By Richard Galpin BBC Athens correspondent

It's now just six months to go before the Olympic Games begin in the Greek capital, Athens.

The big question remains whether everything will be ready on time.

The extensive building work has also turned up lost ruins

The authorities were slow out of the blocks after being awarded the Games in 1997 and have been trying to catch up ever since.

As the deadline for the opening ceremony on 13 August draws ever closer, so the pace of construction work in Athens grows increasingly frenetic.

The capital now more than ever resembles a large building site.

Besides the construction of the actual sports venues, roads are being dug up across the city, a new tram system and light railway are being installed and many underground stations are being refurbished.

So far, around a third of the Olympic stadia have been completed.

The Greek authorities insist everything will be ready on time.

The head of the Athens organising committee says they've created a miracle in less than four years.

Officials insist the facilities will be ready in time

But inspectors from the International Olympic Committee have continued to warn during their frequent visits to Athens that not a day can be lost if the deadlines are to be met.

The biggest concerns remain the showpiece roof over the main stadium and the new public transport systems.

International sports competitions are now being held to test the venues which are ready.

The manager of the British men's hockey team, who was in Athens for a tournament last week, said he was very impressed by the new hockey stadium and pitch and he said he thought the preparations here were on a par with Sydney four years ago.