Zappeion

Zappeion, Athens (Historic sites) — Fig. 01Zappeion© A.Savin · CC BY-SA 3.0

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About Zappeion

The Zappeion is a neoclassical building on the southern edge of downtown Athens, inaugurated in 1888. It was built with funds from the bequest of Evangelos Zappas, the founder of the Olympia games, who donated his money to provide a suitable venue. The designs were originally drawn up by François-Louis-Florimond Boulanger, but were modified by Theophil Hansen and carried out on site by Ernst Ziller. From the start, the building was conceived as a multipurpose space, used mainly for trade fairs. It is historically known as the fencing venue at the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and as the first Olympic Village in 1906. Over the years it has also served as a field hospital, barracks, and press center. Today the Zappeion is popular above all for meetings and conventions, especially because of its large rotunda. Important European treaties were signed here and a variety of conferences have been held. Visitors can admire the imposing architecture and see how a historic site has evolved into a modern event center.

Based on the article “Zappeion” from the German Wikipedia, summarized and rephrased by a language modelLicense CC BY-SA 4.0

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At a glance

Category: Sight › Historic sites
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Address: Leof. Vasilissis Olgas
105 57 Athens, Greece
Phone: +302103223509
Website: www.zappeion.gr
Email: —
Coordinates: 37.97145° N · 23.73667° E
Data quality: confidence 0.94
Identifier: ID a1044181-8a2…

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Athens in a Day: Acropolis, Agora, and Syntagma →

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Location & surroundings

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FAQ about Zappeion

quick answers

What is the Zappeion in Athens?

The Zappeion is a neoclassical building on the southern edge of downtown Athens, on Leof. Vasilissis Olgas, that was inaugurated in 1888. It was planned from the outset as a multipurpose space and initially served mainly for trade fairs. Today the Zappeion in Athens is used mostly for conferences and congresses, especially because of its large rotunda, where important European treaties have also been signed.

Who funded and designed the Zappeion in Athens?

The Zappeion in Athens goes back to the bequest of Evangelos Zappas, the founder of the Olympia games, who donated his funds for a suitable venue. The original designs were by François-Louis-Florimond Boulanger. Theophil Hansen revised them, and Ernst Ziller oversaw the construction on site.

What role did the Zappeion play in the Olympic Games?

At the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, the Zappeion in Athens was the competition venue for fencing. In 1906 it served as the first Olympic Village. Over the course of its history, the building has also been used as a military hospital, barracks, and press center.

What can you see around the Zappeion in Athens?

Several sights are within walking distance of the Zappeion in Athens. travelguide195 lists, among others, the Zappeion Gardens about 189 meters away, the archaeological site of the Olympieion about 250 meters away, and a Roman Bath about 255 meters away. A little farther, about 330 meters away, you'll find the Botanical Museum of the National Garden, the statue of the national benefactor Georgios Averof, and the Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation.

Are there restaurants and tours near the Zappeion in Athens?

Yes, there is a wide selection of places to eat around the Zappeion in Athens: travelguide195 lists around 73 restaurants within 500 meters. The Zappeion is also part of the tour "Athens Compact: Acropolis, Agora, and Syntagma in One Day."

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