Athens · Syntagma and Kolonaki
Syntagma Square
The main square of modern Athens, in front of the Greek Parliament, with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a guard change every hour. It is free and open at all hours.
- 45 min
- Free
- Booking: not needed
- Syntagma and Kolonaki
Data checked on October 5, 2026
Syntagma was laid out in the 1830s as part of the plan for a modern capital, and it takes its name from the 1843 uprising that forced the king to grant a constitution. The Parliament building faces the square, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands in front of it. Two guards of the Presidential Guard keep watch and change over every hour. On Sunday mornings at 11:00 the whole guard marches to the tomb with a band.
What to look for
- The hourly changing of the guard
- The Sunday 11:00 ceremony with a band
- The Parliament building
- The relief on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Opening hours
Always open.
The square is open at all hours. The guard changes every hour, and the full ceremony runs on Sunday at 11:00.
Source: This is Athens, the official Athens guide, checked October 5, 2026
Tickets and booking
Free.
Getting there
Syntagma station, on Metro lines 2 and 3, sits under the square.
Tip
Stand near the monument a few minutes before the hour. The Sunday 11:00 ceremony is the full parade and the most crowded.