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On the trail of Greek history on the Golden Coast
Marathon, a town in Attica, is the site of the famous battle of Marathon in 490 BC. The name, which refers to today's foot race, derives from the legend of Philippides told by Herodotus.
The ancient plain of the town was the scene of the Athenian victory in the Battle of Marathon, during the First Persian War, in 490 BC The legend tells of an Athenian soldier - named Philippides - who ran on foot without stopping to Athens to announce the victory, collapsing lifeless from the effort after shouting "Enikesame" (We won!). Taking inspiration from those deeds, it was decided by the founders of the new Olympic Games to define long-distance running as the marathon race, which was held in Athens on the occasion of the first modern Olympics in 1896.
WHAT TO SEE AND WHAT TO DO: our suggestions
The Archaeological Museum of Marathon holds artifacts and objects from the Helladic and Mycenaean periods found in the area, such as funerary urns, statues and weapons. Near the museum, it is possible to visit a small necropolis. A few kilometers away is the artificial lake of Marathon, created at the beginning of the 1900s to supply water to the city of Athens. Its dam, the largest in the world, is built of marble. In the hilly part of Nea Makri is located the monastery of the martyr Saint Ephraim, a very sacred spiritual place. (To visit it, there are very precise rules of conduct). Inside the church it is possible to write and leave prayers in a special box. The candles that can be purchased in the shop can be left lit in the church. The Marathon Run Museum collects the history of the running race, which is told from its origins to the present day with the help of films, photos, objects and historical documents. An event not to be missed for fans of this discipline.
Where it is and how to reach Marathon
Where it is: Marathon (Greek Marathonas) is located on the outskirts of the Attica Region.
By car:
Marathon is located only 40 km from Athens and 20 minutes from the international airport.
More information, useful advice and curiosities in the travel documents that will be sent before departure.
Marathon, a town in Attica, is the site of the famous battle of Marathon in 490 BC. The name, which refers to today's foot race, derives from the legend of Philippides told by Herodotus.
The ancient plain of the town was the scene of the Athenian victory in the Battle of Marathon, during the First Persian War, in 490 BC The legend tells of an Athenian soldier - named Philippides - who ran on foot without stopping to Athens to announce the victory, collapsing lifeless from the effort after shouting "Enikesame" (We won!). Taking inspiration from those deeds, it was decided by the founders of the new Olympic Games to define long-distance running as the marathon race, which was held in Athens on the occasion of the first modern Olympics in 1896.
WHAT TO SEE AND WHAT TO DO: our suggestions
The Archaeological Museum of Marathon holds artifacts and objects from the Helladic and Mycenaean periods found in the area, such as funerary urns, statues and weapons. Near the museum, it is possible to visit a small necropolis. A few kilometers away is the artificial lake of Marathon, created at the beginning of the 1900s to supply water to the city of Athens. Its dam, the largest in the world, is built of marble. In the hilly part of Nea Makri is located the monastery of the martyr Saint Ephraim, a very sacred spiritual place. (To visit it, there are very precise rules of conduct). Inside the church it is possible to write and leave prayers in a special box. The candles that can be purchased in the shop can be left lit in the church. The Marathon Run Museum collects the history of the running race, which is told from its origins to the present day with the help of films, photos, objects and historical documents. An event not to be missed for fans of this discipline.
Where it is and how to reach Marathon
Where it is: Marathon (Greek Marathonas) is located on the outskirts of the Attica Region.
By car:
Marathon is located only 40 km from Athens and 20 minutes from the international airport.
More information, useful advice and curiosities in the travel documents that will be sent before departure.