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Historic site · Athens

Zappeion

Visit duration
30 min Editorial visit time estimate
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Reviewed by Elena Voss · Roavina Travel Editor

About Zappeion

The Zappeion is a large, palatial neoclassical building beside the National Gardens in the heart of Athens and one of the city's best-known modern landmarks. It was the first building erected specifically for the revival of the Olympic Games. Designed by the Danish architect Theophil Hansen, it had its cornerstone laid in 1874 and opened on 20 October 1888. Its benefactor, Evangelos Zappas, did not live to see it completed. Today it is used for official and private meetings and ceremonies.

Checked 2026-11-10 · Source

What's inside

The building holds about 25 rooms arranged around a marble-clad, peristyle main atrium. It served as the main fencing hall of the 1896 Olympics and as the Olympic Village of the 1906 Intercalated Games. From 1938 it housed Athens Radio, Greece's first national broadcaster, and it was the press centre of the 2004 Olympics. In May 1979 the documents of Greece's accession to the European Community were signed in its atrium. Statues, including one of Evangelos Zappas, stand in the surrounding gardens.

Checked 2026-11-10 · Source

Common questions

When did the Zappeion open?

On 20 October 1888.

Where it is

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Nearby

Within 5 min on foot
  • National Garden of Athens 1 hour
    3 min walk

    National Garden of Athens

    • Must see
    • Nature site
  • Jewish Museum of Greece 1 hr 30 min
    5 min walk

    Jewish Museum of Greece

    • Must see
    • Museum
  • Frissiras Museum 1 hr 30 min
    5 min walk

    Frissiras Museum

    • Must see
    • Museum

In Athens

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Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·