The Zappeion Exhibition Hall, has witnessed the history of Athens for the past 130 years. A major scene for some of the most significant moments in the country’s history, it has always been integrally linked to the Olympic Games. Even though its uses were varied – from the Olympic Games village and a hospital to a storehouse and even serving as barracks – it has become a landmark in the Greek capital, fulfilling the initial wishes of its benefactor, Evangelis Zappas.

Evangelis Zappas, who participated in the Greek War of Independence (1821–1832), was a rich businessman living in Romania. Pushed by the ardent desire of reviving ancient traditions in the new Greek state, he resolved to revive the Olympic Games through his own resources. Zappas gave part of his fortune for the funding of the future Olympiads to be held at the Panathenaic Stadium, and even though he died in 1865, in 1870, the Stadium – after being refurbished – was used for the Games. These were the first modern international Games and were called the Zappeion Olympiads. Zappas had also left instructions for the construction of the first building to serve Olympic needs.
This building is none other than the Zappeion Conference and Exhibition Center, though Zappas didn’t live to see his wish fulfilled. ~ CultureTrip