Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square, also known as Constitution Square, is the bustling heart of Athens and a central symbol of Greece’s political and social life. Located in front of the Hellenic Parliament building, the square is not only an important geographical landmark, but also a place rich in historical and symbolic significance. The history of Syntagma Square dates back to the 19th century, when Athens was declared the capital of modern Greece in 1834, during the reign of King Otto. The neoclassical palace that dominates the square, now home to the Greek Parliament, was originally built as a royal residence. The name “Syntagma”, meaning “Constitution” in Greek, comes from the uprising of September 3, 1843, when the Greek people and the army forced King Otto to grant a constitution, marking a crucial moment in the nation’s democratic history. The square has witnessed numerous significant historical events. During the German occupation in World War II, Syntagma Square was the center of many resistance demonstrations. In the post-war period, it continued to be the main location for protests and national celebrations. Every year, on March 25 and October 28, military and civilian parades are held to commemorate respectively Greece’s independence from the Ottoman Empire and Greece’s refusal to surrender to the Italian forces during World War II. One of the most iconic elements of Syntagma Square is the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, located directly in front of the Parliament building. The monument, inaugurated in 1932, honors Greek soldiers who died in war. In front of the monument, the presidential guards, known as Evzones, perform a changing of the guard ceremony that has become a popular tourist attraction. Dressed in traditional fustanella (pleated skirt) and tsarouchia (shoes with pom poms), the Evzones perform a guard change ceremony every hour, with a more elaborate parade every Sunday at 11:00. The architecture of Syntagma Square is a mix of neoclassical and modern styles. The Parliament building is an example of neoclassical architecture, designed by the German architect Friedrich von Gärtner. The building features a portico with six Doric columns and a triangular pediment, giving the palace a majestic and solemn appearance. Surrounding the square are modern buildings, luxury hotels like the Grande Bretagne, and numerous cafes and restaurants offering a unique view of the square. An interesting anecdote about Syntagma Square involves the attempted assassination of King Otto in the square in 1862. During a parade, a medical student shot at the king, but missed. This event, although dramatic, further highlighted the square’s importance as a theater of Greece’s political and public life.