Panathenaic Stadium

The Panathenaic Stadium (Panathinaikos Stadio, or just Panathineio) is a multi-purpose stadium in Athens. It is one of the top things to do in Athens, and it is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble.

The stadium was initially built as a simple track and field venue by the Athenian statesman Lykourgos. It was rebuilt in marble by the Roman emperor Herodes Atticus in 144 AD after being damaged by an earthquake. It was used for various athletic games, including foot races, boxing, wrestling, discus and javelin throwing.

It is an oval-shaped stadium with a capacity of approximately 45,000 spectators. The long sides of the stadium are 156 m (512 ft) in length, and the short sides are 110 m (360 ft). The stadium is built on a gentle slope, which provides good visibility of the track from all parts of the stadium.

The track of the Panathenaic Stadium is made of marble, which gives it its unique characteristic among all other stadiums in the world. The stadium has fifty-two rows of seats, with twenty-four rows on each long side and four rows on each short side.

The first row of seats on each long side is reserved for the members of the Athens Academy, who are given free tickets to all events held at the stadium.

The Panathenaic Stadium was the venue for the athletics events and the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympic Games held in Athens in 1896. 

It also hosted the athletics events of the 1906 Intercalated Games and the 1999 World Championships in Athletics.

The stadium is still used for athletics competitions, such as the Athens Classic Marathon, held every year in November. It is also used for various cultural events, such as concerts and political rallies.

In May 2001, the Panathenaic Stadium was the finishing point of a visit by Pope John Paul II. More than 80,000 people had gathered at the stadium to hear the Pope’s address.

It is also the finishing point of the annual Athens Classic Marathon, a running event every year in November. The marathon course starts at the Marathonos Gate, near the town of Marathon, and finishes at the Panathenaic Stadium.

The stadium is also used as a concert venue. It has hosted concerts by some of the world’s most famous musicians, including Elton John, Madonna, Rolling Stones, and U2.

Take a guided tour

There are plenty of tours available to take you around the stadium and explain its history. This is a great way to learn more about the site and see some of its most essential features up close.

Watch a sporting event

Of course, one of the best things to do at the Panathenaic Stadium is watching a sporting event. The stadium hosts various sports, so there’s sure to be something going on during your visit.

Visit the museum

The Panathenaic Stadium is home to a museum that contains a lot of information about the history of the site and the events that have taken place there. It’s definitely worth visiting if you’re interested in learning more about the stadium and its significance.

Climb to the top

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can actually climb to the top of the Panathenaic Stadium for some great views of Athens. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.

Take a walk around the stadium

Even if you’re not interested in doing any other activities on this list, simply walking around the Panathenaic Stadium is a great way to experience it. The stadium is massive, so you’ll definitely get a good workout.

Take a walk over the starting line

This is where the athletes would start their race in ancient times, and it is still used as a starting line today. 

Other things to do

Go for a run around the track and in the footsteps of the great and famous athletes. The track of the Panathenaic Stadium is made of marble, which gives it its unique characteristic among all other stadiums in the world.

Take a break in one of the 45,000 seats for spectators. They offer a great view of the track and the surrounding area.

Take a walk over to the finishing line and imagine yourself competing with the greats.

Go and stand on the podium. It is where the race winners would be crowned in ancient times, and it is still used today.

The starting line

This is where the athletes would start their race in ancient times, and it is still used as a starting line today. It makes for a great photo opportunity, especially with the beautiful backdrop of the stadium.

The track

The track is still in use today and is one of the most popular places to take photos at the Panathenaic Stadium. It is a great place to get a photo of the beautiful architecture and the athletes in action.

The seats

The seats are another popular place to take photos at the Panathenaic Stadium. They offer a great view of the track and the surrounding area.

The finish line

The finish line is where the athletes would finish their race in ancient times, and it is still used as a finish line today. It makes for a great photo opportunity, especially with the beautiful backdrop of the stadium.

The podium

The podium is where the race winners would be crowned in ancient times, and it is still used today. It is a great place to get a photo of the winners and the crowd.

The entrance

The entrance to the Panathenaic Stadium is a great place to take photos. It is a great way to get a photo of the beautiful architecture and the people entering the stadium.

The exit

The exit from the Panathenaic Stadium is also a great place to take photos. It is a great way to get a photo of the beautiful architecture and the people leaving the stadium.

From above

The Panathenaic Stadium offers a great view from above. This is a great place to take photos of the whole stadium as well as the surrounding area.

From below

The Panathenaic Stadium also offers a great view from below. This is a great place to take photos of the beautiful architecture and the people in the stadium.

The surroundings

This is an excellent place to take photos of the surrounding area and the people in the stadium.

Winter Season – November 1st to March 31st

Monday to Sunday 08:00 – 17:00

Summer Season – April 1st to October 31st

Monday to Sunday 08:00 – 19:00

The stadium is located in the background of an enormous square with two steps with portable steel ramps in the middle. 

There are two more steps at the entrance with a portable steel ramp.

To avoid the ramps, I suggest that you approach the stadium from the left or the right side, where there are no steps. 

At the sides, the square is flat, and there are also gates to enter the stadium from the same level.