We walked out of the National Garden in Athens in search of the city's Olympic track stadium from 1896, but couldn't see it in advance. Therefore, when it did come into view, it was breathtaking.
The Panathenaic Stadium looks perfect. It's a elongated horseshoe shape, with one end essentially open. The stadium is the only all-marble facility in the world, and seats 40,000. The first couple of rows even have backs, so maybe it was an early club seat.
Those willing to pay the admission free have the chance to do something really fun - walk on the surface. It's not the original flooring from 1896, but the ground underneath the "carpet" is the same. This was the place where the first Olympic marathon in 1896 finished, which makes it hallowed ground. The Athens marathon finishes here on an annual basis now.
By the way, there's a small little museum tucked into the corner of the stadium. You can see some Olympic torches and posters, and there's a gift shop that has a limited amount of items. You're darn right I bought a shirt.
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