Athens - Panathenaic Stadium

In honor of the Olympics, I am posting my photos from the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens. The remains of the ancient Greek stadium, it was refurbished in time for the 1896 Olympics and hosted the first of the modern day Olympic games.

This is a photograph of the stadium in the 1896 Olympics.

Our tour guide led us in to the stadium.  The stadium was named after the Panathenaic Games held every four years in Athens in Ancient Greece (since 566 BC).  There is a link at the bottom of the post if you want more information on the ancient games.

 Every thing is made of marble.  This is the only major stadium built entirely of white marble.

 Can you imagine sitting in the stands for a long event?

 50 rows of marble steps surround the stadium.

 This is a floor drain.

 You can see how the foot area is slightly rounded and worn.

 It's very long and narrow.  You can see the information kiosks on the wall separating the playing field from the stands.

 I found an entrance opening and stepped out on to the playing field.

 This view is looking from inside the stadium out to the city.

 Section numbering.

 A drinking fountain.

This was an interesting stop and even more appropriate with the upcoming Olympics.
To learn more about the stadium, click here.
To learn more about the name, Panathenaic, and the Panathenaic Games, click here.