must-visit in AthensSquare & Landmark

Syntagma

📍 Σύνταγμα, Βασιλίσσης Αμαλίας, Κολωνάκι, Πλάκα, 1η Κοινότητα Αθηνών, Αθήνα, Δήμος Αθηναίων, Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Κεντρικο

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★★★★★

Quick Facts

Location: Greece, Athens
Category: Square & Landmark
Duration: 1-2 hours
Address: Σύνταγμα, Βασιλίσσης Αμαλίας, Κολωνάκι, Πλάκα, 1η Κοινότητα Αθηνών, Αθήνα, Δήμος Αθηναίων, Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Κεντρικο
Coordinates: 37.9755, 23.7357

Introduction

Syntagma is the central square of Athens, facing the Hellenic Parliament and named after the constitution proclaimed here in 1843. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the parliament is guarded by the Evzones of the Presidential Guard; in their traditional uniform they perform a slow, stylised changing of the guard every hour, a favourite sight for visitors. On Sunday mornings there is a larger formal ceremony with a military band and full dress. The square is also a metro hub and a rallying point, near the National Garden and shopping streets. Watching takes about half an hour.

✨ Highlights

Evzone Guards

Soldiers of the Presidential Guard in traditional uniform and studded shoes perform the slow, solemn ritual.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The changing takes place before the tomb at the parliament, honouring the nation's fallen.

Hourly Ceremony

The guard changes roughly every hour in a stylised, slow-moving ritual.

Sunday Grand Ceremony

On Sunday mornings a larger formal ceremony with a band and full dress draws big crowds.

🛈 Practical Info

→Suggested Time：About half an hour to watch one changing

→Best Time：Arrive a few minutes before the hour; Sunday morning is the grandest

→What to Bring：The square is open and hot in summer, so bring a hat and water

→Etiquette：The ritual is solemn; keep quiet, stay behind the line and do not crowd the guards

→Transportation：Take the metro to Syntagma; the square is in the city centre

💡 Tips

• Changing times and the Sunday ceremony may change, so confirm the day's schedule.

• For good photos, position yourself directly opposite the parliament beforehand.

• Do not shout or mimic the guards during the ritual, out of respect.

• Afterwards walk to the National Garden or Ermou street for more sightseeing.

FAQ

Any practical tips for visiting Syntagma?

Changing times and the Sunday ceremony may change, so confirm the day's schedule. For good photos, position yourself directly opposite the parliament beforehand.