The president of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Isidoros Kouvelos, has called for Athens’ historic Panathenaic Stadium, known as Kallimarmaro, to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, arguing that its significance extends far beyond Greece.
Speaking at an event hosted by Greece’s Permanent Representation to UNESCO in Paris, Kouvelos highlighted the stadium’s unique place in sporting and cultural history, calling for its Olympic legacy to be protected and preserved for future generations.
“Kallimarmaro deserves a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It does not belong only to Greece. It belongs to the world history of sports, to the history of culture and to the history of humanity,” Kouvelos said.
Built entirely from marble, the Panathenaic Stadium is one of Athens’ most recognisable historic landmarks. Originally constructed for athletic contests in ancient Greece, it was restored in the 19th century and became the principal venue for the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896.
Kouvelos argued that the stadium represents more than an architectural monument, describing it as a symbol of the connection between ancient Greek traditions and the modern international Olympic Movement.
“UNESCO protects places of outstanding universal value. Places that speak to all people. Places that connect memory with identity, heritage with education, and the past with the future. The Panathenaic Stadium is such a place,” he said.
He added that the stadium was where ancient Greek sporting traditions were connected with the revival of the modern Olympic Games, demonstrating how cultural heritage can continue to inspire people around the world.
“The inclusion of the Panathenaic Stadium on the UNESCO World Heritage List would be a recognition of an idea: that sport is culture; that the Olympic heritage is part of the world’s cultural heritage; and that the places that shaped human history must be protected, highlighted and handed down to future generations,” Kouvelos said.
Greece Highlights Olympic Heritage Ahead of Dakar 2026
The event, titled UNESCO at the Heart of the Youth Olympic Games-Dakar 2026: What Is the Role of Youth in Building Sustainable Peace?, brought together representatives from sport, culture and international organisations at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
Organised by Greece’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, George Koumoutsakos, the gathering celebrated Olympic values and highlighted Africa’s growing role in international sport ahead of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, scheduled for 31 October to 13 November.
The competition will be the first Olympic event held on African soil.
Opening addresses were delivered by Koumoutsakos, UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany and Senegal’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Njireye Clotilde Koli.
The programme included a performance of the Olympic Anthem by Greek-French singer Daphne Krithara, followed by a discussion featuring Olympic High Priestess Katerina Misichroni on the ideals of the modern Games and the role of young people in promoting Olympic values.
An exhibition dedicated to Olympic history and traditions was also inaugurated. Featuring photographs, historical objects and cultural artefacts provided by the Hellenic Olympic Committee, the display included a reproduction of the Olympic Hymn score, two Olympic torches, ceremonial costumes worn by Olympic priestesses and high priestesses, and a replica of the concave mirror used to light the Olympic flame.
Kouvelos’ call places renewed attention on the international recognition of Kallimarmaro, a venue that connects Greece’s ancient sporting heritage with the modern Olympic tradition.
UNESCO World Heritage status would recognise the stadium’s outstanding universal value, should it meet the organisation’s requirements and complete the relevant nomination and assessment process.
The post Kallimarmaro Targets UNESCO Status as Greece Makes Its Case appeared first on Greek City Times.