Zappion Palace

The Zappion Exhibition Center was built in classical style by Austrian architect Theophilus von Hansen. Construction lasted a full 14 years and was officially completed in 1888. Zappion was named in honor of Greek patriot and philanthropist Evangelos Zappas. He also financed the construction and dedicated his life to the revival of the Olympic Games. He also sponsored the first three Greek sports competitions Olympia, similar to the Olympic Games, but on a smaller scale, and the competition was nicknamed Olympia Zappas. It is worth paying tribute to the great man, because only thanks to his activities the first Olympic Games were seen in 1896. It was in Zappion that one of the stages of the competition was held, where the best fencers from all over the world gathered. Ten years later, Zappion again hosted the world's athletes, but this time as an Olympic Village. Zappion has been used multifunctionally since its foundation. Trade fairs have been held here many times and the place is also ideal for congresses, conferences and scientific symposiums. Since then, Zappion has become a cultural and political arena not only for the city of Athens, but also for the whole of Greece. The building is adorned with a colossal rotunda surrounded by snow-white Ionic columns, and it is not surprising that Zappion has become a favorite place for many political figures.