KALLIMARMARO (ANCIENT MARBLE STADIUM)

The space that now houses the Kallimarmaro Stadium was originally a natural ground cavity nestled between two elevations around river Ilissos, the hills of Agra and Ardittos.

Lycurgus built the stadium during 330-329 B.C. for the Great Panathinaic Games.

It was also used as an arena with the addition of a semi-circle wall on the north side during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. In 140-144 A.D., Herodes Atticus renovated the stadium to the form in which it was discovered in the excavation of 1870.

The stadium was built of white Pentelic marble in a petal shape and with a total track length of 204 meters and a width of 83 meters. It is calculated that it had a capacity for over 50.000 spectators. It has built in stairs in between the stands and an arcade on the façade.

Herodes Atticus made the Bridge of Ilissou larger at the stadium entrance with three arcs. It was visible until 1778; this section was discovered during the excavation of 1958.

The most modern reformation of the stadium began in 1895 by the national benefactor, Georgios Averof, for the first modern Olympic Games of 1896.

The plans of the newer stadium were made by architect, A. Metaxa, with the help of Ernest Ziller.

THE ADDRESS

Kallimarmaro (Archaeological Area)
Vasilissis Konstantinou Avenue
11636 Athens (Greece)
Tel. +30 210 - 3246210

HOW TO GET THERE

BY BUS: 209, 550

TROLLEY: 2, 4, 10, 11

BY FOOT: Follow Vasilissis Amalias Avenue from Syntagma Square for about 500 meters, turn left onto Vasilissis Olgas Avenue until you meet Vasilissis Konstandinou. Turn left and in another 600 meters you will come to the Kallimarmaro Ancient Stadium on your right.

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