00-18:00; Fr 10:00-20:00
Amalia's Seat
Stone bench named after Queen Amalia, offering a view of the stadium.
Alsos Pagkratiou🌳 park
Public park in the Pangrati neighborhood, popular for walks.
Temple of Artemis Agrotera
Ancient temple of Artemis the Huntress, southeast of Athens.
Art Zone 42
Contemporary art gallery in Athens.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is running allowed on the track?
In the early morning between 7:30 and 9:00 AM, visitors are allowed to jog on the historic marble track.
Is an audio guide available?
Yes, an audio guide in several languages is included in the entrance fee.
What material is the stadium made of?
It is the only stadium in the world built entirely of white Pentelic marble.
Is there a museum on-site?
Yes, at the end of the tunnel, there is a small museum featuring historic Olympic torches and posters.
Can wheelchair users visit the stadium?
The main level of the stadium is accessible, but the steep marble steps are not suitable for wheelchair users.
Panathenaic Stadium: where is it located?
Panathenaic Stadium is located in Greece.
Panathenaic Stadium: what is there to see?
Highlights include Panathenaic Stadium, Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation, Ruby Art.
Panathenaic Stadium: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
Panathenaic Stadium: why is it worth visiting?
The Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro (beautiful marble), is the only stadium in the world built entirely of white Pentelic marble.
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