Panathenaic Stadium
Παναθηναϊκό Στάδιο
An ancient stadium built entirely of marble, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896 and where the Olympic flame is handed over.
The stadium was first built in the 4th century BC. In the 2nd century AD it was rebuilt in marble by Herodes Atticus, and it was restored for the first modern Olympics in 1896. It is still the venue for the Olympic flame handover ceremony. Visitors can run on the track and sit in the 'royal seat' on the stands for photos. The underground passage hosts an exhibition of Olympic torches from past Games. Admission is about €12 and includes an audio guide. The stadium lies southeast of the National Garden, about a 15-minute walk from Syntagma Square.
Opening hours
Mar–Oct 08:00–19:00; Nov–Feb 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- National Garden & Zappeion
- Museum of Cycladic Art
- Benaki Museum
- Temple of Olympian Zeus & Hadrian's Arch
- Syntagma Square & Changing of the Guard
- Plaka
- Acropolis Museum
- Anafiotika