Zappeion Hall
The Zappeion is one of the leading buildings of neoclassical architecture.
Modern and Contemporary era (1821 - )
1859 Francois Boulanger’s design was reformed by military architects.
1874 Beginning of construction.
1879 The design was assigned to Theophil Hansen.
1888 Construction completion, after a works stoppage.
Ottoman era (1453- 1821)
Byzantine era (331 AC- 1453)
Roman era (30 BC- 330 AC)
Hellenistic era (322- 31 BC)
Classical era (478-323 BC)
Archaic era (800-479 BC)
Geometric era (-1100- 800 BC)
Prehistory (-1100 BC)
What I can see
Zappeion Hall –called “Olympia” before its donor passed away– is a neoclassical building with a Corinthian portico. At its centre, it features a unique circular atrium with statues of Caryatids. As Biris notes: “its contained parts are in harmony with the purpose for which it was built, as an exhibition mansion”. It has been renovated several times, the last one being before the 2004 Olympics. Its garden has well-known sculptures, an outdoor cinema, cafes, sports facilities and a playground.
What I can't see
The original proposal was for it to be built on top of the Panathenaic Stadium before the current property on Vasilissis Olgas Street was eventually chosen. During its construction, important archaeological discoveries were uncovered, including statues of Asclepius and Hygieia (Health). The building hosted athletes and journalists for the Olympias of 1859, the precursors of the first international Olympic Games of 1896. The patio hosted the fencing competition of the first modern Olympiad. It was here that on May 28 1979, the Greek prime minister signed the country’s accession to the EEC. It is also the site where political leaders make their public statements on election night. Zappeion Hall also serves as a venue for events and exhibitions.
Info
- Postal Code : 10557
- Phone: +30 210 3223509, 3237830, 3237182, 3255541
- E-mail: [email protected]
- Website: http://www.zappeion.gr/
Bibliography
Yohalas T., Kafetzaki Τ., (2013), Αθήνα, Ιχνηλατώντας την πόλη με οδηγό την ιστορία και τη λογοτεχνία [Athens, Tracing the city guided by history and literature], ESTIA Bookstore
Sansimera. gr, Η Ιστορία της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης, [The history of European Union]
http://www.sansimera.gr/articles/235,
Last visit 1/7/2012
Technical Chamber of Greece, (2000), Athens, London, Paris, TCG,
http://www.culture2000.tee.gr/ATHENS/GREEK/main2.html
Last visit 30/3/2021
