Syntagma Square

Welcome to Plateia Syntagmatos, or Constitution Square, the definitive epicenter of modern Athenian life. As you stand here, you are positioned at a unique crossroads where the ancient heritage of Greece collides with the…

Standing before you is the imposing Hellenic Parliament building, a masterpiece of neoclassical design that serves as the seat of Greek democracy. Originally constructed as the Royal Palace for King Otto and Queen Amalia between…

At the base of the Parliament building lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, perhaps the most sacred secular site in Athens. This cenotaph, inaugurated in 1932, is dedicated to all Greek soldiers who lost their lives in service…

The Changing of the Guard ceremony is a display of precision, endurance, and deep-seated tradition that captivates every visitor to Syntagma. The guards, known as Evzones, are members of the Presidential Guard, an elite unit…

As you move toward the center of the square, you will find the large fountain that serves as a popular meeting point for locals. In a city where the summer sun can be unforgiving, the sound and sight of water provide a…

On the northern corner of the square stands the Hotel Grande Bretagne, a building that is as much a part of Athenian history as the Parliament itself. Built in 1842 as a private mansion for a wealthy businessman, it was converted…

Just a short walk from the bustle of the Parliament sentries, you will find the entrance to the National Garden. Originally known as the Royal Garden, it was commissioned by Queen Amalia in 1838. …

As our tour of Syntagma Square comes to a conclusion, I hope you carry with you a deeper appreciation for this complex and vibrant space. We have walked the line between the regal past of the 19th-century palace and the…