Description of the attraction
In the very center of modern Athens, there is Syntagma Square, or, as it is also called, Constitution Square. The square got its name in honor of the Constitution, which King Otto was forced to present to the people after the military uprising on September 3, 1843. This oldest and most socially important square was the epicenter of all commercial activity in Athens during the 19th century.
The square houses the former Royal Palace, which has been the seat of the Greek Parliament since 1932. At the beginning of the 19th century, a park was laid out in front of the palace complex, through which locals and guests of the city freely walked. But Queen Amalia forbade ordinary people to visit this territory, and later ordered to take away several tanks with water, which was used by residents of the surrounding areas, to water the trees. Naturally, this caused a storm of indignation among the population. In 1862, King Otto was dethroned. His place was taken by the Danish Prince George I, who reconstructed the square. After 10 months, the renovated square was again open for free visits.
On March 25, 1932, on Independence Day, a monument to the Unknown Soldier was unveiled on Syntagma Square. Guardsmen of the Presidential Guard (Evzones), dressed in national costumes, are on guard duty around the clock. A ceremony of changing the guards takes place every hour.
In the center of the square is a large fountain and copies of statues from the Naples Museum, which were donated to the city by Lord Beauty in the 19th century.
Syntagma Square has an excellent transport interchange, allowing you to get to any corner of the city. Two main metro lines intersect here, buses, trams, trolleybuses run. The largest hotels of the city, many coffee shops and restaurants where you can have a great time are located on the square. The National Garden is located next to the Greek Parliament building.
The square is the focus of the social and political life of Athens. Concerts, exhibitions, meetings, demonstrations are held here. In the period 2010-2012, the square was the center of mass protests due to the deteriorating economic situation.
