Panathenaic Stadium

Stadium · Mets ·

Panathenaic Stadium

Stadium · Mets ·

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

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

@matadornetwork

1,344 Postcards · 345 Cities

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/

MATADOR_NETWORK

Panathenaic Stadium

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,700 Cities

"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

Panathenaic Stadium

@ricksteves

692 Postcards · 216 Cities

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

Panathenaic Stadium

Murillo P.

Google

I visited the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens during the summer. Being there feels like stepping back in time. The entire stadium is constructed from marble and faithfully follows the design of the original structure built thousands of years ago. It hosted the first modern Olympic Games and stands as a powerful symbol of Greek heritage and athletic spirit. I highly recommend visiting this historic site.

Sarah S.

Google

Amazing absolutely stunning. The stadium itself represents history. We went there for the Athens marathon and the place was completely spectacular. The runners turned up all the way from the Marathon and it felt great. Bravo!

Gita

Google

We visited on a Oxi (Ohi) Day, a public holiday. The queue was quite long and since you can’t buy tickets online, you have to stand in the sun. It took us about an hour to get to the head of the queue. Don’t forget to pickup the audio guide that’s included in the ticket price. The museum under the stadium was nice too. It had torches from various olympic years on display.

Clifton P.

Google

We passed by this original Olympic stadium in the evening and did a proper visit a few days later. Did some poses on the mock up podium, did some races (have bragging rights that we ran in the Olympic stadium!) and also popped by the small museum with the Olympic posters and torches. It’s worth a visit

Carlos O.

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

Tóth Á.

Google

An incredible piece of history — and truly impressive in person! Standing in an all-marble stadium where the first modern Olympics were held is a unique experience. The architecture is grand, and walking around the track or climbing the seats gives you a real sense of the place. Definitely recommended.

Lisa K.

Google

Amazing structure and a neat place to visit! If you are athletic, you might as well take a run around the Olympic stadium and feel like an Olympian Athlete! We ventured up the stadium and sat like a spectator and watched other visitors do the running around for us. Don't forget to stop in the mini museum. It has several of the old Olympic flame torches and photos. This place was packed in its glory days!

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.