Syntagma: The Heartbeat of Athens

• HelloΓεια σας
  [Yia sas]
• GoodbyeΑντίο
  [Adio]
• YesΝαι
  [Ne]
• NoΌχι
  [Ochi]
• Please/You're welcomeΠαρακαλώ
  [Parakalo]
• Thank youΕυχαριστώ
  [Efharisto]
• Excuse me/SorryΣυγνώμη
  [Signomi]
• How are you?Πώς είστε;
  [Pos iste?]
• Fine. And you?Καλά. Εσείς;
  [Kala. Esis?]
• Do you speak English?Μιλάτε αγγλικά;
  [Milate anglika?]
• I don't understandΔεν καταλαβαίνω
  [Den katalaveno]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseΘα ήθελα να δω το μενού, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na do to menou, parakalo]
• I don't eat meatΔεν τρώω κρέας
  [Den troo kreas]
• Cheers!Υγεία!
  [Ygeia!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseΘα ήθελα να πληρώσω, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na plirosso, parakalo]

• Help!Βοήθεια!
  [Voithia!]
• Go away!Φύγε!
  [Fige!]
• Call the Police!Καλέστε την Αστυνομία!
  [Kaleste tin Astynomia!]
• Call a doctor!Καλέστε ένα γιατρό!
  [Kaleste ena yatro!]
• I'm lostΈχω χαθεί
  [Eho hathi]
• I'm illΕίμαι άρρωστος
  [Eimai arrostos]

• I'd like to buy...Θα ήθελα να αγοράσω...
  [Tha ithela na agoraso...]
• I'm just lookingΑπλά κοιτάω
  [Apla kitao]
• How much is it?Πόσο κοστίζει;
  [Poso kostizi?]
• That's too expensiveΑυτό είναι πολύ ακριβό
  [Afto ine poli akribo]
• Can you lower the price?Μπορείτε να χαμηλώσετε την τιμή;
  [Mporeite na hamilosete tin timi?]

• What time is it?Τι ώρα είναι;
  [Ti ora ine?]
• It's one o'clockΕίναι μία ώρα
  [Ine mia ora]
• Half past (10)Μισή (10)
  [Misi (10)]
• MorningΠρωί
  [Proi]
• AfternoonΑπόγευμα
  [Apoyevma]
• EveningΒράδυ
  [Vradi]
• YesterdayΧθες
  [Hthes]
• TodayΣήμερα
  [Simera]
• TomorrowΑύριο
  [Avrio]
• 1Ένα
  [Ena]
• 2Δύο
  [Dyo]
• 3Τρία
  [Tria]
• 4Τέσσερα
  [Tessera]
• 5Πέντε
  [Pente]
• 6Έξι
  [Exi]
• 7Εφτά
  [Efta]
• 8Οκτώ
  [Okto]
• 9Εννέα
  [Ennea]
• 10Δέκα
  [Deka]

• Where's a/the...?Πού είναι ένα/το...;
  [Pou ine ena/to...?]
• What's the address?Ποια είναι η διεύθυνση;
  [Poia ine i diefthinsi?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Μπορείτε να μου δείξετε (στο χάρτη);
  [Mporeite na mou deksete (sto charti)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Πότε είναι το επόμενο (λεωφορείο);
  [Pote ine to epomeno (leoforeio)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Ένα εισιτήριο (για...)
  [Ena isitirio (gia...)]

Syntagma Square, or Constitution Square, was established in the 19th century, following the establishment of the modern Greek state. It was named after the 1843 Constitution, which was granted by King Otto in response to popular demands for political reform. This pivotal moment in Greek history was reflected in the square's design, which became a central hub for political gatherings and public demonstrations.

The Greek Parliament building, originally the royal palace, was constructed between 1836 and 1842. Its transformation from a royal residence to the seat of the Parliament marked a significant shift in Greek governance. The building stands as a testament to the evolution of democracy in Greece, with Syntagma Square serving as the backdrop for numerous historic events, including parliamentary debates and national celebrations.

Syntagma Square was the epicenter of the 1909 military coup, which aimed to address political corruption and inefficiencies in the government. The coup was initiated by the so-called 'Young Turks' of the Greek Army, leading to a significant change in political power dynamics. This event underscored the square's role as a focal point for political action and unrest throughout Greek history.

In the wake of Greece's financial crisis, Syntagma Square became synonymous with mass protests against austerity measures imposed by the government and international creditors. Starting in 2010, demonstrators gathered in the square, creating a vibrant atmosphere of activism that drew both national and international attention. The protests highlighted the square's ongoing significance as a space for civic engagement and public discourse.

Today, Syntagma Square remains a vital cultural and social hub in Athens. The square hosts various events, including festivals and public celebrations, while surrounded by significant landmarks, such as the National Garden and the Hilton Hotel. Its central location makes it a popular meeting point for locals and tourists alike, reinforcing its status as a symbol of modern Greek identity and civic life.

Syntagma is centrally located in Athens, making it easily accessible from various neighborhoods. The Syntagma Metro Station is on Line 3 (the Blue Line) and connects directly to the Athens International Airport, with a journey time of about 40 minutes. From other neighborhoods, you can use Metro Line 2 (the Red Line) to reach Syntagma. Buses and trolleys also service the area, with many routes passing through the central square.

Syntagma is best explored on foot, as many attractions are within walking distance. The Syntagma Metro Station provides access to the greater Athens metro system. Buses and trolleys are readily available for longer distances, with stops conveniently located near major sights. For a more local experience, consider renting a bicycle through one of the city's bike-sharing programs, which can be a fun way to navigate the vibrant streets.

Syntagma is generally safe for tourists; however, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone late at night in less crowded areas. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded places. Areas around Omonia Square, while not far from Syntagma, are known for higher crime rates and should be approached with caution.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance from police, fire, or medical services. Syntagma has several hospitals and clinics nearby, including the private Hygeia Hospital and the public KAT Hospital. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, you can find pharmacies throughout the neighborhood.

Fashion: Do dress respectfully, especially when visiting churches or official sites. Avoid revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; if visiting a church, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. Public Transport: Do give your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Kalimera' (Good morning). Eating & Drinking: Do try local tavernas for authentic Greek cuisine. Don’t refuse food or drink offered by locals, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Syntagma like a local, visit the nearby National Garden for a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle. Try to catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which takes place every hour. For dining, seek out family-run tavernas rather than tourist spots for authentic Greek dishes. Additionally, consider visiting local markets for fresh produce and unique Greek products.