Athens Zappeion

Location: Syntagma

The Zappeion Megaron of Athens: Designed by the famous Danish architect Theophil Freiherr von Hansen in 1878, the Zappeion Megaron is named after Evangelos Zappas, a businessman from Epirus who played a major role in starting the Zappian Olympic Games, which laid the path for the modern Olympic Games. He offered to sponsor the revival of the Modern Olympic Games and soon the first modern Olympics were held at the Panathenaic Stadium Athens in 1896.

The Zappeion building is a tribute to this great man who brought the Olympic Games back into the modern world. Having played the role of the official Olympic village for the Olympic games of 1896 and host of the fencing events, the Zappeion building today is used for public exhibitions, wine tasting, trade shows, business meetings, and cultural events. Many international conferences are also hosted in Zappeion. Note that it was here that the integration of Greece into the European Union was signed in 1979 by the then prime minister Konstantinos Karamanlis.

The classic architecture of this building is completely breathtaking. With an oval shaped open area flanked by a two-storey colonnade, the building is painted in traditional rust colors, a feature common in several ancient Greek buildings. One of the more famous exhibitions held here was that of Olympic Torches, an extremely interesting collection. The Zappeion Megaron is easily accessible with buses running frequently from Syntagma Square. A walk through the National Garden is definitely required.

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How to get there

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

Tours: Discover Zappeion with an organized tour, starting from 125 euros.

Private transfers: We recommend using an online pre-booked Athens 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 693 881 8288, 0030 694 597 2090, 0030 690 943 9292 or 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 metro station, in approximately 10 minutes.

By metro: The closest metro station is “Syntagma” on lines 2 and 3. 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” on Routes 1 and 2. Get a map of the tram here.

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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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