- Athens ’ historic Panathenaic Stadium, the all- marble venue that hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, is undergoing its first thorough cleaning in over a century.
- Specialists are using low-pressure water and steam to remove dirt and chewing gum from the site's 47 tiers.
- Known as “Kallimarmaro”, or beautiful marble, the landmark acts as the traditional ceremonial send-off point for the Olympic flame
- The privately funded restoration project also includes installing a new track, upgraded lighting, and fresh support facilities, with work running through 2026.
- Work is currently focused on preparing the venue for a torch-passing ceremony on 10 September for the Dakar Youth Olympics in Senegal , the first Olympic competition in Africa.
IN FULL
Athens’ all-marble Olympic Stadium gets first major clean in a century
