Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square is also known as Constitution Square, as it is where the Athenians rose up against King Otto of Greece on 3 September 1843 to demand a constitution.

Iconic landmarks

The square is presided over by the Hellenic Parliament, an imposing building erected between 1836 and 1842 as the Royal Palace for the first king of Greece, King Otto.

In front of the Parliament building is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, watched over day and night by the “Evzones”, two Presidential Guards dressed in a curious traditional uniform. Tourists can see the changing of the guard every hour on the dot, but the most splendid ceremony takes place on Sundays at 10am.

On one of the sides of Syntagma Square is the grandiose Hotel Grande Bretagne. This 5-star hotel was built in 1842 and transformed into a hotel in 1874. Celebrities usually stay in this historic landmark.

At the top of Syntagma Square is Ermou Street, one of the city’s main shopping streets. It is usually one of the liveliest arteries in Athens.

The Main Meeting Point

Syntagma Square is one of the most popular parts of the city. It is also the starting point of most of the city’s demonstrations and it also houses concerts and festivals. The square is always full of life, packed with people in its bars, discovering the square’s stands, wandering around or making the most of the free WIFI.

Since Syntagma Square is in the city centre, visitors cross the square to get to most of the city’s attractions.