Panathenaic Stadium

Stadium · Mets

Panathenaic Stadium

Stadium · Mets

Leof. Vasileos Konstantinou, Athina 116 35, Greece

Highlights

All-marble stadium, first modern Olympics, museum, track

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

panathenaicstadium.gr

@matadornetwork

Art and Culture in Athens

"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

https://matadornetwork.com/destinations/europe/greece/athens/art-culture/

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@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

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@ricksteves

Athens Travel Guide Resources & Trip Planning Info by Rick Steves

"▲ Gleaming marble stadium restored to its second-century AD condition." - Rick Steves' Europe

https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/greece/athens

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Carlos Oraison

Google

Great historical site. Still relevant to today with the Olympic spirit. Small museum and included in €10 entrance fee is a self guided audio presentation which highlights interesting facts. Easy access with buses. If you visit on a hot day bring sunglasses and a hat. Two kiosks near entrance with drinks and snacks.Definitely highly recommended

Annys

Google

With just one full day in Athens, visiting the Panathenaic Stadium was at the top of my list -and it did not disappoint. The architecture is breathtaking, built entirely from marble and designed to transport you back to ancient times. Knowing it once held over 80,000 spectators -from everyday citizens to royalty -made standing there even more awe-inspiring. The entrance fee is €10, but with my UK student ID I was able to enter for €5. Inside, the vaulted passage showcases fascinating artifacts from the very first Olympic Games to more recent ones, including medals and torches from across the generations. I even ran a little race on the track (while chasing my hat that kept flying off in the wind!) -a playful and memorable moment that made the visit even more special. Totally recommend adding this stop to your Athens adventure;it’s history, culture, and fun all in one.

Norm P.

Google

Hmmm - I found this to be very overrated. When we visited it was largely covered in scaffolding and floor coverings; all of which made it difficult to see the structure. There is a tour available, but all it does is allow you to climb the audience stands by yourself. We spent only 5 minutes here, which was more than sufficient.

Graham Warnock

Google

The Panathenaic Stadium in Athens is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, sport, or architecture. Entirely built from white marble, it’s the only stadium of its kind in the world and famously hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Entry is €10, and it’s well worth it for the chance to walk in the footsteps of ancient and modern athletes alike. The atmosphere is both grand and peaceful. Walking around the track is a surreal experience, especially imagining the roar of the crowd over a century ago. Climbing to the top of the stands offers fantastic views over the city—but be warned, it’s very steep, so wear good shoes and take your time. One of the most interesting features is the cool stone tunnel underneath the seating, which was used by athletes to enter the stadium. It feels like natural air conditioning and is a great spot to cool off on a hot day. It’s also a great place to snap a few photos and soak in the historic vibe. The small museum area inside displays Olympic torches and memorabilia, adding another layer to the visit. All in all, it’s a unique site that combines beauty, history, and a real sense of awe. A true gem of Athens and well worth the time and entry fee.

VoudouLounge

Google

Another ancient historical landmark to visit in Athens. This marble clad stadium will give you goosebumps imagining how the first modern Olympic Games must have been back then. Well worth the $15 to spend an hour or so to walk around and soak in the sites and scenery.

Kelly Ambrose

Google

Wow. If you're interested in the history of the Olympic Games this is well worth visiting and at 10 Euro one of the cheaper attractions in Athens. Make sure you visit the small, but interesting museum. Unfortunately we couldn't go on the track because they were setting up for an event. If you can brave the steep steps you will be rewarded with a great view of the Acropolis.

Austen Urry

Google

Awesome to see, such a historic place. It’s also managed in a very hands-off way which makes the experience more enjoyable. Being able to just wander around and take it in. It’s cheap (€10), really accessible, and no lines insight which is amazing as a tourist. Would say it’s a must, when in Athens!

Lauren Crenshaw

Google

First off…I want to say the stadium is amazing! My review is for other factors that I will talk about. Upon going to buy tickets the lady working said that they were cleaning up for an event. I asked if the track was open because I wanted to walk on it. She said yes. I’m not sure if she didn’t understand what I meant or just lied, but the track was closed. There was a sign stating that the track was closed for 3 weeks for events, okay no problem, but this was the 2nd to last day they were supposed to be closed so we weren’t sure if they had cleared the track or not. There was so much trash and cigarette buds around the stadium it was really upsetting. I don’t know why locals choose to ruin such a historical place. It’s really on the local government and other authorities to limit events and preserve this space and/or enforce strict rules on littering. Me and my boyfriend were disgusted on how awful the stadium seats looked. We both have traveled quite extensively and have never seen a historical place like this trashed. You pay a €20 entry fee for what exactly…when no one bothers to clean the area or event trim the surrounding grass