Syntagma Square is the most central area in Athens Greece. Here is everything you need to know about Syntagma Square, including its recent history and all its main attractions.
Where is Syntagma Square Athens
Ask any Athenian, and they will tell you that Syntagma Square is the very heart of Athens. The distance to every town in Greece is measured in terms of how far it is from Syntagma Square.
Syntagma is the most visited square in the Greek capital. It is walking distance from several attractions, such as the Acropolis of Athens, the Ancient Agora, Anafiotika and the temple of Olympian Zeus.
Around the square, you will find a few iconic landmarks, like the Greek Parliament building and the National Garden. There are also a few luxury hotels, shops, restaurants and cafes.
So, what makes Syntagma Square so important? Let’s find out!
History of Syntagma Square
A few years after the Greek Revolution in 1821, the modern Greek state was born. Its first capital was Nafplio, a picturesque town in the Peloponnese. At the time, Athens had no more than 5,000-10,000 people.
In 1832, the 17-year-old Prince Otto of Bavaria was chosen to be the King of Greece. As he was still a minor, three Bavarian officials were appointed to rule in his place.
During this period, which was termed “Bavarocracy“, the officials were unpopular, as they didn’t take into account the people’s needs. Even when Otto came of age, things didn’t seem to change, and no constitution was granted to the Greek people.
King Otto’s Royal Palace
In 1835, King Otto commissioned the Bavarian architect Friedrich von Gaertner to design the Royal Palace in Athens. The beautiful neoclassical building was completed in 1843.
The areas of Omonia square, Kerameikos, and even Acropolis were all considered as a location for the new palace. In the end, the area that we now know as Syntagma was selected.
Apparently, the climate was slightly cooler than the other areas, which was a bonus for the Bavarian King. Also, there was a large open space in front of the Royal Palace. From then on, the area was aptly named “Palace Square”.
Queen Amalia designs the National Gardens
In 1836, King Otto married Amalia of Oldenburg. As the Palace was under construction, they lived in a smaller neoclassical building, which is currently home to the Athens City Museum.
Soon after, Queen Amalia started designing a large garden next to the grounds of the Palace. These are the National Gardens, a popular park and meeting point for Athenians. She personally overviewed the progress, and even planted some of the trees herself.
During those times, the Greek people remained unhappy with Otto’s and Amalia’s rule. They viewed Otto as a foreign King who didn’t follow the Greek Orthodox tradition, refused to grant a constitution and, most importantly, had driven the country into a huge debt.
People protest right on Constitution Square
Otto and Amalia moved to the Palace in July 1843. During the night of the 3rd September 1843, a demonstration started right in front of the Palace.
Veterans of the Greek Independence War, Greek soldiers and members of the public gathered right on the large square. They demanded that Otto give them a Constitution, or Syntagma in Greek.
Since the day of this important historical event, Palace Square was renamed to Syntagma Square.
The uprising was successful. In 1844, King Otto put into effect an overall liberal constitution, where all men would be able to vote. Women, however, had to wait until 1952!
Regardless of the fact that there was now a constitution, King Otto remained an oppressive monarch. In the next couple of decades, his tactics led to more tension.
Another uprising happened on 10th October 1862. Subsequently, Otto and Amalia were exiled from Greece, and King George came into power.
The Hellenic Parliament Building
In 1929, the Royal Palace became home to the Hellenic Parliament. Since then, it has been hosting Parliamentary sessions.
Fun fact: the various political parties in Greece are assigned seating areas according to their views. So, the right wing parties sit on the right, and the left wing parties sit on the left.
The Greek Parliament Building one of the most spectacular buildings in Athens. You probably don’t know this, but you can visit on a free guided tour! You just need to reserve in advance. For more information, check the official Hellenic Parliament website.
The Changing of the Guards on Syntagma Square
In 1929-2930, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was constructed right in front of the Parliament building. This Tomb is a tribute to all the soldiers who have fought dying for Greece. It’s an empty tomb, called a cenotaph.
Every day, the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place here. The members of the Presidential Guard are called Evzones and they are dressed in elaborate uniforms. They change shifts every hour, on the hour.
At 11 am on Sundays, there is a ceremonial changing of the Guards. This is a large procession on Amalias Avenue, just in front of the Parliament.
Here is some more information on this fascinating tradition: Changing of the Guards in Athens.
Syntagma Metro Station
In 2000, Syntagma Metro Station opened to the public. It’s one of the busiest metro stations in the city, where the blue and red metro line meet. Several thousands of people stop here every day.
There are exits in front of the Parliament and the National Gardens, in front of the Grande Bretagne, and right on the square.
Inside the metro station, you will find an exhibition of objects that were discovered in the construction site. They are representative of Ancient Athens and Ancient Greece.
Here’s some more information on how to use the Athens metro system to get around the city.
Syntagma Square today
As it’s right in the center and is so easily accessible, Syntagma Square is an easy meeting point. Thousands of Athenians pass by on a daily basis.
In 2011, Syntagma Square hosted the anti-austerity movement of Aganaktismenoi, similar to the Spanish Indignados. For several months, people who had been affected by the crisis were gathering here as a means of protest against the Greek politics.
Syntagma is also a popular spot for rallies, demonstrations and events. As a result, it’s closed to the traffic every now and then, with no previous notice. This is another reason why I tend to discourage tourists from driving in central Athens!
During the Christmas season, a big Christmas tree brightens up Syntagma Square, and there are free gigs and performances to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
Hotels and buildings around Syntagma Square Athens
Right on Syntagma Square, you will see one of the most emblematic hotels in Greece, Hotel Grande Bretagne. Its rooftop bar is a fantastic place for beautiful views of Athens.
Next to the Grande Bretagne, there are two more upscale establishmens, King George and NJV Plaza. If you are looking for a luxury hotel in the heart of the city, you can’t go wrong with either of them!
On the other side of the square, there are a couple of ministries and other public buildings, that are nowhere near as elegant 🙂
Shopping around Syntagma Square
Right on Syntagma Square, on Karageorgi Servias Street, you will see a large, central building, called Public bookstore. It’s a popular book and technology store, spread out on several floors.
Beginning just across the square, you will see a pedestrian street called Ermou Street. This is one of the best shop areas in Athens, with several popular retail stores. The side streets are full of shops selling all sorts of stuff.
Ermou Street passes by Monastiraki Square, close to Plaka, the Roman Agora and Psiri neighborhood. It then continues all the way to Kerameikos.
Syntagma Square is a good place to buy a Greek SIM card, if you need one. Apart from street vendors, you will find several shops selling SIM cards. Here is a complete guide on how to buy a Greece SIM card.
Cafes, restaurants and bars on Syntagma Square
You will find dozens of cafes, restaurants and bars located close to Syntagma Square. Many of them are on Mitropoleos Street, and the various nearby alleys.
Voulis street and Nikis street are also good places to go for a meal or drink. If you are into wine, check out the nice wine bars in the area, like Oinoscent, Wine Story and Kiki de Grece.
The hop-on / hop-off bus on Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square is one of the main stops for the hop-on / hop-off bus in Athens. These buses offer free wifi and commentaries in several languages, so you can learn more about the areas you are visiting.
This is a fun and affordable way to see the city and some of the suburbs, plus you get a couple of free walking tours during the high season.
FAQs about Syntagma Square
Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions:
Where is the Syntagma Square?
Syntagma Square is right in the center of Athens, close to the Acropolis, Plaka and Monastiraki.
Why is the Syntagma Square important?
Syntagma Square is the most important square of Athens. It is a popular meeting place, close to some of the main shopping streets in the center, and also a common place for demonstrations and gatherings.
How far is Athens Airport from Syntagma Square?
The Athens airport is 32 km (20 miles) from Syntagma Square. The metro usually takes about 40 minutes, whereas a taxi ride can take anywhere from 30 – 60 minutes.
How much is a taxi from Syntagma Square to Piraeus?
A taxi from Syntagma Square to Piraeus port should cost around 12-14 euro. The exact cost would depend on traffic and time of the day.
How far is it to walk to the Acropolis from Syntagma Square?
The Acropolis is about 1.3 kms (0.8 miles) from Syntagma Square. You can walk through Plaka, which is the oldest neighborhood in Athens.
More Athens travel guides
You might like these other articles about Athens:
- The Panathenaic Stadium in Athens
- What to do in Athens on a Sunday
- Varvakios central food market
- Free things to do in Athens
- How to take the Athens Airport Metro
- How to take the Athens Airport Bus
- Athens in November
- Three new metro stations in Piraeus
- Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion
Hi! I’m Vanessa from Athens. If you have any questions about Syntagma Square – or any place in Athens – leave a comment down below! Follow my FB page for more articles and news about Greece 🙂
Will be in Athens on the 28th of October Holiday. Anything, we should not miss?
You can see the parade in front of Syntagma Square – they usually announce the exact time the day before, but it’s around 10-10.30. The ancient sites and public museums are free on that day. Have a look at this article as well!
Hi!
I was wondering if you could suggest things to do after 3pm in Athens on a Wednesday as I see places close very early.
Hi! Not too sure where you got your information? Most museums in Athens are open until the early evening, and (depending on the time of year you are here) the ancient sites remain open until late in the evening. Also, most shops in central Athens remain open until 8-9 pm everyday, apart from Sundays. When are you visiting, and what were you interested in doing? Have a look at this article!
Hello,
What is the best way to move around with public transport? I will be there 6-7 days, arriving by plane.
Hi Majid – have a look at this article on all the ways to get around Athens