Tourist Attraction in Athens:
Zappeion

Zappeion is a neoclassical building located in the southern part of Athens' historic center and designed by the Danish architect Theophil Hansen from 1813 to 1891; François-Louis-Florimond Boulanger was responsible for the decorations in 1807 to 1875. The realization of this magnificent architectural object is due to the projects of the merchant and organizer Evangelos Zappas: he had devolved part of his goods in the organization of international sports events: in fact, after the opening in 1888, this building was built for use in the Olympic Games of 1896. It was therefore in the Modern Olympics I. For the occasion, Zappeion hosted competitions of various combat sports; Zappas, the patron, had already died in the meantime. The building's plan is semi-circular. It is characterized by a very wide façade rippled by a pronaos and two lateral advances. The monument was conceived as a multifunctional and highly representative building. For example, the Treaty for the entry of Greece into the European Community in 1981 was signed in Zappeion.

Attractions in Athens