In the centre of Athens, close to the Congress hall Zappeion and the National gardens, is a unique Panathinaikos stadium, or as it is called by the Greeks, Cali Marmara (translated as "beautiful marble"). This is the oldest and the only stadium in the world, built of white intelegentnogo marble. In 1896, after the renovation, the stadium held the first modern Olympic games.

In ancient times, the stadium was the venue Panathinaiko games, these were the largest religious-political festival in ancient Athens. Panafieu was held in honor of the patroness of the city of the goddess Athena.

The stadium was built around 566 BC and has wooden benches. In 329 BC by the initiative of the archon Lycurgus (Athenian statesman and orator) the stadium was rebuilt in marble. In 140 ad, the stadium has updated and substantially expanded, now he was averaging 50 thousand seats.

The remains of ancient buildings were excavated in the mid 19th century. Then it was decided to carry out major reconstruction of the stadium. Funds for construction were allocated for art Evangelis Zappas. With his support, were conducted and the Greek Olympic events of 1870 and 1875.

Before the games of 1896 was held a second major phase of work on tools Greek businessman and philanthropist George Averoff (today it is a marble statue stands at the entrance to the stadium). Designed the new stadium famous architects Anastasios Metaxas and Ernst Ziller. Since the stadium was built on the old model, treadmills not meet today's modern standards. Today, the stadium can accommodate up to 80 thousand spectators.

In 2003, the image of the Panathinaikos stadium was minted at collectible coins in honor of the Olympic games of 2004.

During the Olympic games of 2004 was held at the stadium competitions in archery.

The stadium is used not only for sporting events but also as a concert venue. It featured such famous performers as Bob Dylan, Tina Turner, "Depeche mode", Sakis Rouvas and others. Also, the stadium hosts the exhibition dedicated to the culture of Greece.