Piazza Syntagma

Syntagma Square in the heart of Athens takes its name from the constitution that King Otto was forced to grant in 1843, establishing a constitutional monarchy, and today it is one of the city's main meeting points. Originally laid out by Leo von Klenze as a "Square of the Muses," it was shaped in the twentieth century by cafés and later by airline offices. Today the scene is dominated by the historic Hotel Grande Bretagne and the Parliament building with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. You'll find the square a lively hub, where the Evzone guards parade on Sundays and a Christmas market takes place in winter. Archaeological finds from antiquity were integrated into the subway construction and can be seen behind glass or in the metro hub. Adjacent Ermou Street leads into the traditional shopping and market district, while the National Garden is just steps away. The square is also a stage for political events and demonstrations, underscoring its historical and social significance.