Hellenic Parliament — Local services in Athens

The Hellenic Parliament, located in the heart of Athens, is one of Greece’s most significant political landmarks. Housed in the former Royal Palace, built in the mid-19th century, the building stands as a symbol of the country’s political history and democratic principles. The Parliament building’s neoclassical architecture is a stunning example of 19th-century design, with grand columns and a large facade facing Syntagma Square, the city’s central gathering place.

The Hellenic Parliament is where the Greek government carries out its legislative duties, including debates, lawmaking, and decision-making on national policies. The building is also famous for its ceremonial functions, particularly the changing of the guard in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located just outside its gates. This event, performed by the elite Evzones, has become a must-see for visitors to Athens.

Inside, the Parliament houses the plenary chamber where Greek lawmakers meet. Visitors can also tour certain sections of the building when the assembly is not in session, gaining insight into the country’s political processes and its rich democratic heritage. The Parliament plays a pivotal role in shaping modern Greek politics, and it remains a focal point for both the nation’s governance and its symbolism as the cradle...

In front of the Parliament stands the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by the Evzones, an elite ceremonial unit of the Greek Presidential Guard. The soldiers wear traditional uniforms dating back to the Greek War of Independence (1821), including the fustanella (a pleated white kilt with 400 pleats symbolizing the years of Ottoman occupation), pom-pom shoes called tsarouchia, and a fez with a long black tassel.

The shift change ritual is one of the most fascinating traditions in Athens: • Every hour on the hour, the guards change in a slow, highly stylized manner, with exaggerated leg movements and synchronized steps. • The ritual is performed silently and with great precision, symbolizing discipline, respect, and tradition. • Every Sunday at 11:00 AM, a more elaborate ceremony takes place, involving the entire unit of the Presidential Guard and a military band. This draws large crowds and is considered the best time to witness the full spectacle.

The ceremony is more than just a tourist attraction.it’s a living symbol of Greek pride and national memory. The guards remain completely still during their watch, regardless of weather or distractions, showing remarkable discipline. The ritualized movements are designed to keep their blood circulating after standing motionless for...

In 1833, a year after Greece was recognised as an independent nation via the signing of the Treaty of Constantinople, the European powers of the time (Britain, France and Russia) decided that Greece should have a monarchy. Otto, the adolescent son of King Ludwig of Bavaria, became the sovereign and Greece was declared an absolute monarchy. Within 12 months, Athens was declared the capital of the Greek Kingdom and Otto left Nafplio, the country’s first provisional capital of Athens, with a grand vision of a new city. Otto’s enlightenment began with plans to build a new palace for himself as the new king. Friedrich von Gaertner who was the official architect of the Bavarian court, chose the location based on its high elevation to enhance the presence of the palace. The foundation stone was laid on the 6th February 1836 but it wasn’t until 25th July 1843, that King Otto and his new wife Queen Amalia, took up residence in the newly...