Syntagma Square is named after the greek word for Constitution.

The name of the square derives from the fact that Greece’s first constitution was proclaimed by a reluctant King Otto from a palace balcony in 1843.

This palace is now the parliament and is the building that presides on the Square. In front of it, goose steping evzones in tasseled caps, the tranditional fustanella (a type of white kilt), and wooly leggings change their guards at intervals in front of the Tomb of the Uknown Soldier; on Sunday just before 11am a full ban and the entire corps parades from the tomb along Irodou Attikou to the rhythm of camera shutters.

Hemingway, among others, impugned their masculinity, but they are in fact a highly trained elite corps with rigorous height and weight requirements; formely they were recruited almost exclusively from the mountain villages.

The vast postwar development altered the neo classic 19th century architecture of the square and the centre of the city. One of the buildings that have survived the Athens grandest Hotel Grande Bretagne.

In the course of one of the more nefarious episodes of British meddling in Greek affairs, it nearly became the tomb of Winston Churchill. He had arrived on Christmas day 1944 to sort our the Dekemvriana, the  events of December, a month of serious street fighting between British forces and Communist-led ELAS resistance movement, whom the British were trying to disarm.

The square is still the principal venue for mass demonstration, whether trade unions protests or gatherings of thousants of political party supporters.
The square is also a meeting point for the Athenians and the starting point to a walk to Plaka and Monastiraki Area.

Hotels in Syntagma area:

KING GEORGE II PALACE HOTEL ATHENS ***** A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, the King George II Palace combines the grace and stature of a historic landmark with ultra-modern amenities and personal service that puts guests’ comfort above all else – right down to a personal trainer in the state-of-the-art health club, exclusively f...

HOTEL ASTOR ATHENS **** All the rooms of the hotel have been recently renovated and equipped with all the facilities. All the rooms have air condition, heating, color television, direct telephone, Internet connection, hair dryer, cosmetics luxury set, electronic security locks... High-Season - 116 EUR/Double Room

OLYMPIC PALACE HOTEL **** The Olympic Palace is a first class superior, family run hotel that enjoys an unrivalled location by the city's commercial, retail and cultural centre. The 90 rooms and suites are firendly and comfortably equipped with private facilities.. Special Offer - 95 EUR/Double Room

HOTEL ATHOS ATHENS *** Athos Hotel is conveniently located in the center of Athens, close to the historical Syntagma Square and to the picturesque area of Plaka. Relax in style in the 18 comfortable guestrooms and enjoy the magnificent view of Acropolis... High-Season - 109 EUR/Double Room

PAN HOTEL ATHENS *** 3 stars Athens hotel located in Syntagma square in Athens - ideal place for business and pleasure. Syntagma square is the best center of the Athens city. In the fully renovated Pan Hotel Athens, all 33 hotel rooms are equipped with private... High-Season - 95 EUR/Double Room

ACHILLEAS HOTEL ATHENS *** A 3-star hotel, recently renocated, situtated at the heart of the city, close to Syntagma Square, Parliament, the Acropolis, Plaka (the ancient city of Athens), museums, galleries, and is next to the shopping area and the flea market... High-Season - 114 EUR/Double Room

ARETHUSA HOTEL ATHENS*** Hotel Arethusa Athens is a three star hotel, ideally located just next to Syntagma (Constitution) square and Plaka (old town of Athens) in Mitropoleos street, street of the Cathedral of Athens. High-Season - 96 EUR/Double Room

HOTEL GRANDE BRETAGNE ATHENS ***** A Legend was reborn with the reopening of the Grande Bretagne Hotel Athens. You are invited to discover a world of luxury and distinctive service. Recently renovated, the Hotel Grande Bretagne is a Luxury hotel situated in the heart of Athens

Restaurants in the area:

G.B. Corner (Syntagma square) An all-time classic, the restaurant of the Grande Bretagne Hotel has been entertaining guests for decades. It features modern Mediterranean cuisine in an historic setting, and is the epitome of fine dining in Athens.

Cellier Le Bistrot (Panepistimiou Street, 10) Chic French Bistro, serving Greek and International cuisine. Selective wine-list and many wines by the glass. Popular meeting-point for business lunches, but also for enjoying a nice glass of wine.

Hard Rock Café (Fillelinon Street, 18) The authentic: serving burgers, cocktails, music and memorabilia for fans of this international chain.

McDonald's (Syntagma Square) For those on a budget, McDonald's is a favourite with tourists from any part of the world

Cafeina Bar (Akadimias & Zodochou Pigis Streets) A small café-bar, with a modern lounge style.

See other locations in Athens:
Plaka | Kolonaki - Lycabettus Hill | Monastiraki / Psiri / Thisio | Acropolis and around | Vouliagmeni
National Garden and Zappion | Hadrians Arch | Omonia Square | Ilisia Park Athens | Kerameikos Area

For more photos of Athens see the Holiday-Photos galery