In fairness, I had 1 thing on my to-do list when in Athens: visit the Olympic Sports Complex! I knew I was going to be tired, but this area has such a major Calatrava stamp all over it, I had to see it with my own eyes!
In 2004, this was the major venue for the Olympic Games hosted in Athens. It is very possible that these games were one of the reasons for the financial crisis that hit Greece. Because, well, if you follow Calatrava a little, you know that most of his projects are gorgeous but never stay within budget. The Olympics Complex wasn't an exception...
But what I find most disappointing is to see that it is almost abandoned since the games. And that just feels like a huge waste of money! If you look closely at my photos, you will see the obvious signs of decay: rust, weeds, trash, graffiti, etc. Interesting for a photo (also, because it was almost empty), but sad for the people of Athens.
When in Athens, you take the M1 subway North and when you get out at the Irini stop, you will see the above entrance gate to the complex. I just love the shadows it created everywhere!
I think that this arch is the most impressive piece in this area. It dominates and connects everything! It is too bad that nowadays the pond next to it is only filled with some rainwater puddles. Once there were fountains and lots of water here.
I just hope that they will restore this one day, and turn it into a nice centre that is more alive than it is now! The potential of this area! I just couldn't stop taking photos.
The above photo gives a bit of an idea of the state it is currently in. Imagine in 2004, it was filled with sports lovers! Both athletes and fans, walking around here. Enjoying the sun and the amazing atmosphere!
Now all you see are some photographers, a skateboarder, 2 runners and a girl reading a book.
If you turn right and walk down the stairs, you will reach the Velodrome, once used for the indoor cycling events. Now, it is a place that is empty. You can follow some martial arts training here, but I doubt that they will use the whole venue for that! 😉
Next, back up the stairs to the main plaza!
The sign (below left) is a sad reminder of what it once was. Now, the "new" uses are just graffitied over the old names. But I was happy to see that the "Olympic Stadium" was still untouched.
The Nations Wall (right) lost his glory with his curves. Now, all it is is a giant shade screen. I didn't know how it was used during the Olympics, but while walking there I imagined that they would project all kinds of information on it or videos. But after doing some googling, it appears to just have been this (curved though). Missed opportunity!
Moving on to the Aquatic Centre. I was surprised to see people actually swimming in the outdoor pool behind this building. And if you'd like it, you could also do some rock climbing here! It just feels weird, running into serious activity just in the middle of nowhere. But I was happy to see the entrepreneurship still going on here.
And last but not least (I had to run to the subway to be in time at the Acropolis before it closed): the main Olympic Stadium. Sometimes still the location for a concert or a football match, but basically unused and empty.
I can't and won't repeat the things I said before about this area. I am just slightly disappointed that I forgot to bring my drone with me. I never expected it to be so impressive! So I'll have to come back to Athens to see it again. With drone... And hopefully I'll find a more alive place!
