Syntagma (Syndagma) Square, Athens Platía Syntágmatos
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Syntagma Square was named after the constitution granted by King Otto on Septermber 3, 1884, which is the largest and most imposing square in Athens, the hub of the city's traffic and the starting-point of numerous bus services. The cafes in the center of the square offer the opportunity for relaxation and refreshment. Around the square are numberous hotels and airline offices.To the north, between Panepistimiou and Stadiou Streets was the well-known cafe, Zonar's, where formerly stood the royal stables, on the site of a large ancient cemetery. The Lykeion - the Aristotelian school of philosophy from the word lyceum - was in the area of Syntagama Square and the National Garden.
Transit: Bus: 025, 040, 230 (Syntagma); Trolleybus: 1, 2, 4, 5, 11, 12.
Related Attractions
Parliament
The Parliament, a fine Classical building erected 1834-38 on plans of the architect Friedrich von Gärtner, dominates the east side of Syntagma Square. The complex which served Kings Otto I and George I as a residence, is 115m/377ft long and 95m/312ft deep. It is laid out around two inner courtyards. The 21m/70ft long portico with 10 Doric columns facing the square and the 44m/144ft long south gallery with 16 Doric columns facing the National Garden are a souvenir of the original plans of Leo von Klenze.
Hermes Street
The Ermou axial road running east to west was laid when Athens was extended after 1834. It links Syntagma Square with the main road to Piraeus, which it joins near the Kerameikos Cemetery. It is also the city's main shopping street, with the more expensive shops dominating the top part and small shops and workshops in the lower section. The churches of Kapnikaréa and Ayii Asómati are worth a visit. At the top end of the Ermou Evangelistrias and Ayíou Markou streets have recently been made into a pedestrian zone.
Kerameikos Cemetery
The Kerameikos Cemetery, located in the potters' quarter in ancient times, has been used for burials since the 12th C.
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Lioson Bus Station
The bus station on Liosion Street is reached by Bus 024, which leaves from Leofóros Amalias, in front of the National Garden (Syntagma Square). From here buses go to Khalkís, Aidipsós, Kyàmi, Delphi, Amfissa, Kaména Voúrla, Lárisa, Livadiá, Thebes and Tríkala (Metéora).Information about bus services can be obtained from the local offices of the Greek National Tourist Organization or from the bus company.
Tomb of the Unknown Warrior
In Syntagma Square, beneath the west front of the old parliament building, lies the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.At 11:15 am every Sunday the changing of the guard takes place here by the Evzones in their traditional uniform. On the walls on each side of the tomb are bronze shields listing Greek victories in the battles following 1821.
Lykeion
Recent investigations have suggested that the Lykeion - the Aristotelian school of philosophy from which we derive the word lyceum - was in the area of Syntagma Square and the National Garden.
Theatre of Dionysos
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Parthenon
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