Athens’ historic Panathenaic Stadium, built for the first modern Olympics in 1896, is getting its first systematic cleaning in over a century. The stadium, made entirely of white marble, has hosted various events including marathon runners, rock stars, and Olympic athletes.

Cleaning the Marble

The cleaning process is delicate due to the marble material. Cleaners are using thin spray lances with clean water at low pressure to remove dirt and organic material from the surface. The goal is not to make the marble white again but to remove the dirt and reveal the original surface.

Crews are also using steam to remove chewing gum and other stains from the marble. The stadium’s original gleaming look earned it the nickname ‘Kallimarmaro,’ or beautiful marble.

Restoration and Upgrades

The cleaning is part of a larger restoration project that includes a new track, upgraded lighting, and fresh support facilities. The project is privately funded by a shipping company and overseen by the Hellenic Olympic Committee with guidance from Culture Ministry experts.

The work will continue through 2026, with the current focus on the stadium’s curved end in time for the next torch-passing ceremony on September 10 for the Dakar Youth Olympics.

Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.