Changing of the Guard (Syntagma)

Where it is & how to get there

• Metro: Syntagma station (Lines 2 and 3).
• Timing: The guard changes every hour; the grand ceremony is on Sundays around 11 am.
• Where: In front of the Parliament building, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The story of the Changing of the Guard

The Evzones are an elite unit of the Presidential Guard. They stand at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in front of the Greek Parliament, formerly the royal palace.

Their uniform includes the fustanella, a pleated kilt said to have 400 pleats, and red clogs with black pom-poms. The slow, high-kicking steps of the ceremony are designed to keep blood flowing after long periods standing still.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• The big ceremony is on Sunday at 11:00.
• Arrive 15 minutes early on Sundays for a good spot.
• Walk through the National Garden behind Parliament.

What's around the Changing of the Guard

• Syntagma SquareCentral square.
• National GardenShady park behind Parliament.
• ZappeionNeoclassical hall in the gardens.
• Ermou StreetMain shopping street.

Questions travellers ask