Athens - Zappeion, Greece
Click to check upcoming Events 2024-2025 at Athens - Zappeion, Greece
Zappeion - Wikipedia
Constructing the Zappeion[edit]. Current Building Uses[edit]. Halls and Floor Plans[edit]. In numismatics[edit]. External links[edit].
The Zappeion, Greek: Zappeion Megaro; romanized as Zappeion Megaro (listen)), is a large, elegant building located in central Athens, Greece, next to the National Gardens of Athens. It is a well-known landmark in the city and is used for ceremonies and meetings.
The Greek Parliament granted 80,000 sq.m (860,000 sq.ft) of public land to the Palace Gardens and the Temple of Olympian Zeus in 1869. It also passed a law 30 November 1869 \"for the building work of the Olympic Games\". This was because the Zappeion was the first building erected for the revival of the Olympic Games. [1][2] As part of the Olympic Games' construction, the Panathenian Stadium was also renovated. After some delays, the cornerstone was laid on 20 January 1874. [3] This new building would be designed and built by Theophil Hansen, a Danish architect. The Zappeion was finally opened on 20 October 1888. [3] Unfortunately, Evangelis Zappas the Zappeion's benefactor did not live to see it built. His cousin Konstantinos Zappas was chosen by Evangelos Zappas as the successor. Hansen also designed the Austrian Parliament Building, which followed the same exterior theme.
The main fencing hall was used by the Zappeion during the 1896 Summer Olympics. It was again used for the Olympic Village a decade later at the 1906 Intercalated Games. [5] It was the host of the organizing committee (ATHOC), for the 2004 Games, 1998-1999. [6][7] The building was home to the Athens Radio Station in 1938. The National Radio Foundation continued to live in the building until 1970 when it was converted into the House of Radio.