P454 - Greece - Changing of the Guard, Athens

Changing of the Guard: Evzones in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Syntagma Square, Athens, Greece

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

The square proper 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 11am.

宪法广场是希腊首都雅典的主要广场，位于希腊国会之前，得名于1843年9月3日奥托国王在起义后批准的希腊宪法。

宪法广场北到Vassileos Georgiou A'街，南面是Othonos 街，西到Filellinon 街，东到阿马利亚大街。广场的东部比西部高，有一些大理石台阶通到阿马利亚大街。其下方是地铁车站。附近多户外咖啡馆，是受欢迎的市中心聚会地点。广场的南北有两片绿地，种植有遮荫树木，中心是一个大型喷泉，与雅典人一同度过炎夏。

广场经常举行政治游行。东侧的阿马利亚大街对面，就是议会大厦及其周围的国家公园。每个小时在广场与议会之间的无名烈士墓前举行总统卫兵换岗仪式。在星期日和官方假日，大部分卫兵都参加换岗仪式，并有军乐队伴奏。

References sources : wikipedia