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Panathenaic Stadium (Παναθηναϊκό Στάδιο) is a reconstructed ancient stadium in Athens, Greece. It was used in the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and is the only stadium in the world made entirely of marble.
Visiting the Panathenaic Stadium
Panathenaic Stadium is much bigger than I expected and well worth a visit. Admission is €10 (as of July 2024) and includes an audio guide, full access to the stadium and small museum, and a chance to run on the track. Children up to 6 years of age are admitted free of charge. The stadium is open daily. Check the official website for more info.
History of the Panathenaic Stadium
Also known as Kallimarmaro (Καλλιμάρμαρο), Panathenaic Stadium was originally built under Lycurgus (c. 390 – 324 BC) for the Panathenaic Games. Deinias donated his private land between the Agra and Ardettos hills for the stadium and construction started in 338 BC. It was completed in time for the Great Panathenaea in 330 BC. The track was 204 meters (669 feet) long and 34 meters (110 feet) wide. The Ilissos River once ran in front of the entrance.
Panathenaic Stadium was gloriously restored between 139 and 144 by Roman senator and prominent Athenian Herodes Atticus (101-177). He added a sphendone, giving the stadium its horseshoe shape, and rows of seating made of white Pentelic marble. After the reconstruction it was able to hold 50,000 spectators. Herodes Atticus’ tomb was also built on the hilltop to the left of the entrance. Athenians were very proud of their stadium, which was unrivaled in the ancient world.
Athletic games and Roman gladiatorial duels were forbidden in the 4th century due to the rise of Christianity, and Panathenaic Stadium fell into disuse. It was abandoned and plundered for its marble and was gradually covered by a field of wheat.
Reconstruction and Olympic Revival
Panathenaic Stadium was excavated by German architect Ernst Ziller (1837-1923) in 1869, as part of an Olympic revival started by Greek businessman Evangelis Zappas (1800-1865). It held the Zappas Olympics in 1870 and 1875.
During the first Olympic Congress in Paris in 1894, Athens was chosen to host the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Greek businessman Georgios Averof (1815-1899), who was based in Alexandria, Egypt, donated the funds to reconstruct the stadium at the request of Crown Prince Constantine. A statue of Averof, sculpted by Georgios Vroutos (1843-1909) and unveiled on April 5, 1896, stands to the right of the entrance.
Greek architect Anastasios Metaxas (1862-1937) prepared the reconstruction plans and the stadium was completed in time for the games. The marble used in the reconstruction is as close as possible to the degree of the marble of the ancient stadium. The capacity at that time was 80,000, but it’s now down to a modest 45,000.
Panathenaic Stadium held the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1896 Olympics and served as the venue for athletics, gymnastics, weightlifting, and wrestling. The most famous event was the marathon, won by a poor Greek water carrier named Spyros Louis (1873-1940). He became a national hero.
The Olympic Anthem was first heard at the stadium on April 6, 1896. It was performed by nine philharmonic orchestras and 250 singers, with lyrics by Greek poet Kostis Palamas (1859-1943) and music by Greek composer Spyros Samaras (1861-1917).
Post-Olympic Events at the Panathenaic Stadium
After the 1896 Olympics, Panathenaic Stadium hosted the 1906 Intercalated Games. During the Greek Junta of 1967 to 1974, it held festivals glorifying the right-wing military dictatorship. It has also hosted memorable concerts and other important sporting events.
From the mid to late 1960s, it was used by AEK Basketball Club. On April 4, 1968, the 1967–68 FIBA European Cup Winners’ Cup final took place in the stadium. AEK defeated Slavia VŠ Praha (now USK Praha) in front of around 80,000 seated spectators inside and 40,000 standing spectators. It’s believed that Panathenaic Stadium holds the world record attendance for any basketball game.
Panathenaic Stadium was used in the 2004 Summer Olympics as the finish for both the men’s and women’s marathons. It was also the venue for archery competitions.
Stadium Features
There are some interesting features to look out for on your visit to Panathenaic Stadium.
Royal Boxes
First are the royal boxes used at the 1896 Olympics. They’re located at the sphendome.
Hermae
Next are the two double-sided hermae on the track in front of the sphendome. They were commissioned by Herodes Atticus for the 2nd century renovations and found during excavations by Ernst Ziller in 1869.
Both hermae portray a young man on one side and a bearded older man on the other side. They’re believed to depict Hermes and Hercules, or possibly an athlete and his trainer. The hermae wore wreaths during the 1896 Olympics.
Ancient Parapet Slabs
At the gate in front of the tunnel are marble parapet slabs original to the ancient stadium.
Vaulted Tunnel
Finally, on the east end of the stadium is a vaulted tunnel. After the stadium was already in ruins, European travelers witnessed young Athenian maidens at the tunnel performing rituals aimed at finding a good husband. Today, it leads to a small museum.
Panathenaic Stadium Museum
The museum is accessed via the vaulted tunnel. The tunnel runs at a slight incline and curves to the right.
Stadium History Exhibit
At the end of the tunnel is a corridor containing photos and information about the history stadium, the 1896 Olympic Games in Athens, and the 1906 Intercalated Games.
Olympic Museum
The stairs lead to a building hosting a small museum with Olympic memorabilia and artifacts. There’s also a museum store but it was closed during my visit.
The walls of the museum and stairwell are lined with official posters and torches used at modern Olympic Games. Both summer and winter Olympics are represented.
Also on display at the Panathenaic Stadium Museum is the altar from where the High Priestess lights the Olympic Flame for its journey to the Olympic host city. Nearby is one of the 204 petals that made up the cauldron where the Olympic Flame burnt during the London 2012 Olympics. Each petal represented one competing nation.
