The stadium was originally built with wooden seating before being renovated with marble by Herodes Atticus.
During the 19th-century excavation, the original marble was found to have been looted for other construction projects, necessitating new marble extraction from Mount Pentelicus.
The stadium features a subterranean vaulted tunnel that leads from the track to the athletes' changing area.
It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympics and was used as an archery venue in 2004.
The stadium's seating rows are divided into 47 sections, matching the layout of the original ancient design.
The Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro, is the only stadium in the world built entirely of Pentelic marble. Originally constructed in the 4th century BCE for the Panathenaic Games, it was later rebuilt by Herodes Atticus in 144 CE. The current structure is a 19th-century reconstruction that served as the venue for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. It features a U-shaped track and can accommodate approximately 50,000 spectators. The stadium serves as the official handover point for the Olympic Flame to host nations. Visitors can access the track level and the upper tiers for panoramic views of the city. The site is a registered archaeological monument maintained by the Hellenic Olympic Committee.
The central point of the top row for a symmetrical, wide-angle shot of the entire track and the Acropolis in the background.
Wear flat, closed-toe shoes with good grip, as the marble steps can be extremely slippery.
Visit the interior museum tunnel to view the collection of historical Olympic torches from previous games.
Carry a hat and water, as there is zero shade throughout the stadium's seating areas.
Do not attempt to walk on the stadium track in high-heels or slick-soled footwear, as the marble surface is prone to slipping.
Open daily year-round, though the track area may close early or be inaccessible during private events or major sporting preparations.
No climbing on the marble ruins or restricted sections; refrain from running on the track unless authorized during specific events.
