The Panathenaic Stadium is a marvel of marble nestled in the heart of Athens. Passing by the stadium on a weekly basis on the past 30 years, it never stopped to awe me. Athenians also call it Kallimarmaro, meaning “beautifully marbled,” this stadium is a bridge between the ancient and the modern. It is a great outing for kids because, at this place, you can immerse yourself in the history of the Olympic Games.
A Family Affair at the Panathenaic Stadium
When you visit the Panathenaic Stadium with your kids, you will not just walk through a historical site. I believe it is almost an interactive experience that really sparks the imagination. Kids can tread the same paths where ancient athletes once competed or walk up and down the stairs where the audience used to sit.
Each time we visit Kalimarmaro, we feel that comes alive. The stadium’s open design and the sheer scale of its marble stands will impress visitors of all ages. It’s a place where families can learn about the ancient Panathenaic Games, precursors to the Olympics, which celebrated athletic prowess and civic pride.
Discover the Panathenaic Stadium
The stadium is open from March until October from 08:00 – 19:00 and November – February from 08:00 – 17:00. Tickets can be purchased outside the stadium. General Admission tickets are 10 Euro, and children under 6 years old have free entrance.
It can get hot during the day here and there is no shade, so an early visit is recommended. My kids love running on the tracks and feeling like an athlete. More information about opening hours and prices is on the website of this unique marble stadium: www.panathenaicstadium.gr
Organized Family Olympic Games Worksout at the Panathenaic Stadium
If you want to learn the history of the original Olympics and what it meant to Greek society in an organized way, head over to the Zappeion, the first modern purpose-built Olympic facility. Here you can participate in a workshop to stretch your muscles and hone your skills at a session at a historic 19th-century gym. Run like a champion in the Panathenaic Stadium, home of the 1896 Olympic Games, and become an Olympic athlete!
Click here for more information and booking your Family Olympic Games Workout
The Olympic Games: A Legacy Born in Olympia
You may know that the origins of the Olympic Games are shrouded in the mists of time, with the first recorded Games dating back to 776 BC in Olympia. In this town in the Peloponnese, athletes from city-states across ancient Greece gathered to compete in honor of Zeus. The Olympic Games were more than just sporting events; they were a unifying force in the ancient world, a celebration of peace and human excellence.
The Eternal Flame of Olympia
Each year, the Olympic flame is kindled in the ruins of Olympia, a ritual that connects the modern Games to their ancient roots. This flame, symbolizing purity and the endeavor for perfection, is lit using the sun’s rays and a parabolic mirror, then carried to the Panathenaic Stadium.
There, it is handed over to the host country, beginning its journey to the far corners of the globe. This ceremony is a poignant reminder of the enduring values that the flame represents: peace, unity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. We had the opportunity to see the hand-over ceremony in 2024.
See also:
Celebrating the Spirit of the Games: Museums of Marathon and Marousi
The Olympic spirit is also preserved in the museums dedicated to its history. There are several museums in Greece dedicated to the Olympic Games. In Marathon (near Athens in the Attica peninsula), visitors can explore the exhibitions of the Marathon Run Museum. The museum traces the epic journey of the marathon race, from its legendary origins to the modern-day feats of endurance.
Read also: The best day trips from Athens: A fun family day trip to Marathon
Meanwhile, the Olympic Museum in Marousi (a northern suburb of Athens), located at the OAKA complex in Golden Hall, offers an immersive experience of the history of the Olympic Games, showcasing the achievements of Greek athletes and the philosophy of Olympism. These museums provide an educational and inspiring visit for families, highlighting the role of sports in fostering global camaraderie and cultural exchange. The Olympic Museum also organizes summer camps.
Read also: Activities for Kids in Athens: Xplore Golden Hall
In conclusion, the Panathenaic Stadium and the associated museums offer you a unique opportunity to connect with the past and learn more about Olympic ideals. It’s a special place where history is not just learned but felt, where every step echoes with the footsteps of legends, and where the Olympic flame continues to ignite passion and dreams. Go and experience it yourself!
You may also like:
