The Panathenaic Stadium, known as Kallimarmaro (meaning “beautifully marbled”), is one of Athens’ most spectacular and historically rich landmarks. Its origins are deeply rooted in the grandeur of Ancient Greece, and it has evolved into a modern-day symbol of athleticism, culture, and high art.
A Stadium Carved in Marble and History
Kallimarmaro is the only stadium in the world built entirely of white Pentelic marble, the same precious material used to construct the Parthenon at the Acropolis.
The Athenian orator and politician Lycurgus originally erected the stadium in 330 BC on the site of a previous racecourse to host the Panathenaic Games—a festival dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens.
It was later reconstructed by the Roman benefactor Herodes Atticus in the 2nd century AD, transforming it into a larger, grander amphitheater that would seat 50,000 spectators. The rise of Christianity in the 4th century left the stadium abandoned.
By the late 19th century, Greece had begun rekindling the Olympic flame, and Kallimarmaro stood ready to reclaim its place in history. The first organized, substantial excavation of the stadium was carried out in 1869-1870 by the German architect Ernest Ziller (who designed and oversaw more than 500 iconic public and private buildings in Athens and other Greek cities). The excavation revealed the foundations of the ancient structure and set the stage for its grand revival.
In 1896, the stadium was meticulously restored under the patronage of Greek benefactor Georgios Averoff and became the stage for the first modern Olympic Games. It continued to be used for various purposes throughout the 20th century and once again served as an Olympic venue in 2004.
Today, this multi-purpose stadium remains a central feature of the Athens Classic Marathon, serving as its official finishing point. It is the last venue in Greece for the Olympic flame handover ceremony to the host nation.
A Stage Beyond Athletics
Though the stadium remains synonymous with the Olympic Games, it has become widely used for grand-scale cultural and artistic events. Over the years, it has hosted some of the most prestigious artistic performances and high-profile events.
One of the most recent and breathtaking fashion moments unfolded here when Dior’s Cruise 2022 Collection transformed the stadium into an ethereal runway. This particular collection carried a strong Greek influence, designed as Dior’s tribute to the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution. It was held 70 years after Monsieur Dior, the house’s founder, introduced his couture collection at the Acropolis – establishing a deep connection between the brand and Greek heritage. Under the starry Greek sky, the magic of fashion and antiquity created a spectacle that mesmerized audiences worldwide.
The grand marble stands have also echoed with the voices of opera legends, including the acclaimed Russian soprano, Anna Netrebko. She made her first-ever appearance in Greece for the grand All Star Verdi Gala, which marked the 150th anniversary of the premiere of Aida at the Cairo Opera in 1871. Organized by the Greek National Opera (GNO) as a tribute to Giuseppe Verdi, the event was a dazzling celebration of operatic excellence.
Some of the most significant international names in opera gathered for this once-in-a-lifetime event, including 21st-century diva Anna Netrebko, Georgian mezzo Anita Rachvelishvili, Azerbaijani tenor Yusif Eyvazov, and Greek baritone Dimitri Platanias. Together, they performed some of Verdi’s most beloved arias and duets from Aida, Il Trovatore, The Force of Destiny, Otello, and Rigoletto, accompanied by the Orchestra of the Greek National Opera, under the baton of French maestro Philippe Auguin.
A Stage for Global Icons in 2025: Music and Entertainment at Kallimarmaro
This coming autumn, Kallimarmaro will once again take center stage for its artistic brilliance by hosting two extraordinary performances:
26.09 – Ludovico Einaudi, the visionary Italian composer and pianist, will grace the stadium with his inspiring melodies. His evocative compositions, known for transcending time and space, will create an unforgettable night under the stars.
02.10 – Robbie Williams, the biggest pop superstar in Europe, is coming to Athens as part of his Live 2025 Tour for a spectacular one-night-only concert. Robbie Williams has built an iconic career since the 1990s, first as part of Take That and then as a solo sensation. With over 85 million records sold worldwide, he ranks among the best-selling artists of all time.
The Timeless Legacy of Kallimarmaro
Kallimarmaro embodies Greece’s timeless legacy, inviting you to witness greatness in all its forms. Within its marble embrace and dominating presence in the heart of the city, one can experience history, artistry, and ambition converge in a timeless celebration of human achievement.