Kallimarmaro (Ancient Marble Stadium)

Kallimarmaro (Ancient Marble Stadium) in Athens

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.

The Kallimarmaro Stadium 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 Kallimarmaro 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 facade.

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 Ernst Ziller.

During and after the 2004 Summer Olympics, Kallimarmaro Stadium is often used for concerts, festivals and events of all kinds. It is very popular with the Athenian population and visitors. Every year in November, the Athens Authentic Marathon finishes here with over 50,000 runners.