Zappeion Hall

The basics

Architecture fans will appreciate this late-19th-century gem, notable for its symmetrical facade, round internal courtyard styled after an ancient peristyle, frescoed ceilings, and lush gardens. Join an architecture tour to learn more about the former Olympic hall and admire its exteriors and gardens, or check the current calendar of events to access the interior spaces and courtyard. The building sits next to the Athens National Garden, so a visit here is easy to pair with a stroll through the park or with watching the changing of the guard in Syntagma Square on the opposite side of the gardens.

Things to know before you go

• Zappeion Hall is generally open to the public only when hosting conferences or other events. Check the venue’s website for an updated calendar.

• You can view the rear of the building from the Athens National Garden, but it’s worth walking to the front to take in its famous facade.

• The most intricately decorated areas are the main Hall 1 and the outdoor peristyle (round courtyard); have a camera to hand to snap photos.

• The indoor and outdoor spaces inside Zappeion Hall are fully accessible to visitors in wheelchairs.

How to get there

Set just across the street from the Athens National Garden, Zappeion Hall is an easy walk from the park, Syntagma Square, and the Acropolis Museum. Ride the metro to Syntagma station and walk for around seven minutes to Zappeion Hall, or take one of the various buses and trolleybuses that stop nearby. Alternatively, join an architecture tour that includes transportation between the city’s top architectural attractions.

When to get there

The best time to visit Zappeion Hall is when the complex is hosting a public conference, exhibition, or ceremony, as that’s the only time visitors can see the interiors; check the schedule in advance to confirm public access. Alternatively, stop by any time of day or night to admire the exteriors—sunset is particularly atmospheric, when Zappeion Hall is dramatically lit up.

1896 Olympic attractions in Athens

The first modern Olympics took place in Athens in 1896, and the city built several facilities and venues to host the games. Only two principal locations survive: Zappeion Hall and the Panathenaic Stadium. The stadium hosted the opening ceremonies and the lion’s share of the competitions, while other spaces were lost over time or rebuilt for subsequent Olympic Games, including the Neo Phaliron Velodrome. Don’t miss the Athens Olympic Museum for a deep dive into Olympic history, which traces the history of the games from ancient Greece to today.