Athens Zappeion

Location: Syntagma

Designed by the famous Danish architect Theophil Hansen in 1878, the Zappeion Megaron of Athens is named after Evangelis Zappas, a businessman from Epirus who played a major role in starting the Zappian Olympic Games, the predecessors of the Modern Olympic Games that paved the way for the return of the major sports institution after centuries.
Zappas offered to sponsor the revival of the Modern Olympic Games and soon the first modern Olympics were held at the Panathenaic Stadium in 1896.

The classic architecture of this building is completely breathtaking. With an oval-shaped open area flanked by a two-story colonnade, the building is painted in rust colors, a feature common in several ancient Greek structures.

The Zappeion Hall is a tribute to this great man. Having played the role of the official Olympic village for the Olympics of 1896 and host of the fencing events, the Zappeion building is now used for public exhibitions, wine tasting, trade shows, business meetings, and cultural events. Many international conferences are also hosted in Zappeion.
Note that the integration of Greece into the European Economic Community was signed in that building by Prime Minister Konstantinos Karamanlis in 1979.

The Zappeion Megaron is easily accessible with buses running frequently from Syntagma Square. A walk through the National Garden is definitely required as the two are situated next to each other.

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How to get there

There are many ways to reach Zappeion Megaron from any location in Athens.

Tours: Discover Zappeion with an organized tour.

Private transfers: We recommend using an online pre-booked transfer service, which provides transfer by taxi, minibus, or private VIP car and arranging a pickup directly from the port, airport, or your hotel. Alternatively, there’s the option of arranging a pickup by a local driver directly at the following numbers: (0030) 18288, (0030) 18222, (0030) 18180. You can also book your taxi online.

On foot: As Zappeion is located in a central area of Athens, it can be easily reached on foot from Syntagma Square in approximately 10 minutes.

By metro: The closest metro station is Syntagma (Red Line and Blue Line). Note that Zappeion is located within a 10-minute walking distance from the metro. Get a map of the metro here.

By bus/trolleybus: The closest bus stop is “Zappio”. There are many buses and trolleybuses that make a stop there. Check the routes and the official timetables on OASA Telematics.

By tram: The closest tram stop is Zappio (Route 6, Syntagma - Pikrodafni). Get a map of the tram here.

Map

Reviews

3/5.0
1 Reviews
  • yoloya 28 Nov 2010
    For a coffee before sightseeing
    When I say Zappeio, I think of the impressive building of Neoclassical style that stands behind Syntagma and the National Gardens. A really impressive building and if you go closer and see through the glass door, it also has an impressive patio inside. Conferences and exhibitions take place there. Too bad that this building is not open everyday, except on conference days. On the side of Zappeio, there is a statue of the man who gave the money to build it. On the other side, there is a nice cafeteria away from noise to enjoy a morning coffee before you start to explore Athens. A short walking distance behind this cafeteria, there is the Kallimarmaro Stadium and the temple of Zeus. That's the good thing with Athens: most places you have to see are only a short walk away one from the other.

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