Syntagma Square modern Greece's Political major centre
The heart of modern Greece beats in the historic centre of Athens —but contrary to what you’d think, it has little to do with ancient ruins. Syntagma Square is with Omonia Square one of the two historic poles of Athenian and Greek social, political and economic life of the last 180 years!
Today, Syntagma Square continues to be the stage for demonstrations and political rallies and serves not only as a destination for travelers and tourists, but also a meeting point for locals but also as a major hub of the Athens Metro system. The entire Syntagma Square area is filled with historical and archeological highlights and shopping opportunities. The National Gardens surrounds two sides of the Parliament building and is the location for the nearby Zappeio Palace.
Syntagma square was laid out in about 1835/36 as part of the expanded street plan of the city of Athens as the new capital of Greece. Based on the urban plan drafted in 1831 by Kleanthis and Schaubert, the new plan abandoned the radical ideas of demolishing the old -unplanned- town of Athens and built a modern European City.
Friedrich von Gaertner, the main architect of the Royal Palace, an imposing building erected between 1836 and 1842, proffered a rectangular open space here rather than the original circular one. The resulting square formed one of the focal points of the new city, lying beyond the limits of the late Roman/Byzantine/Ottoman town of Athens on the southern side of the Acropolis.
Syntagma = constitution
The coup. Colonel Dimitrios Kallergis (Commander of the Athens cavalry) on horseback, King Otto and Queen Amalia at the windows of the Old Royal Palace.
The revolution of 3rd September 1843 view from the Royal Palace
Almost immediately Syntagma square get a political character: the people of Athens demonstrated there protesting against the rulling as an absolute monarch of King Otto (the son of the Ludwig I of Bavaria). They were demanding constitutional rights for the citizens of the new kingdom of Greece and the expulsion of the be-hated Bavarian royal advisers.
The bloodless revolution of 1843 succeeded, ushering the period of constitutional monarchy (under the 1844 constitution) and universal suffrage in Greece. The square gets his name from this historic events.
See our selection of hotels in Syntagma
The old Royal Palace, Hellenic Parlement (Vouli). Just in front is the «Tomb of the Unknown Soldier»
Today the old Royal Palace is the siege of the Hellenic Parlement (Vouli). Just in front is the «Tomb of the Unknown Soldier» where the «Evzones», the members of the Presidential Guard dressed with their traditional uniform, are mounting the guard standing motionless for two 20-minute intervals during their 1-hour shifts.
the «Tomb of the Unknown Soldier»
Every hour on the dot is taking place the impressive changing of the guard witch is a major tourist attraction of Athens. A more ceremonial change of guards takes place on Sundays at at 11:00. A parade of Evzones and a military band starts from the camp of the Evzones (just behind the Parliament Building) and through Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, and reaches the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where a ceremonial change of guards takes place. On this occasion, all the three official uniforms of the Evzones can be seen.
Syntagma Square it's not only a political center. It's also one of the most important businesses districts of Greece and a luxury accommodation and shopping area. The «Syntagma» Metro Station, located beneath the Syntagma Square, is the most central station in Athens’ Metro network, where Lines 2 and 3 converge with busses and trams. Aside from the station’s impressive antiquities collection, its interior is also decorated with works from many contemporary Greek artists like «Ethrion» by Giorgos Zoggopoulos, and «Metro’s Clock» by Theodoros.
«Metro’s Clock» by Theodoros
In 2021 Athens Municipality planned the rearrangement of the lower part of Syntagma Square. Works started in September 2021 and finished a year later in 2022. The new look includes among others: widening of the sidewalks in front of the pedestrian street of Ermou, one dedicated bus lane and 5 bus shelters, planting a total of 24 new trees that will contribute to the square’s microclimate and shading, consolidation of traffic lanes to four (out of six), creation of a more friendly pedestrian crossing, on the historical axis of Ermou, through which additional road safety conditions are created.
Also, as part of the project, two longitudinal pergolas were built between the trees, with a total area of 262 sq.m., for additional shading and organization of the table seats.
Our selection of Syntagma hotels in Athens:
Hotel Grande Bretagne
Grande Bretagne Hotel upon its opening in 1872 offered guests the comfort and luxury one expected to find exclusively in the most elegant estates and palaces of the era. Grande Bretagne offers the best location in Athens, within short walking distance from the business center as well as the fashionable Kolonaki Square with exclusive shopping, entertainment, restaurants and cafes. Also nearby are important museums and the historic and picturesque old quarter of Plaka with tavernas, open air coffee shops, flea market and souvenir shops. A large number of rooms offer splendid views of the Acropolis, Parliament and National Gardens.
Rooms: Single, Double/Twin & Triple Rooms, Suites
Location/ Nearest Metro: Syntagma 50m
NJV Athens Plaza
With sweeping views of central Athens, each one of the 182 light-flooded guestrooms, reflects a sense of uncomplicated sophistication. Practical spaces, elegant furnishings, soothing earthy colours and your afternoon cup of tea await you in our cosy rooms.
The Parliament restaurant with its fine cuisine is an excellent place, whether for a business dinner or a romantic rendezvous. Experience uniquely created Greek dishes, influenced by the flavors and aromas of the beloved Mediterranean.
Rooms: Single, Double/Twin & Triple Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Syntagma 50m
Electra Hotel Athens
Boasting one of the most central locations in Athens, Electra Hotel Athens, located on the pedestrian Ermou Street, Athens' major shopping street, is next to Syntagma Square. A 5-minute walk through charming Plaka takes you to the Acropolis. The enchanting rooftop bar-restaurant enjoys Parliament, Syntagma Square and Acropolis views.
Rooms: Single, Double/Twin & Triple Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Syntagma 50m
Athens Capital Center Hotel - MGallery Collection
Athens Capital Center Hotel offers luxury rooms and suites, promising to upgrade your stay in Athens and keep you comfortable and happy. Apart from the restaurant, the hotel boasts a stunning rooftop pool overlooking the whole city, and two bars that can host your holiday evenings in the center and provide you with one of the most romantic settings you have ever experienced.
Rooms: Single, Double/Twin & Triple Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Syntagma 50m
