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Athens · Greece

Panathenaic Stadium

Known locally as Παναθηναϊκό Στάδιο

Marble stadium on the site of an ancient racecourse, closely associated with the revival of the modern Olympic Games.

Plan a trip here Website / visitor information
Panathenaic Stadium athenswalk · CC0 1.0
Typical visit
1 hour 15 minutes
Setting
Outdoor
Region
Attica
Last checked
8 Aug 2026

Why visit

Marble stadium on the site of an ancient racecourse, closely associated with the revival of the modern Olympic Games. An ancient stadium was developed here in the fourth century BCE and rebuilt in marble under Herodes Atticus in the second century CE. Restored in the nineteenth century, it hosted ceremonies and events during the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. The visit is strongest when you focus on marble horseshoe seating, track and finish line and olympic display areas.

What you will see

  • Marble horseshoe seating.
  • Track and finish line.
  • Olympic display areas.

History

An ancient stadium was developed here in the fourth century BCE and rebuilt in marble under Herodes Atticus in the second century CE. Restored in the nineteenth century, it hosted ceremonies and events during the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.

Photographs

Panathenaic Stadium

athenswalk · CC0 1.0 · full attribution on the image credits page.

Visitor tips

  1. 1

    Prioritise Marble horseshoe seating if you have less time than the full suggested visit.

  2. 2

    Leave enough time for Track and finish line rather than treating Panathenaic Stadium as a quick photo stop.

About Attica

Athens and the surrounding peninsula, including Saronic island heritage, major museums and coastal archaeology.

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More to see around Athens

All of Athens
Acropolis of Athens Athens · Greece Classical sanctuary and citadel above Athens, centred on the Parthenon and other fifth-century BCE monuments. Acropolis Museum Athens · Greece Modern museum displaying sculpture and finds from the Acropolis in a building aligned with the ancient hill. Ancient Agora of Athens Athens · Greece The civic and commercial heart of ancient Athens, with temples, public buildings and the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos. National Archaeological Museum Athens · Greece Greece's major archaeological museum, covering prehistoric, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman and Egyptian collections. Temple of Olympian Zeus Athens · Greece Monumental remains of one of the largest temples of the ancient Greek world, standing beside central Athens. Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center Athens · Greece Contemporary cultural complex housing the Greek National Opera, National Library and a large Mediterranean park.

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