| The neo-classical style mansion of Zappion
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| This lovely mansion in shades of cream and yellow was built in 1883 in a neo-classical style and donated to the nation of Greece by the prosperous business man Constantine Zappas. It is graced by a 'Corinthian' portico. Zappion can be found at the Stadium side of the National Gardens. There is a wide expanse of tarmac in front of the building, lawns and fountains. The whole place is especially beautiful when illuminated at night. |
InsideZappion
Exhibitions are regularly held in the Zappion building. An exhibition about thePanathinaikoStadium, Zappion itself, and the sculpture collection around it, is open to the public inthe run up to the Olympic Games 2004.
There arespokespeople for the Ministry of Culture present who are able to explain theexhibits in Greek and English. There is also an audio-visual presentation via alarge screen.
Anyone withan eye for beauty and architecture will appreciate this magnificent building. It is not only in an attractive setting surrounded by lawns and woodland, butmagically designed with graceful columns and symmetry.
Theentrance to the building is via a high-ceilinged portico and vestibule with apainted ceiling. This leads on to an inner circular courtyard surroundedby a columned gallery. The whole effect s one of remarkable serenity andspace.
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| intricately painted ceiling | flower bed in the centre of the inner courtyard |
Things tosee nearby
Ashort distance away from Zappion and across a busy road is the Stadium - anearly stadium which originally dates back to 330 BC. Built of marble, it wasrebuilt in 140 AD and was undergoing restoration in 2003 in preparation for theOlympic Games in Athens in 2004.
A walkthrough the National Garden leads to Syntagma Square and the Parliamentbuilding.
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