Athens stadiums. Panathinaikos Marble Stadium in Greece Ancient Greek Stadium

Initially, the stadium hosted traditional competitions known as the Panathenaic Games, dedicated to the goddess Athena, under whose patronage the city is.

In ancient times, the stadium was equipped with wooden benches. In 329 BC. Panathinaikos Stadium was completely rebuilt with marble walls and benches. In 140 AD. Major renovation work was carried out at the stadium. Even then it was designed for a record number of seats - 50 thousand!

In the mid-19th century, major archaeological research was carried out on the site of the stadium, as a result of which the ruins of Panathinaikos were studied and completely restored. The large-scale restoration was sponsored by a Greek patriot named Evangelis Zappas. The next major work was carried out in 1895 - on the eve of the first Olympic Games in modern history. The work was financed by Georgios Averoff, whose statue now stands at the entrance.

Panathinaikos Stadium

This representative stadium in Athens is unique in several respects. It is the oldest in the world, reconstructed from the ruins of an ancient Greek sports facility. It is shaped like a horseshoe and is made entirely of white marble. And it was here, among this marble splendor, that the first games were held, which gave rise to the Olympic movement, which does not stop to this day. This was back in 1896.

The predecessor of the Panathinaikos stadium was known already before our era. Nature itself contributed to the choice of location for such a structure. There is an almost perfectly level valley between two hills near the river. At first it was made of wood, later it was also built in marble. Its space accommodated about 50 thousand spectators. The found ruins of this ancient structure were restored specifically as an Olympic stadium. Already in the 19th century it was again paved with marble, the same one that was used 2,400 years ago to build the Parthenon on the Acropolis.

These days, the stadium is considered more of a landmark than a sports facility. You can even come here on a tour. But from time to time special events are held here. For example, concerts of world pop stars.

The ancient Greek games at Olympia were held about three hundred times between 776 BC and 394 AD. The first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896 in Athens. And not just anywhere, but at the marble Panathenaic Stadium (also Panathinaikos, Panathinaiko Stadio) in the very center of the capital. By the 19th century, practically nothing remained of the ancient arena, but someone was found who financed a large-scale reconstruction. We go to the place where the most significant sporting competitions took place...

So, at the end of the nineteenth century, to revive the Olympic Games, sports and public figure Baron Pierre de Coubertin convened the first congress of the International Olympic Committee. It was decided to hold the Summer Games in 1896 in Greece. At that time there was neither the Olympic flame (introduced in 1936 at the Berlin Games) nor the Olympic oath, but there was a stadium.

The Panathenaic Stadium, which today is considered an eternal symbol of sports and culture, was built in 329 BC. e. the ruler of Athens, Lycurgus. It acquired its unique feature a little later, 500 years later. During the Roman period, the arena was entirely covered with white marble from Mount Pentelikon. The same marble was used to build the great structures of the Acropolis.

Pentelic marble is distinguished by its impeccably uniform white color with a creamy tint.

If you look closely, you will notice that several seats in the first row are different from the rest. These are two marble thrones on which kings sat.

The rounded part of the stadium is called sfendona.

By the way, did you notice the shape of the stadium? In the form of an elongated horseshoe.

According to some sources, the stadium could accommodate 50 thousand spectators.

And this cave, from which gladiators entered the arena in ancient times, hides magical powers. Young Athenian women gathered here at night, lit a fire in the center of the cave and began libations with bread, honey and almonds. They believed and believed that the better the ritual was performed, the better the husband they would find. After the libations, the girls took off their clothes and danced naked. At the same time, adult women guarded the entrance to the cave (you never know).

Now, in the depths of the cave there are rooms. Here are the originals of all the torches of the Olympic Games.

The period of decline of the stadium begins with the advent of Christianity at the end of the 4th century. The stadium is abandoned, light marble is used as a building material in the construction of Athenian churches and houses. When the area of ​​the arena was also used for agricultural purposes.

In the 19th century, the stadium began to be reconstructed. And in 1896 he hosted the First Olympics.

In 2004, the stadium was one of the venues for the XXVIII Summer Olympic Games in Athens.

View from the stadium to the Acropolis.

View from the arena of the highest point in Athens - Mount Lycabettos (aka Lycabettus, Lycabettus, Λυκαβηττός).

Friends, victories to you in everything you live and do!

That's all. And next time I will show another perspective of the city - views from the ancient Acropolis and from the top of the ancient Mount Lycabettos. See you in touch!

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About the stadium Panathinaikos Peter Weil once spoke unflatteringly - “a pathetic attempt to repeat antiquity for the 1896 Olympics.” Well, what can I say? It's worth doubting. The stadium, also called Kalimarmaro, was actually built in 329 BC, and a significant expansion and renovation took place in the period in 140 AD and then it had 50,000 thousand seats. Not “Maracana”, but also decent. The remains of that ancient building were excavated and restored in the middle of the 19th century, and the second stage of the so-called restoration work was carried out in 1895, just in time for the first modern Olympic Games. This explains why his treadmills do not meet current accepted standards. The stadium of 50 horizontal rows of marble seats approximately 80,000 fans. In 2004, during the Summer Olympics, archery competitions were held here. Now there are no competitions held here, except perhaps the ceremony of handing over the Olympic flame - but this is only once every four years. The finish line of the famous race is also located here. One of the few ways to experience Panathinaikos “in action” is to attend a concert of local artists, but this also happens quite rarely. All that remains is to pay 3 euros for entry and climb the marble stands until you get tired, fantasizing about how everything was here before. And one more thing - in Athens there is another stadium with the same name and games of the club of the same name are held there. There is no need to confuse them.

How to get to Kalimarmaro Stadium (Panaitinaikos):

Ticket price: 3 euros, 1.5 euros reduced

Photo and text: Alexander Frolov

The Panathenaic Stadium

It is called also Kallimarmaron and it is the unique marble stadium in the world. Today it is known as the stadium that hosted the first Olympic Games in 1896 and it is the place at which the Olympic Flame is delivered in all the Olympics Games, both winter and summer. In the ancient times, the stadium that was used to be at this site hosted the athletic portion of the Panathenaic Games, in honor of the Goddess Athena. It was built by order of the orator Lycurgus in 338 BC, in the ravine between the Ardittos hill and the opposite low hill outside the city wall, in the banks of Ilissos river which used to be there. It was remodeled during 139-144 AD, by the sophist and rhetorician Herodes, the Atticus’ son. Since then it had wooden seating, but after its renovation, the seats were covered with Pentelic marble and the original linear form of the stadium changed to the horseshoe shape. Marble slabs demarcated the Remission and the End in the athletic stage, while the entire area was decorated by marble, bronze and even gold statues. On the top of the Ardittos hill they had built the temple of the goddess Tyche (Luck) with her cult statue made of ivory. At the top of the hill, left of the entrance, there was also for many years the tomb of Herodes. The stadium was glorious and the Athenians were really proud of it. With the advent of Christianity, the stadium began to lose its luster and was abandoned over the years. It was the idea of ​​reviving the Olympic Games that gave to the stadium the kiss of life. The exorbitant cost for its reconstruction was mainly taken by the great Greek benefactor Georgios Averof, whose the marble statue, right of the entrance of the stadium, was made by the sculptor George Broutos. The architect Anastasios Metaxas redesigned the stadium, recreating almost entirely the original glorious one. The Olympic Anthem (with lyrics by the great poet Kostis Palamas and music by Spyros Samaras) was heard for the very first time in the Panathenaic Stadium, during the Olympics of 1896. Today the stadium is being used for various purposes, from athletic events till music concerts, and remains an architectural ornament in the heart of Athens.

We planned to visit the Panathenaic Stadium on the third day of our vacation in Athens, after we had visited the Plaka area, the famous Acropolis, the Theater of Dionysus and other attractions. If your time in Athens is limited to one day, then visiting this place can be neglected.
We planned an interesting walking route from Syntagma Square to Lycabettos Hill, and the stadium was one of the points on our route. The path from Syntagma Square to the stadium takes only 15-20 minutes through a picturesque national park; the map is given at the end of the article. From the exit from the park, we crossed the road and found ourselves in front of the entrance to the stadium - it is so huge that it can be seen from afar.

Many people spare money to go inside the Panathenaic Stadium and look at it sadly from behind the gates, because entry per person costs 5 euros. But believe me, visiting this place will give you a completely unforgettable experience. For example, we never regretted going inside.

By the way, this price includes a free audio guide and a booklet with historical information.

Panathenaic Stadium: what is it famous for and why it is worth visiting

Panathenaic Stadium (Panathinaikos) is a sports facility, the only one in the world built entirely of Pentelic marble (architect Anastasis Metaxas). The second name of this place is “Kallimarmaron” - which from Greek means “made of beautiful marble”. In its modern form, the Panathenaic Stadium was built for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.

Financial support for the reconstruction was provided by the Greek tycoon George Averof, whose statue is located at the entrance to the stadium.

The stadium was built on the very spot where the ancient Greek Panathenaic Stadium was located. In the 6th century BC, when the sports facility was built, the seats were made of wood. And in 329 BC the stadium was reconstructed and the seats became marble. During ancient Greece, games were held here in honor of the goddess Pallas Athena, the patroness of the city. Gradually the stadium was destroyed, its ruins were discovered during archaeological excavations in the 19th century.

The stadium today hosts various sporting events - for example, most recently, the annual marathon was held here. The stadium is designed for 68 thousand spectators.

Every 4 years, this is where the ceremony of handing over the Olympic flame takes place before the Olympic Games.

What to see while visiting the stadium

First of all, climb one of the stairs to the very top of the stadium. There are stunning views from there.

A bonus for those who enter the stadium is an unusual view of the Acropolis.

Of course, we sat down on the marble benches - they are so cold, brrrrr. I even wonder how the spectators sit here, do they come with their own pillows?)

After you've enjoyed the power of this colossal structure, head down and stroll through the field itself.

The surface is modern, can you imagine what happens when these stands are full?

At the turn, two quadrangular pillars, decorated with two-faced images, attract attention - these are Hermas. Herms were found during excavations and installed in the places where they supposedly stood.

On one you can see the face of Apollo, on the other Hercules.

You can also visit the Museum of the Olympic Movement, which displays many interesting exhibits, including a huge collection of Olympic torches.

How to get to the Panathenaic Stadium

The closest metro to the Panathenaic Stadium is Syntagma metro (or Akropoli metro). We made our way to the stadium on foot, walking through the National Park.

You can also get there by trams 2,4,10,11, bus 209.

Paid entrance.

March-October: from 8 to 19.

November-February: from 8 to 17.

Located in the Kallimarmaro area, east of the Zappeion Congress Hall and the National Garden.

On its initiative, the first Olympic Games in modern history were held in 1896.

Story

Antiquity

In ancient times, the stadium was the venue for the Panathenaic Games, dedicated to the patron goddess of the city, Athena. In the classical era, wooden benches were installed.

The stadium was built from marble in 329 BC. e. on the initiative of Archon Lycurgus.

A significant expansion and renovation of the stadium took place during the period of Herodes Atticus in 140 AD. e., then it had 50,000 seats.

Restoration of the stadium

The remains of the ancient building were excavated and restored in the mid-19th century at the expense of the Greek patriot Evangelis Zappas. With his support, the Olympic competitions of 1870 and 1875 were held at the stadium.

A second large-scale phase of work was carried out in 1895 to host the first modern Olympic Games, with the financial assistance of Georgios Averoff (his marble statue now stands at the entrance). The donations were made at the request of the heir, Prince Constantine.

The architects Anastasios Metaxas and Ernst Ziller were responsible for the project. Since the stadium in its modern form was built only at the beginning of the revival of the Olympic Games, it was built according to an old model (in particular, its running tracks do not meet modern accepted standards).

The stadium of 50 horizontal rows of marble seats approximately 80,000 fans.

Until the mid-20th century, the Ilissos River flowed directly in front of the entrance to the stadium. During the spring flood of the river, floods often occurred, so this area received the name Frog Island. Later it was hidden under Vasily Konstantin Avenue.

In 2004, the stadium became one of the sports arenas for the Athens Olympics. It was the site of archery competitions.