A soaring white skeleton that gave the ancient home of the Olympics a futuristic spine.
Sports complex in Marousi, Greece.
Featured in Santiago Calatrava's definitive monograph, Santiago Calatrava: Complete Works.
Visitor Guide
Visit at night when the stadium and the 'Agora'—the arched walkway—are illuminated; the scale is transformative when the crowds are gone.
The center of the Agora walkway, looking through the repeating arches toward the main Olympic Stadium at sunset.
The OAKA grounds are generally open to the public for walking; stadium interiors are only accessible during events or guided tours.
The stadium's roof consists of two giant leaf-shaped arches that were built on the side and slid into place over the existing stands using massive hydraulic jacks.
2-3 hours
Design & Structure
The project utilized advanced structural analysis to ensure the massive steel arches could support the polycarbonate roof without the need for interior columns, maintaining perfect sightlines.
White-painted steel and semi-transparent polycarbonate panels designed to filter the harsh Mediterranean sun while providing a lightweight overhead volume.
The roof is a self-supporting cable-stayed system with two massive arches spanning 304 meters, acting as a structural 'bridge' over the stadium bowl.
See Together
Buildings that pair well with Athens Olympic Sports Complex — they're nearby or share a compelling architectural conversation.
More by Santiago Calatrava
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Lyon-Saint-Exupéry TGV station
Llonja de Sant Jordi
Crown Prince Bridge
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed Athens Olympic Sports Complex?+
Athens Olympic Sports Complex was designed by Santiago Calatrava and completed in 1982. It is located in Amarusio Municipality, Greece.
Where is Athens Olympic Sports Complex located?+
Athens Olympic Sports Complex is located in Amarusio Municipality, Greece. Its coordinates are 38.0386°, 23.7858°.
When was Athens Olympic Sports Complex built?+
Athens Olympic Sports Complex was completed in 1982. It was designed by Santiago Calatrava.
Can I visit Athens Olympic Sports Complex?+
Athens Olympic Sports Complex is a real building in Amarusio Municipality that can be viewed from the outside. Check local information for interior access and visiting hours. Use the Parametric Atlas walking tour feature to plan a route that includes this building.