Stadiums Built Over Ancient Ruins and Historic Landmarks

19. Stadion Maksimir – Zagreb, Croatia

Stadion Maksimir, home to Dinamo Zagreb and one of the most historic stadiums in the Balkans, is nestled within a region that has hosted human activity for thousands of years. Located near Maksimir Park, a green space rich in natural and cultural history, the stadium is surrounded by archaeological evidence of both prehistoric and medieval settlements. Excavations in the park uncovered Neolithic artifacts—such as stone tools and primitive pottery—indicating the area was home to farming communities as far back as 6,000 years ago. During further research, archaeologists found Roman-era coins and remains of a road believed to have connected to the ancient city of Andautonia, a Roman town near present-day Zagreb. By the 14th century, the area became a site for local gatherings, with fairs, community feasts, and even early forms of sport taking place there. Maksimir Stadium continues this legacy as a modern public gathering place, unknowingly echoing the communal spirit that has always defined the land beneath it. Built Over: A prehistoric settlement and medieval gathering space.