About Syntagma
Syntagma is a square located in Athens, Greece. It's Athens' main square and one of the most famous plazas in the country. King Otto, the first King of Greece, named Syntagma the Greek word for "constitution" in the aftermath of the Greek Revolution in 1843. Syntagma has played host to many of Greece's most famous modern historical events, from political rallies to bloody battles.
Since its origin, the location has been the site of numerous public events including a range of famous protests and demonstrations. Today, Syntagma Square still offers a place for these types of events but it is also regularly filled with tourists who come to experience the lively Square for themselves. With the looming parliament building, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and picturesque water fountain, there’s certainly plenty to see. With plenty of transport options and famous landmarks nearby, Syntagma square makes the ideal base from which to discover what the ancient city of Athens has to offer.
Things to do in and around Syntagma
Due to its position near the center of the city, Syntagma is just a stone's throw from many of the best museums and monuments in Athens. You'll also find plenty of places to try some tasty Greek delicacies or enjoy a spot of shopping. Here are a few of the best things to do in and around Syntagma Square.
- Sample some Greek cuisine at one of the dozens of nearby restaurants. Within a couple of blocks of Syntagma are some great local eateries, including Tzitzikas kai Mermigas, Ergon Athens, and MEATROPOLEOS 3.
- Pick up a new outfit along Athens' Ermou Street. There are many well-known stores along this street, including Zara, H&M, and Adidas.
- Take a stroll through the historic National Gardens. Covering 38 acres adjacent to Syntagma Square, the National Gardens contain many interesting sights, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the National Garden Botanical Museum.
- Learn about Olympic history at the Panathenaic Stadium. This classic white marble stadium hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and was built on the site of a 3rd century BC racetrack.
- Take a ride to the top of Mount Lycabettus. This limestone hill rises over 900 feet above sea level. Visitors can take a funicular train to the top of Mount Lycabettus, which provides postcard-perfect panoramas of Athens.
Transit options near Syntagma
- Metro train service from Syntagma Metro Station
- Trolleybus Service (Lines 2, 3, 4, 9, 11, 13, 15)
- Athens Coastal Trams
Luggage storage near Syntagma
Athens is a huge city with tons of fascinating landmarks dating back to the Ancient Greeks. With hilly, cobbled streets, the chances are you'll want to travel light when visiting Athens. Bounce has several luggage storage services near Syntagma, where you can drop off any heavy belongings. Booking through the Bounce app is quick and simple, with nearby facilities clearly marked. Find a Syntagma luggage storage service today, so you don't have to drag your bags around Athens.
Attractions and activities near Syntagma
Syntagma Square is a must-see destination offering a range of activities itself, but that’s no excuse to overlook the surrounding area. Its location in the heart of the city means you are only a short distance from some of Athens’ other attractions and activities that you won’t want to miss.
- Acropolis of Athens: Acropolis is a symbol of Ancient Greece and is a must-visit in Athens. Perched on top of a hill overlooking Athens, this vast fortified citadel dates back to around the 5th century BC. It is believed that the Athenian leader Pericles spearheaded the creation of Acropolis after a victory over the Persians. Substantial parts of Acropolis remain, including the famed Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. Many modern political and philosophical ideals were conceived within Acropolis, including democracy and freedom of speech.
While touring Acropolis, you'll come across the Propylaea, a grand entranceway to Acropolis, and the Erechtheum, a temple dedicated to Ancient Greek hero Erichthonius. You're not allowed to bring any bags to Acropolis, so check in at a Syntagma luggage storage service. - Acropolis Museum: Archeologists discovered many amazing Ancient Greek artifacts at Acropolis, some of which are now on display at the Acropolis Museum. With a collection of over 4,000 relics of Ancient Greece, the Acropolis Museum contains everything from parts of acropolis' buildings to preserved sculptures. One of the most impressive displays at the Acropolis Museum is the Parthenon Marbles, a collection of eight white marble sculptures that lined the top of the exterior of the Parthenon.
Other highlights from the museum include a statue of Goddess Nike from between the 1st and 3rd century, a 5th-century statue of a man carrying a calf known as Moschophoros, and a bust of Roman prince Tiberius Julius Sauromates II. - Byzantine And Christian Museum: Lovers of early art will enjoy the Byzantine And Christian Museum. This museum has a huge collection numbering over 25,000 objects, which date from as far back as the 3rd century. Most of the objects on display are religious iconography from the Byzantine, Post-Byzantine, and Medieval periods. Some of the fascinating pieces you'll see while perusing the museum's collection include a 14th-century depiction of Archangel Michael and a 4th-century Roman statue of Orpheus. After touring the museum, take a stroll around the museum's garden, or stop by the cafe for a light snack or a coffee.
- Ancient Agora of Athens: Another important part of Athenian history is the Ancient Agora of Athens. An agora was an Ancient Greek public space for gatherings. The Ancient Agora of Athens is the earliest example of an agora in Greece. It is thought this agora dates back to the 6th century BC. While not much of the agora remains today, at one time the area was home to over 15 buildings, including several temples and an ancient walkway known as a stoa. The agora's best sight is the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best-preserved Ancient Greek temples.