Syntagma Square

You’re right in the heart of Athens, at one of its busiest and most iconic squares, and certainly the most emblematic! Athenians love to hang out here to catch up with friends, join a heated protest or meet up to hit the shops on Ermou Street that’s just around the corner! It’s a real modern-day agora, just like those of Greek Antiquity or Roman times. There’s a big fountain in the center, and you can’t miss the impressive Hellenic Parliament building right across from it. No wonder this is the scene of regular demonstrations – all big political decisions are made right here. The Parliament building once housed the royal palace, built in the 19th century for Otto, the first king of Greece. Let’s rewind to the 19th century, moments after the liberation of the country from the Ottomans. After centuries of war and poverty, Greece was still finding its bearings. In 1833, a young Bavarian prince named Otto took the throne. Things got off to a rough start, though. King Otto, aged just 17, had his hands full trying to revive the country’s economy. And on top of that, let’s just say his authoritarian style of ruling didn’t exactly sit well with the Greeks; in 1843, they got together and rioted right in front of his palace, demanding a constitution, a document outlining the rights and limitations of the king’s power. The king eventually conceded, and that’s how Syntagma Square, aka “Constitution Square”, got its name. Right next to the Hellenic Parliament, you’ll see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded day and night by two presidential guards, the so-called Evzones, in their traditional uniforms. Just like in London, you can catch the changing of the guard ceremony every hour. It’s even more impressive on Sunday morning! This lively square is a stone’s throw from Ermou Street, a major shopping street, and tons of other tourist attractions. It’s the beating heart of Athens, and guess what? It’s also the second biggest square in all of Greece!