Syntagma Square (Constitution Square), Athens
Constitution Square is a spacious public square in front of the 19th-century Royal Palace, the seat of the Greek Parliament since 1935. A popular meeting place with many visitors, it owes its name to the Constitution granted by King Otto, Greece's first monarch, in 1843 following a joint public and military uprising.
Today, the Constitution Square is well connected to many of the city's top attractions by roads, which also makes it a vital transportation hub with tram, bus, and subway services providing access to various essential destinations in and around Athens. It is also an important venue for public gatherings and political rallies.
The square is laid on two levels, with the eastern section elevated above the western part. At the center is a fountain, which, together with several benches, creates a perfect relaxation zone complemented by free public WiFi, two green areas planted with pine and orange trees, and cafes offering refreshments. The entire space is clad in white marble and was recently fitted with new lampposts.
A notable element of the square is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Here, the daily National Guard ceremony attracts tourists with a synchronized, high-stepping routine performed by soldiers dressed in distinctive uniforms, featuring kilts and pom-pom clogs. The tomb itself displays a poignant relief depicting a dying Greek hoplite warrior and was unveiled on the Independence Day of March 25, 1932.
Tip:
The lower end of the square is the starting point of Ermou Street, Athens' primary shopping thoroughfare.
Today, the Constitution Square is well connected to many of the city's top attractions by roads, which also makes it a vital transportation hub with tram, bus, and subway services providing access to various essential destinations in and around Athens. It is also an important venue for public gatherings and political rallies.
The square is laid on two levels, with the eastern section elevated above the western part. At the center is a fountain, which, together with several benches, creates a perfect relaxation zone complemented by free public WiFi, two green areas planted with pine and orange trees, and cafes offering refreshments. The entire space is clad in white marble and was recently fitted with new lampposts.
A notable element of the square is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Here, the daily National Guard ceremony attracts tourists with a synchronized, high-stepping routine performed by soldiers dressed in distinctive uniforms, featuring kilts and pom-pom clogs. The tomb itself displays a poignant relief depicting a dying Greek hoplite warrior and was unveiled on the Independence Day of March 25, 1932.
Tip:
The lower end of the square is the starting point of Ermou Street, Athens' primary shopping thoroughfare.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Athens. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Syntagma Square (Constitution Square) on Map
Sight Name: Syntagma Square (Constitution Square)
Sight Location: Athens, Greece (See walking tours in Athens)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Athens, Greece (See walking tours in Athens)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Athens, Greece
Create Your Own Walk in Athens
Creating your own self-guided walk in Athens is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Plaka Attractions Walking Tour
In the shadow of the Acropolis stands Plaka, the most picturesque and oldest district of Athens, with continuous habitation from antiquity until today. The “neighborhood of the Gods”, as it is called, is like a romantic, atmospheric trip to old Athens adorned with antiquities, historic 19th-century buildings, museums and Byzantine churches.
From the vibrant Syntagma Square walking down... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
From the vibrant Syntagma Square walking down... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Walking Around the National Garden
The National Garden is an impressive, historic park in the center of Athens, complete with artificial streams and duck ponds. Formerly known as the Royal Garden, it was commissioned by King Otto’s queen, Amalia, in 1838, reason why it is located directly behind the Old Palace (currently the Greek Parliament building). Not only is it a welcome refuge from the swirl of traffic just outside the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Walking Tour Around the Legendary Acropolis
Also called "the sacred rock", the Acropolis was home to temples and sanctuaries throughout recorded history, and is a symbol of the city of Athens. Its religious importance was paramount to the ancient Greeks, and the buildings on the summit still capture the essence of their classical architecture. You can see the temples from most parts of the city, which adds to the feeling that this... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Athens Food Walking Tour
Traditional Greek cuisine is one of the healthiest in the world, and prices in all but the flashiest establishments afford excellent value. The prevalence of vegetable and dairy dishes makes eating out a delight for non-meat eaters. Carefully selected appetizers (tzatzíki, dolmádes, kalamarákia) can constitute a full meal. Greece’s most famous slow-cooked oven dish, however, is probably... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Athens Introduction Walking Tour
Athens, the cradle of Western Civilization and one of Europe's oldest cities, originated between the 4th and the 3rd millennia BC. The story of Athens stems from a mythological contest between the goddess of wisdom and warfare, Athena, and the god of the sea, Poseidon. Both deities vied to become the city's patron. Poseidon's gift of a saltwater spring was deemed impractical,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
A Self-Guided Food Walk in Athens
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