SYNTAGMA (CONSTITUTION) SQUARE

Syntagma Square is located in central Athens, Greece. The Square is named after the Constitution King Othon was forced to grant the people after a popular and military uprising, on September 3, 1843.

The square is bordered by Vassileos Georgiou A' Street to the north, Othonos Street to the south, Filellinon Street to the west and Amalias Avenue to the east. The eastern side of the square is higher than the western, and dominated by a set of marble steps leading to Amalias Avenue; beneath these lies the Syntagma metro station.

The stairs emerge below between a pair of outdoor cafes, and are a popular city-centre gathering place. Syntagma also includes two green areas to the north and south, planted with shade trees, while in the center of the square a large water fountain traditionally hosts the occasionally sighted Syntagma pigeons, along with heat-tormented Athenians during the summer.

Syntagma Square is also the frequent site of political demonstrations. The Greek Parliament is immediately across Amalias Avenue to the east, and surrounded by the extensive National Gardens, which are open to the public. Every hour, the changing of the guard ceremony, performed by the Presidential Guard, is conducted in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on the area between the square and parliament.

On Sundays and official holidays, the ceremonial changing of the guard takes place with an army band and the majority of the 120 Evzones present at 11 a.m. Syntagma Square is also a hub for many forms of public transportation in Athens; the metro and tram both stop here, and buses or trolley-buses are available to any point in the city. Travel between Syntagma Square and the Eleftherios Venizelos Airport is available via special airport bus and metro lines. Free wireless internet access at high speeds is also offered by the Municipality of Athens at the Square.

The Square is also located near many of Athens' oldest and most famous neighborhoods and tourist attractions. The neighborhoods of Acropolis, Plaka, Monastiraki, Psirri, Kolonaki and Omonia Square are all within walking distance, and most of the famous sites of ancient Athens are nearby. Furthermore, many of the city’s most elegant hotels are found encircling Sytagma – like the “Grand Britania”, which went through a major renovation and is as beautiful as ever.

Syntagma was one of the squares that went through a face lift in light of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. In August of 2004, it was given back to the people of Athens after about 50 trees were planted and marble benches were added.

The Municipality also gave the licenses for two cafés to operate where they once did during the 1960’s. The fountain was restored, and the element of water was enhanced by waterfalls that function as small oasis of refreshment. One would say that this is the best image that Syntagma could possibly portray for years now.

HOW TO GET THERE

BY ATHENS METRO: 1 (Green Line), 2 (Red Line), 3 (Blue Line), Station "Syntagma"

BY BUS: 024, 025, 026, 027, 040, 057, 106, 126, 134, 135, 136, 137, 155, 185, 209, 227, 230, 790, 856, A2, A3, B2, B3, E14, E 22, X14, X95

TROLLEY: 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12, 15, 21

BY TRAM: 4, 5

BY FOOT: Syntagma Square is the most central spot in the city. Therefore, it is accessable from numberous streets such as El. Venizelos Avenue, Stadiou Street, Ermou Street, Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, Vasilissis Amalias and Filellinon Street.

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