The Monument to the Unknown Soldier stands in Syntagma Square, in front of the Hellenic Parliament in central Athens. This war memorial honors Greek soldiers who died in conflict. The Evzones, Greece’s presidential guards, keep watch here, and their precise, slow-moving change of guard takes place every hour. Their traditional uniforms are a striking part of the ceremony. On Sundays at 11 am, a larger ceremony with a band draws more spectators. The National Gardens are nearby if you want a quieter walk after the square.
A memorial in Syntagma Square
The Monument to the Unknown Soldier is in front of the Hellenic Parliament, at the foot of its façade. It is a cenotaph dedicated to Greek soldiers who died in war. The central relief shows a fallen hoplite, linking the memorial to Greece’s military past.
Battle locations in which the Greek army took part are inscribed on the monument’s walls. The inscriptions are in Greek. Take time to look at the memorial itself between guard changes, when the ceremonial movement is not the only focus.
The Evzones and the guard change
The Evzones are members of Greece’s Presidential Guard. They stand watch at the monument and perform a ceremonial exchange every hour, on the hour. The slow, deliberate steps and precise movements are central to the spectacle; between changes, the guards remain motionless.
The traditional uniform includes a white fustanella, a red fez and shoes with pom-poms. The fustanella’s 400 pleats are associated with the four centuries of Ottoman rule. The ceremony is a formal act of remembrance, so give the guards space and watch quietly.
The Sunday ceremony
At 11 am on Sundays, a larger ceremony takes place with a band. It draws more people than the regular hourly change, so arrive early if you want a clear view. The guards’ coordinated movements and the music give this weekly ceremony a broader scale than the usual exchange.
Syntagma Square is also a useful starting point for a walk to the National Gardens. The Zappeion Mansion lies beyond the gardens, with the Presidential Mansion and Panathenaic Stadium further along the route.
FAQ
How often does the changing of the guard take place?
The Evzones change guard every hour, on the hour.
When is the larger ceremony?
The larger ceremony takes place on Sundays at 11 am and includes a band.
Is the monument in front of the Parliament?
Yes. It stands in Syntagma Square, in front of the Hellenic Parliament.
How much time should I allow?
Allow about 30 to 60 minutes to see the memorial and a guard change.
