Panathenaic Stadium

Stadium · Mets

Panathenaic Stadium

Stadium · Mets

Leof. Vasileos Konstantinou, Athina 116 35, Greece

Highlights

Step into history at the Panathenaic Stadium, the stunning marble venue of the first modern Olympics in 1896, where breathtaking views and rich culture await.

Leof. Vasileos Konstantinou, Athina 116 35, Greece Get directions

panathenaicstadium.gr

@matadornetwork

"The Panathenaic Stadium or Kallimarmaro was inaugurated in 329 BC for the Panathenaea, an Athenian festival dedicated to the goddess of Athena (the goddess of wisdom and the patron of the city of Athens) with music and poetry contests. Between 140 and 144 AD, the stadium was renovated by Herodes Atticus, a Greek aristocrat and Roman senator. In 1870, an excavation revealed the horseshoe-shaped, 50,000-seat stadium. The stadium was used again in 1896 for the first modern Olympics, and it is the finishing line for the annual autumn Athens Marathon race." - MATADOR_NETWORK

Art and Culture in Athens

View Postcard for Panathenaic Stadium

@afar

"Built in the 4th century B.C.E., rebuilt for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, and refurbished for the 2004 Athens Olympics, this horseshoe stadium now serves as the finish line for the Athens Marathon. For centuries, nude male athletes competed here in the Panathenaic championships. Follow in their footsteps by running around the track (fully clothed, of course), or admire the views from the Pentelic marble pews, which can accommodate 70,000 spectators.Just outside the top tier of the stadium is a dirt track through the pine forest that’s popular with local joggers—a very scenic and inspiring spot to stay fit while you sightsee."

The Best Things to Do in Athens

View Postcard for Panathenaic Stadium

Andrew Ayrton

Google

Whilst preparing our visit to Athens, this was one place I absolutely wanted to visit. As we approached the site, I was sure I wouldn't be disappointed. This vast, and incredibly well preserved stadium blew my mind... It was easy to imagine the centuries past whilst walking through and climbing to the top. Such a bonus to walk the entry tunnel and see the Olympic torches!

Rory Morse

Google

There is no reservation or tickets needed to view this site. If you want to take a tour I would recommend booking ahead. There is also a person that is outside dressed in traditional guard attire that you can pay to take a picture with. This is a further testament to the enduring nature of the historic structures within Athens. It does not take long to stop and take a picture here. I would highly recommend it.

Steve George

Google

Worth a trip to immerse yourself in history and stand where heroes once stood. Pick an audio guide which is part of the ticket to the stadium. Amazing job in keeping the arena in top condition so we can all enjoy

Jaita Ghosh

Google

Athens as a city is historically rich and this stadium is a must visit when here... Entirely made of marble & this stadium hosted the first modern Olympics in 1896. Stairs to the top are very steep if you plan to climb at the top which you must, it will be worthwhile. We visited during the Summer of 2024 and it was screeching hot, please carry water with you. There is a small museum inside & it is included in the 10€ ticket.

ugo setti

Google

The Panathenaic Stadium is a must-visit historical landmark in Athens! 🏟️ The fact that it’s made entirely of marble is truly impressive, and it’s amazing to imagine how it was used for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. 🇬🇷 The atmosphere is incredible, and the panoramic views of the city from the top are breathtaking. 🌆 It’s a beautiful blend of ancient history and modern sport! Highly recommend visiting if you’re in Athens. 😊

Dan Leal

Google

The world's only marble stadium 🏟️ it holds 80,000 people and was made for the first modern Olympics in 1896. Definitely worth visiting and make sure you go down the tunnel to see the museum with all the posters from every modern Olympics games and to get a quick history lesson. More than worth the $10 to get in

Yuhng Yeap

Google

Visited on the day of the 41st The Authentic Athens Marathon. It was such an incredible atmosphere. I really enjoyed the idea of the Marathon ending at a historical location of the Olympics. I was able to enter the place for free due to the ongoing event. The original ticket price is 10€ which I believe is abit steep (students can have a reduced price of 5€).

lucy durcan

Google

Only 10 euros to enter, definitely worth it! Lots of steps to climb, but the view is amazing. If you walk all the way round you can see the acropolis in the background. The steps can be quite steep at the bottom, but was easy enough to navigate. If you walk to the middle steps under the Olympic rings you can take awesome photos. The surrounding area was nice. Need to pay 1 euro to use rest rooms.