Syntagma Square Changing Of The Guard (Dec 14th 2023)

Описание: Change of Guards in Athens, Greece
(info here: https://www.davestravelpages.com/chan...)
The Changing of the Guard ceremony in Athens is a captivating and deeply symbolic event that takes place in front of the Hellenic Parliament, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This ceremony is performed by the Evzones, an elite infantry unit that serves as the presidential guard. These guards are known for their distinctive uniform, which is inspired by the attire of several Greek revolutionary heroes.

Here are some key aspects of the ceremony:

Location and Timing: The Changing of the Guard takes place outside the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located beneath the Hellenic Parliament and opposite Syntagma Square in Athens. This ceremony occurs every hour on the hour, so it's quite accessible to witness without needing to plan your day around it​​​​.

Precision and Stillness: The guards coordinate their movements according to a set routine, culminating in a moment of perfect stillness once they are in position. This precise and methodical display is a key aspect of the ceremony's appeal​​.

The Sunday Ceremony: While the Changing of the Guard happens hourly, the Sunday ceremony at 11:00 AM is particularly special. It is more elaborate than the regular hourly ceremonies, featuring a large ceremonial parade and a marching band, making it a must-see if you're in Athens on a Sunday​​​​.

Cenotaph Guarding: The Evzones guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a cenotaph in front of the Parliament Building. Their shifts change every hour, in a ceremonial fashion that pays homage to the soldiers who have given their lives for the country​​.