The most complete information guide about Athens, Greece
The
Panathenaic Stadium
Originally
it was a natural hollow part of the ground between
the two hills of Agra and Ardettos, over the
Ilissos river. It was transformed into a stadium
by Lykourgos in 330-329 BC for the athletic
competitions of the Panathenaic Festival.
Between
140 and 144 AD, Herodes Atticus restored the
stadium, giving it the form that was found at
the 1870 excavation: the horseshoe construction
with a track 204,07 meters long and 33,35 meters
wide. It is believed that the stadium had a
seating capacity of 50.000 people. Another portico
was placed in the stadium's facade. Herodes
possibly also restored the Ilissos river bridge
on the stadium's entrance, making it larger
and adding three archways on its base. The bridge
was standing there up to 1778 and a part of
it was excavated in 1958.
During Roman times, the stadium was used as
an arena, with the addition of a semi-circular
wall on the north that was corresponding to
the sphendone of the southern side. The modern
times restoration of the stadium was conducted
by the end of the 19th century for the first
Olympic Games that were reborn again in 1896.
In 2003-2004, the stadium was restored again
and the square in front was completely renewed
in preparation for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.
The
Panathenaic stadium holds a unique world record. On 4th April
1968, AEK Athens won the European Cup winners' Cup, beating
Slavia Prague, in front of 60.000 spectators, the largest crowd
ever to attend a basketball match.
The
Panathenaic stadium (in Greek: Panathinaiko
stadio, meaning stadium of all the Athenians),
is also known as Kallimarmaro which means "made
of fine marble". When you are in Athens
and especially when you're looking for directions,
never call it Olympic stadium, as people will
think you are talking about the modern Olympic
stadium, in the northern suburbs. Also, try
not to confuse it with the home ground of Panathinaikos
FC, Apostolos Nikolaidis stadium also known
as Leoforos. In short, call it either Panathenaic
or Kallimarmaro and people will know what you
are talking about.
Opening hours and admission
V. Konstantinou Avenue (across from the National
Gardens near the Zappeion)
Acropoli