Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights
1
Plateia Syntagmatos
SQUARE, MONUMENT
Athens' central square (Syntagma, or Constitution Sq in English) is named for the constitu-
tion granted, after uprisings, by King Otto on 3 September 1843. Today, the square serves
as a major transportation hub, the location of the seat of power and also, therefore, the epi-
centre of demonstrations and strikes.
(Syntagma Square;
Syntagma)
2
Parliament & Changing of the Guard
HISTORIC BUILDING
The
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
in the forecourt of the parliament building (only the
library
is open to the public) is guarded by the city's famous statuesque
evzones
, the pres-
idential guards whose uniform of short kilts and pom-pom shoes is based on the attire worn
by the klephts (the mountain fighters of the War of Independence). The high-kicking chan-
ging of the guard occurs every hour on the hour. Sunday at 11am a whole platoon marches
down Vasilissis Sofias to the tomb, accompanied by a band.
(Plateia Syntagmatos, Syntagma;
Syntagma)
