This is where all the roads of Hellas lead. The heart of Athenian democracy is guarded here by the famous "soldiers in skirts" - the Eusones. Syntagma Square in Athens is often included in tourist itineraries. In addition to being a major traffic junction, the place has a complex and interesting history.
Syntagma Square (Constitution Square) is located in the center of the Greek capital right in front of the parliament building. Tourists who do not know Athens well or are coming here for the first time are advised to choose it as their main landmark. From the station with the same name you can get to any point of the city by land transport. The Syntagma Metro station has as many as three exits. Despite its young age relative to the ancient monuments, the place is familiar to many tourists. Holidays in Athens, they almost never leave it without attention. The National Park and Zappeion Palace are within walking distance of the square.
Syntagma in Greek translates as "Constitution". It got such a loud name after the revolution in 1843 during the reign of the Bavarian King Otto I. Prior to that the area was a common lawn as part of the palace complex. The king's wife had it fenced off from the general public. But after Otton's overthrow the square underwent great changes, gradually becoming what we can see today. During the last century it too has seen a lot of tragic and joyful events, but it has kept its flawless appearance.
Syntagma Square is covered in white marble and includes green areas, a fountain, renewed lampposts, and benches. After a tiring day, it's nice to sit under the shade of the oleanders and orange trees and watch other people. The landscaped areas will shelter you from the scorching midday sun.
At the top of the square is a memorial to military glory - the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Every hour there is a changing of the guard of the eusons. This is how the representatives of the honor guard regiment are called in Greece. They are dressed in traditional uniforms, but on Sundays and holidays they wear ceremonial white kilts and hand embroidered vests. Locals and nearby tourists alike come to watch this shift by 11 a.m. The grand ceremony involves more than 120 people and a military band playing the national anthem.
In the evening there is also something to see. The Palace of the Greek Parliament looks even more massive and majestic in the night illumination. In the afternoon there are usually fewer people here than in the first half. It's a time for a leisurely stroll around Constitution Square and to gaze at the fountain that shimmers in different colors.
Syntagma Square is considered very prestigious. While Syntagma Square is limited to small shops, the neighborhood is filled with chic malls. The most luxurious hotels of the city and elite houses are also located in this area.
At any time of the year on the square is always something to look at. It is decorated with original sculptures on pedestals: wrestler, Gremes and fallow deer. They are copies of the originals in the Museum of Naples. In winter they put here a large fir tree and a Christmas carousel. The trees are decorated with LED lights, and on the eve of the main winter holiday you can watch a colorful fireworks display.
The changing of the guard of honor at the parliamentary palace takes place every half hour. You can take pictures with the eusons, and given the fact that there is free wi-fi on the square, you can share your emotions and the solemnity of the ceremonial with your friends in real time.
Take any surface or underground transportation to Syntagma station.
