The Syntagma Square

It is, together with Omonia Square, one of the two points of reference of this city. So do not be surprised if you keep hearing the word Syntagma (which means Constitution), when you ask for directions in Athens, Plaka, the Acropolis, the Cathedral of Athens, the National Garden, Ihe Byzantine church of Kapnikarea, Ermou Street (one of the main commercial streets of the city), are all near Syntagma. The House of Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, are actually in it. Syntagma Square is the centre of all activity. The buildings surrounding the square itself house hotels, Greek and foreign banks, ministries and airline offices.In its kiosks, you will find 24 hours a day all manner of things, as well as all the major foreign newspapers and magazines.

The House of Parliament overlooks Syntagma Square and was originally built as a palace for King Otto, the first King of Greece and Queen Amalia. Its construction took six years, from 1836-1842. The second King of Greece, King Georgios, also lived in this palace. But during his reign two serious fires destroyed the building to the extent that it was judged unfit for royal occupation. It was in 1924 that the government decided to house the Greek Parliament in the building. Renovation work finished in 1934. The interior of the building was redesigned by the architect A Kriezis. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the front of the building, where the spectacular changing of the guard takes place every hour, was built in 1929-1930.