Panathenaic Stadium, Athens

This is the last Athenian monument with Roman connections. The Stadium was built in the 4th century BC as a venue for Panathenaic athletic contests.

It is being restored in 1895 following the 1st Olympic Games of modern times being held there. Seating capacity for 70,000 spectators with a running track and a central area for field events.

SIGH...it was closed for constructions so I weren't able to go in and explore the stadium.

It was originally a natural hollow part of the ground between the two hills of Agra and Ardettos, over Ilissos river. It was transformed into a stadium by Lykourgos in 330-329 BC for the athletic competitions of the Great Panathinaea Festivities. 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. Separating scales were built between the tiers and on the base of the sphendone there was a portico with Doric-style columns; another portico was placed in the stadium's facade. Herodes possibly restored also 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. At the 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 Panathenaic Stadium of Athens was constructed in marble and therefore called "Kallimarmaro" for the first Olympic Games of modern times in 1896. Today it is closed for the reconstruction or construction work nearby I couldn't figure that out, but nevertheless the outcome is the same.

THE OLYMPICS STADIUM.

Olympic Games began in Greece & will return again next year. Lots of construction & cleaning up of the city this year. How they are gonna do it in time by next year... well, that's what lots of Aussies were asking on our trip. My guess, one way or another, they will. :-) In the mean time, enjoy the souvenirs you can get from all the Olympic Stores. Quite a good selection of products!

Across the street from Zappion is the Olympic Stadium rebuilt entirely of marble in 1896 for the first modern Olympics. The stadium was originally built in the 4th Century for the Panathenaic contests and it is said that 1000 wild animals were slaughtered here to celebrate the inauguration of the Emperor Hadrian in 120 AD.

In 1896 the first modern olympics were held in Athens at the Panatheniac Stadium. Were was competetitors from 14 nations, 43 events and was completed by 245 athletes.

These days it is the finish line for the Athens Marathon.

'PANATHINAIKO STADIUM' (Olympic Stadium) :

Across the street from Zappion is the Olympic stadium rebuilt entirely of marble in 1896 for the first modern Olympics. The stadium was originally built in the 4th Century for the Panathenaic contests and it is said that 1000 wild animals were slaughtered here to celebrate the inauguration of the Emperer Hadrian in 120 AD. The Stadium sits in a hollowed of Arditos Hill. The stadium can seat 100,000 people

Panathinaiko Stadium or `Kallimarmaro` that means `the most beautiful marble`.
An ancient stadium restored for the first modern Olympic Games over 100 years ago.

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...and so they did!
It´s fantastic seeing this stadium and feeling it´s spirit.... you can almost hear the roar and applause of the spectators, great!

Panathinaikon Stadium was rebuilt in 144 AD upon an older 4th century BC stadium by Herod Atticus. The stadium was used in the 2004 Olympics for end of the marathon race.