Panathenaic Stadium undergoes first century cleaning

Athens' Panathenaic Stadium, rebuilt for the 1896 revival and fashioned from pristine marble, is undergoing its first comprehensive cleaning in more than a century ahead of major events including the 2028 Olympics, with crews using controlled water spray and steam to remove dirt, pollen, and chewing gum while preserving the marble’s historic shine. The effort aims to reveal the stadium’s original beauty as a symbol of the Olympic movement, emphasizing the wear from weather and millions of visitors and highlighting the venue’s role in the Olympic flame handover and broader commemorations.