For most travellers Greece is synonymous to sand, sea, sunshine and the majestic Greek islands. However, Athens can also offer tourists some great options, while en route to the dreamy Greek island on their itinerary. You soak up the rich history and incredible archeological sites the Greek capital is famous for. Start your experience in the capital by going to the famous Syntagma Square in the centre of the city. We give you a list of 25 things to do at Syntagma Square in Athens, as presented by greecelists.wordpress.com, one of the best sources on all things Greece in the blogosphere.
The steps at Syntagma Square have been a traditional meeting point for people as all roads seem to lead here. You’ll find commuters rushing during peak hour traffic, children feeding the pigeons and backpackers dipping into the fountain to cool down during a heatwave after a spot of Athens sightseeing.
Sit still, listen carefully to the undercurrents of the pulsating crowd and tap into the next chapter of modern Greek history in the making. After all, every major event has either been mourned or celebrated here.
Named after the Constitution (Syntagma) that King Otto – Greece’s first royal – granted following a popular revolt on September 3, 1843. The riots took place right at the doorstep of his palace that has housed the Greek Parliament since 1934. Stimulated by the goings on within its 19th-century neo-classical crowning landmark, the crowds sometimes turn to mobs with violent civil battles between post-war commies and royalists or, more recently, the angered political cries of youths armed with explosives.
Worst still are the moments of silence when the square is stunned by Nazi occupiers or tanks heralding the start of a 7-year dictatorship or even retired pharmacist Dimitris Christoulas blowing his brains out one morning in 2012, unable to cope with the burden of austerity measures.
Things to do at Syntagma Square:1.Photograph the evzones during the main changing of the guard ceremony at 11:00 Sunday or every hour on the hour 24×7.
2. Take a close look at the tomb of the unkown soldier.
3. Feed the pigeons.
4.Take a free tour of Parliament house.
5. Make a wish and throw a coin in the fountain.
6. Or cool down on a hot summer’s day.
7. Read the notes occasionally pinned to the red-painted “suicide tree”.
8. Attend a free lecture or workshop at Public Bookstore.
9. Enjoy brunch with a bird’s eye view of the square at Public Bookstore.
10. Visit the museum of ancient artifacts found during the excavation works at Syntagma metro station.
11. Find George Zongolopoulos’ atrium of flying umbrellas at Syntagma Metro.
12. Stroll through the walkway from the metro ticket booth to the Panepistimiou Street.
13. Attend one of the numerous fairs and bazaars at the conference center of the Syntagma metro station.
14. Attend the Dancing Athens street festival at squares around Athens – including Syntagma Square on October 1 with a presentation of works by choreographer Cie Willi Dorber, titled “Bodies in Urban Space”.
15. Take a selfie at the designated selfie spot at the historic Grand Bretagne Hotel rooftop.
16. People watch at one of the sidewalk cafes.
17. Join a protest rally or riot or any other gathering, such as the Athens Gay Pride Parade.
18. Play Pokemon Go.
19. Watch the annual lighting of the Christmas tree in December.
20. Buy a lottery ticket from the vendor just outside the metro station.
21. Have a Big Mac at McDonalds.
22. Admire the portion of the Peisistratian aqueduct on display at Syntagma Square.
23. Visit one of the remaining florists on Vas. Sofias Avenue, just beneath Greek Parliament, before they disappear forever.
24. Search for democracy.
25. Listen to the crowds.
Getting there: Syntagma Metro Station, Syntagma Tram Station, X95 Airport busby Mary Sinanidis
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