Syntagma & Surrounding Area
Syntagma & Surrounding Area
Syntagma means "Constitution" but it usually refers to the area around the Syntagma Square. No question, this is the most central "Hub" of the City of Athens - both in terms of transport and culture.
Almost all of major events in modern Greek history have brought citizens together here. When the country's Military Junta government was overthrown in 1974, it was at the square that the new leader of Greece, Konstantinos Karamanlis, gave his first speech.
The regular main attraction for visitors are the Evzones. They are members of the presidential guard dressed in traditional uniforms stand vigil at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament. The hourly 'Changing of the Guard' ceremony is a must-see for tourists all year round.
Presently, Syntagma continues to be home to political rallies and other demonstrations but it's also a central gathering place for young and old in Athens. Notably, the square was given a face-lift, care-of the architectural Grand Bretagne and the King George hotels - with newly polished marble, finely trimmed gardens and stunning water fountains.
