Background

Monument to the Unknown Soldier: A Symbol of Remembrance in Athens

A solemn tribute to Greek soldiers, the Monument to the Unknown Soldier stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance and national pride in the heart of Athens.

4.7

The Monument to the Unknown Soldier, located in Syntagma Square in front of the Hellenic Parliament, is a cenotaph dedicated to Greek soldiers killed in war. Sculpted in the 1930s, it features a statue of a fallen warrior and inscriptions commemorating battles where Greek forces fought. The monument is guarded 24/7 by the Evzones of the Presidential Guard, adding to its solemnity and significance.

A brief summary to Monument to the Unknown Soldier

  • Leof. Vasilisis Amalias 133, Athens, 105 57, GR

Local tips

  • Witness the changing of the guard ceremony performed by the Evzones, which occurs every hour, for a display of traditional Greek military precision.
  • Visit on Sunday at 11 am to see the ceremonial march of the Presidential Guard to the monument, accompanied by a military band.
  • Take time to read the inscriptions on the monument, which list the names of battles where Greek forces fought and quotes from ancient texts.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From Syntagma Square, the Monument to the Unknown Soldier is directly in front of the Hellenic Parliament building. If you are in the central areas of Athens, such as Plaka or Monastiraki, follow signs towards Syntagma Square. The monument is located on Vasilissis Amalias Avenue.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Athens Metro to 'Syntagma' station. Lines 2 and 3 both stop at Syntagma. After exiting the station, use the escalators to reach street level. The Monument to the Unknown Soldier will be directly in front of you, across from the Greek Parliament building. A standard ticket for public transport in Athens costs €1.20 and is valid for 90 minutes. Alternatively, a day pass costs €4.10.

  • Taxi

    Taxis can be found around Syntagma Square, particularly along Amalias Avenue and Othonos Street. The base fare for a taxi in Athens is €1.80, with a charge of €0.90/km during the day and €1.25/km at night. A short taxi ride within the city center will likely cost around €8. Ensure the driver sets the meter to avoid extra charges.

  • Car

    If driving, use the address 'Leof. Vasilisis Amalias 133, Athina 105 57' in your GPS. The monument is located near Syntagma Square. Parking can be challenging. Consider using nearby parking garages such as 'Metropark' located near Syntagma Square. The average fee is €25 per day.

Unlock the Best of Monument to the Unknown Soldier

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Monument to the Unknown Soldier

The Monument to the Unknown Soldier is one of the most important monuments in Athens and Greece. Located in front of the Hellenic Parliament in Syntagma Square, it serves as a cenotaph honoring Greek soldiers who died in war. The monument was commissioned in 1926 and inaugurated on March 25, 1932. The monument's design blends French urban and classical traditions with Art Deco elements and symbolic references to ancient Greece. The main feature is a large bas-relief sculpture of a dying Greek warrior, created by sculptor Fokion Rok. The warrior holds a shield and wears an ancient helmet, evoking a sense of timeless sacrifice. Inscriptions on the limestone walls surrounding the sculpture list battle sites where Greek forces fought, from the Balkan Wars to World War II and beyond. These inscriptions, along with quotes from Thucydides, pay tribute to the soldiers' bravery and the enduring legacy of their sacrifice. The monument is guarded around the clock by the Evzones, members of the Presidential Guard. These soldiers, dressed in traditional uniforms, perform a ceremonial changing of the guard every hour, attracting many visitors. The Evzones' distinctive attire and precise movements add to the monument's solemn atmosphere. The Evzones' uniforms are full of symbolism, with the foustanella's 400 pleats representing the 400 years of Ottoman occupation and the white color symbolizing the purity of the national independence struggle. The Monument to the Unknown Soldier is a place for reflection and remembrance. It stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Greek soldiers throughout history and a symbol of national pride.

Popular Experiences near Monument to the Unknown Soldier

Popular Hotels near Monument to the Unknown Soldier

Select Currency