Monument to the Unknown Soldier — Attraction in Athens

The changing of the guard in front of the Greek Parliament, known as the "Evzones" or the "Changing of the Guard," is one of the most famous ceremonies in Athens. It takes place in front of the Parliament Building at Syntagma Square, where the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located, a monument dedicated to all unidentified Greek soldiers who died in battle.

The Evzones are members of a special unit of the Greek army, known as the Presidential Guard. They are specially trained and selected for their physical appearance, bravery, and discipline. The uniform they wear is particularly striking: it includes the fustanella (a traditional white skirt), shoes with pompoms (known as tsarouchia), and a red fez cap. The uniforms change according to the seasons and occasions, each richly decorated and symbolic.

The changing of the guard takes place every hour, but the most famous and formal ceremony occurs on Sundays at 11:00 AM. During the ceremony, the guards perform complex choreographed movements in strict silence and with great precision. These movements, including high steps and slow, ritualistic gestures, are designed to emphasize the soldiers' bravery and strength, while also paying tribute to all fallen fighters.

The changing of the guard in front of the Greek Parliament attracts tourists from around the world, as well as Greeks who value this symbolic tradition. It is an impressive sight that connects the past and present, reminding viewers of Greece's military tradition and...

Visiting the Monument of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square was a deeply moving experience and one of the most memorable stops on my Athens trip. The monument, unveiled on March 25, 1932, honors the countless Greek soldiers who fell in battle without being named . Crafted by Fokion Rok under architect Emmanuel Lazaridis, it features a solemn bas-relief of a fallen warrior and walls inscribed with names of key battles—from the Balkan Wars to Korea .

The setting in front of the beautifully neoclassical Parliament building adds to the sense of gravity and national pride. Every hour, you can witness the Evzones—elite Presidential Guards in traditional foustanella uniforms—perform a precise and dignified Changing of the Guard . A Reddit user perfectly captured the atmosphere:

“The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Greek parliament has one of my favorite inscriptions… ‘Of great men, the whole of the earth is burial ground.’”

This solemn ceremony—even more ceremonial on Sundays at 11 am with full band—felt both respectful and theatrical . Beyond the ceremony, the monument invites reflection: the eternal flame, historic quotes, and battle inscriptions make it a powerful tribute to sacrifice and unity.

Whether you’re seeking history, architecture, or a moment of quiet reverence in a bustling square, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a must-visit. A profound reminder of Greece’s past and...

The Changing of the Guard ceremony at Athens' Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a striking blend of precision, tradition, and symbolism.

Built in 1932, the monument honors Greek soldiers who died anonymously in wars, inspired by Thucydides’ account of ancient Athenian cenotaphs. Designed by architect Emmanuel Lazaridis, its Art Deco-style wall features a fallen warrior sculpture (by Fokion Rok) depicting a nude hoplite with an ancient helmet and shield, symbolizing eternal vigilance

Hourly Guard Changes: A solemn, 10-minute ritual where two Evzones (elite Presidential Guards) swap places with slow, synchronized movements, raising legs high, pausing mid-air, and stomping their tsarouhi (leather shoes with 120 nails) to "awaken the dead"

When you go see the guard change with the historical and cultural context in mind, it's a whole different thing to witness, incredible truly, if you have a minute while passing by, just take a minute and watch, it's quite interesting.

All the power and endurance to the Elite Presidential Guards, i cannot even begin to fathom how unbearable it must be in direct sunlight, holding form for hours...