Site of the legendary Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE where a small Athenian army defeated the invading Persian force. The burial mound (Soros) containing the Athenian war dead still stands, alongside an excellent archaeological museum with finds from the region.
The Archaeological Site of Marathon in the coastal plain of Marathon, Attica, Greece, 42 kilometers northeast of central Athens, preserves the physical remains of one of the most significant battles in ancient history — the Battle of Marathon in September 490 BCE, where an Athenian and Plataean force of approximately 10,000 men decisively defeated a Persian army estimated at 25,000 under the general Datis. The site's central monument is the Soros (burial mound) — a low tumulus 10 meters high and 50 meters in diameter containing the cremated remains of the 192 Athenian warriors who fell in the battle. The mound still bears a marble stele at its summit and stands in an agricultural plain that has barely changed in character since the battle. The adjacent Marathon Archaeological Museum displays funerary stelae, votive objects from the nearby Cave of Pan Sanctuary, Egyptian artifacts brought to Attica by Athenian colonists, and pottery from the prehistoric settlement at Tsepi. A separate smaller mound (the Plataean Soros) marks the burial site of the allied Plataean dead. The setting — an open plain ringed by hills with a distant view of the sea — gives Marathon an evocative quality quite different from Athens' urban archaeological sites. The site is also associated with the origin of the marathon running race: the runner Pheidippides is said to have run from the plain to Athens to announce the victory. The drive from Athens via the E75 takes approximately 40–50 minutes.
| Admission | Adult €6 · Child Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | 8AM-8PM (Apr-Oct); 9AM-4PM (Nov-Mar) |
| Typical visit | 1.5-2 hours |
| Best time | Morning |
| Address | Marathon, Attica 190 07 |
Good to know
- Best for
- history, running enthusiasts, culture
Location
Marathon, Attica 190 07
38.1476, 23.9737 View on map
Highlights
- The Soros burial mound of the 192 Athenian dead from the Battle of Marathon, 490 BCE
- Open plain battlefield setting with minimal change from the ancient topography
- Marathon Archaeological Museum with battle-related finds and Pre-Hellenic regional artifacts
- Separate Plataean Soros — the burial mound of the allied Plataean warriors
- Historical origin of the marathon race — the plain where the legendary run to Athens began
Tips for visiting
- Combined with the Marathon Lake and local museum for a full day
- The Tomb of the Plataeans is a separate, less-visited mound nearby
When to visit
Morning visits are quietest and cooler, particularly in summer. Spring (April–May) combines pleasant temperatures with green fields that approximate the plain's ancient appearance. The site is efficiently combined with Marathon Lake and the Marathon Museum for a full half-day excursion.
Accessibility
The site paths to the Soros are generally flat and accessible; the mound itself involves ascending uneven steps or slopes to reach the summit. The museum building has a ramped entrance and accessible ground floor. The open site terrain is generally navigable for most visitors.
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors get to the Marathon archaeological site?
By car from Athens, take the E75 motorway north and then the Marathon road, approximately 40–50 minutes. KTEL Attikis buses from Pedion Areos terminal serve Marathon town; the site and museum are 3 kilometers from the town center.
Is the Marathon site worth visiting if already seeing Athens' main sites?
For visitors with interest in ancient history or military history, yes — the Soros and its plain setting are uniquely evocative and quite different from Athens' urban sites. Best combined with the archaeological museum and Marathon Lake for a full half-day excursion.
How long does a visit take?
The Soros and immediate site take about 45 minutes; the adjacent museum adds 30–45 minutes more. A combined visit runs 1.5–2 hours.