Athens Olympic Sports Complex

Santiago Calatrava · Amarusio Municipality · 1982

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

→
Visitor Tip

Visit at night when the stadium and the 'Agora'—the arched walkway—are illuminated; the scale is transformative when the crowds are gone.

◎
Best Photo Spot

The center of the Agora walkway, looking through the repeating arches toward the main Olympic Stadium at sunset.

⊞
Access & Hours

The OAKA grounds are generally open to the public for walking; stadium interiors are only accessible during events or guided tours.

✦
Insider Note

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.

⏱
Time Needed

2-3 hours

Design & Structure

CatenaryShell StructureBranching / Dendritic
⚙
Computational Process

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.

◆
Materiality

White-painted steel and semi-transparent polycarbonate panels designed to filter the harsh Mediterranean sun while providing a lightweight overhead volume.

△
Structural Innovation

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

View all →

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.