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.

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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.