AIGLI ZAPPEIOU HISTORY

In 1904 Aigli Zappeiou began serving coffee in Athens, and an ambitious vision was born. One for a space where recreation and culture would connect with the cosmopolitan soul of the city. Adjacent to the beautiful National Garden and ancient Acropolis, Aigli became a meeting point for intellectuals, artists, and innovators, who together formed a creative community whose inspiration and ideas lay the foundations for a new era. Over the decades, Aigli became one of the city's most beloved landmarks and a true embodiment of everything that its name had promised: splendour.

Today, Aigli is embarking on a new era that unites its glorious past with a flourishing present. Renewed and renovated, it remains true to its heritage; a masterful blend of history and contemporary character. Firmly established at the heart of Athens' social and cultural identity, it bridges tradition and innovation, reflection and aspiration. A vibrant hub of creativity, culture and charm. A new era of splendour.

Read the full article by Dimitris Antonopoulos about the history of AIGLI ZAPPEIOU and the world of Athens from 1900 to today here.

Read the full article by Dimitris Antonopoulos about the history of AIGLI ZAPPEIOU and the world of Athens from 1900 to today here.

Aigli Zappeiou-THE CONSTRUCTION OF <br>THE ZAPPEION HALL
1888

THE CONSTRUCTION OF
THE ZAPPEION HALL

At the end of the 19th century, Athens was trying to find its footing a few decades after the establishment of the Greek state, and the decision to build the Zappeion Hall was pivotal in the development of Athenian urban planning. Its construction began in the early 1880s, costing two million gold drachmas, and the official inauguration took place in a celebratory manner on October 20, 1888.
Aigli Zappeiou-THE FIRST BUILDING FOR <br>THE OLYMPIC GAMES
1896

THE FIRST BUILDING FOR
THE OLYMPIC GAMES

It was the first building in the world constructed exclusively for the Olympic Games, specifically for the 1896 Olympics. The neoclassical hall with a Corinthian-style portico, designed by the Danish architect Theophil Hansen, is deeply intertwined with the history of modern Greece and the image of the Greek capital at the beginning of the 20th century. An integral part of it is the Aigli, within the lush garden of the Zappeion, built in the early 1900s with the aim of becoming a landmark for Athenians, while also maintaining the aesthetics of the Zappeion gardens, to which it dedicated all its commercial profits.
Aigli Zappeiou-THE INAUGURATION <br>OF AIGLI ZAPPEIOU
1904

THE INAUGURATION
OF AIGLI ZAPPEIOU

The refreshment area ‘Aigli of Zappeion’ opened its doors in 1904; it was the ‘must’ outing for Athenians amidst the cheerful and optimistic atmosphere of the belle epoque. It became a magnet for the residents of the capital and a meeting point for all the prominent personalities of the time. In photographs from that era, we see ladies in Ascot racecourse attire with hats and long lace dresses, and gentlemen in white suits, Panama hats and hats in general, bow ties, and neckties, enjoying their coffee and refreshments.
Aigli Zappeiou-THE OPEN-AIR <br>CINEMA OPENS
1910

THE OPEN-AIR
CINEMA OPENS

It was in the late 1910s that the capital acquired one of its first open-air cinemas, and Cine Aigli became one of the entertainment hubs of that era. With a capacity of 400 people, it is the oldest outdoor cinema in the city, which continues to operate, having been designated a preserved monument since the 1990s. During those years, after the end of the Balkan Wars, World War I, and the Asia Minor Catastrophe, political passions were at their peak, discussions were rampant, aesthetic and ideological quests were bubbling, and ‘Aigli’ was an incubator of new ideas.
Aigli Zappeiou-THE MOST DELIGHTFUL <br>CENTER OF ATHENS
1933

THE MOST DELIGHTFUL
CENTER OF ATHENS

The writers duly honored it, and in a 1933 photograph, we see Stratis Myrivilis, Angelos Terzakis, Elias Venezis, and Thrasos Kastanakis drinking their coffee there. This atmosphere is vividly depicted in George Theotokas’ political novel ‘Argo’: ‘On the terrace of Aigli, there was quite a bit of nervousness. The students had taken most of the tables and had driven away the other people with their noise. They were constantly coming and going, pushing each other and overturning chairs, teasing each other from afar, shouting, laughing, and all discussing the electoral prospects of the next Historic day.
Aigli Zappeiou-THE FIRST RENOVATION
1961

THE FIRST RENOVATION

On the 100th anniversary of the signing of Evangelos Zappas’ will, the space was renovated and on March 22, 1961, it was re-inaugurated by the then Prime Minister Konstantinos Karamanlis. Aigli entered a new phase of upgraded operation as an integral part of the Zappeion.
Aigli Zappeiou-THE GLAMOROUS '90s
1988

THE GLAMOROUS '90s

The most glorious period of Aigli in our time begins in 1988, and Aigli becomes the ultimate social hotspot of Athens. Wild star parties, launches, and glamorous events from movie premieres like Mediterraneo and James Bond become occasions for raucous celebrations. Everyone was there, and when we say everyone, we mean everyone: from Hatzidakis, Horn, Irene Papas, Ploritis, Dandoulaki to Vougiouklaki, Denisi, Laskari, Kourkoulos, Gianfranco Ferré, and from Polatof, Billy Bo, Jigger, Bonatsos to Theodoros Vardinogiannis, Christos Lambrakis, and Socrates Kokkalis.
Aigli Zappeiou-THE FAVORITE HANGOUT <br>OF CELEBRITIES
1995

THE FAVORITE HANGOUT
OF CELEBRITIES

Fashion people clock in at Aigli, which manages to express the dynamism, joy, lifestyle, and optimism of the capital at the end of the 20th century. It is there that the then-unknown Takis Zacharatos made his first appearance in Athens, imitating Aliki Vougiouklaki. At its tables, top international artists who come for performances in Athens, such as Agnes Baltsa, Montserrat Caballé, and many others, will sit. The artistic, intellectual, and business world all embrace Aigli, which is at the center of Athenian life. It is the setting where scenes for ‘The 13th Box’ were filmed, starring Nikos Kourkoulos and Vana Barba.
Aigli Zappeiou-THE DEVASTATING FIRE
1998

THE DEVASTATING FIRE

At the end of the previous century, a dramatic event marked the history of the complex. In 1998, a devastating fire caused extensive damage, forcing its immediate closure. The extent of the destruction was such that an extensive restoration period was required. After a complete renovation that lasted two and a half years, during which extensive reconstruction and modernization works were carried out, the complex managed to reopen, returning renewed and ready to continue its journey.
Aigli Zappeiou-AIGLI ZAPPEIOU PASSES <br>INTO NEW HANDS
2000

AIGLI ZAPPEIOU PASSES
INTO NEW HANDS

A new era began for Aigli Zappeiou in the early 2000s when Thanasis Platis took over its management. Under his direction, the iconic venue was renamed Platis Bistrot Cafe, marking a fresh approach to its operation. The venue’s course took a new turn when the well-known entrepreneur Dimitris Kontominas entered the scene, taking over the management of Aigli Zappeiou through a long-term lease, thus continuing the rich history of this historic spot in Athens.
Aigli Zappeiou-THE END OF AN ERA
2020

THE END OF AN ERA

Aigli Zappeiou, one of the most iconic spots in Athens and an integral part of the cultural life of the capital for many decades, came to an unexpected end in 2020. The first major challenge came with the financial crisis that hit Greece from 2010 onwards. Aigli tried to maintain its high level of service despite the adverse economic conditions. The final blow came in 2020 with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The restrictions imposed to address the health crisis, combined with the expiration of the then-management’s contract, led to the permanent closure of the historic establishment.
Aigli Zappeiou-ATHENS HAS <br>(ONCE AGAIN) AIGLI
2024

ATHENS HAS
(ONCE AGAIN) AIGLI

Aigli Zappeiou is starting anew and preparing to write new stories. The ‘most delightful center of Athens,’ which first opened in 1904, is evolving into a multifaceted space, open to everyone. This has always been and continues to be the DNA of Aigli for Athenians. In an era where spaces are called to become more than just locations, Aigli Zappeiou emerges as a pioneering ecosystem of experiences, redefining the concept of an urban cultural center.