The Zappeion Megaron in Athens

The Zappeion Megaron on Vassilis Olgas Avenue in Athens began construction in 1874 and was completed in 1888, thanks to a donation from the wealthy Greek expatriate from Romania, Evangelis Zappas, and his cousin Konstantinos Zappas. The initial designs of the building were created by the French architect François Boulanger (1802-1875) as early as 1856, but they were repeatedly redesigned, with the final revision made by the Danish architect Theophil Hansen (1813-1891). It is an imposing semicircular neoclassical building with a Corinthian portico, initially intended as an exhibition space related to the revival of the Olympic Games. In 1896, it hosted the fencing competitions of the Olympic Games. During the Intercalated Olympics of 1906, it was used as an Olympic village, and in the 2004 Olympic Games, it served as a press and event center. Many significant historical events have taken place at the Zappeion, with the most notable being the signing of the treaty of Greece’s accession to the European Union on January 1, 1981, by Konstantinos Karamanlis. After the fall of the junta, the Zappeion became the press center for all of Greece's general elections, where the winners and losers of the elections give their customary interviews after the results. The Zappeion space has also been used for various exhibitions and ceremonies. Pictured: The Zappeion Megaron in Athens, 1890. ©Municipal Photography Museum of Kalamaria ‘Christos Kalemkeris’.