Monument to the Unknown Soldier: A Symbol of Greek Valor

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A solemn war memorial in the heart of Athens, guarded by the iconic Evzones, honoring the Greek soldiers who died in war.

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Monument to the Unknown Soldier

The Monument to the Unknown Soldier, located in Syntagma Square in Athens, is a war memorial dedicated to Greek soldiers killed in war. Guarded 24/7 by the Evzones of the Presidential Guard, it's a site of solemn remembrance and national pride.

A brief summary to Monument to the Unknown Soldier

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

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Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Monument to the Unknown Soldier.

Witness the changing of the guard ceremony performed by the Evzones, especially the elaborate ceremony on Sunday at 11 am.
Show respect for the site as it is a war memorial; maintain a respectful distance during the changing of the guard.
The monument is particularly significant on national holidays like March 25th (Greek Independence Day) and October 28th (Ohi Day).

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Getting There

Walking

From Syntagma Square, the Monument to the Unknown Soldier is easily accessible on foot as it is located directly in front of the Hellenic Parliament building. Simply walk towards the Parliament building, and you will find the monument. No costs are involved.
Public Transport

The Monument is located at Syntagma Square, which is a central transportation hub in Athens. You can reach Syntagma Square via the Athens Metro (Lines 2 and 3). A standard ticket for public transport in Athens costs approximately €1.20 and is valid for 90 minutes. Alternatively, a 24-hour ticket costs €4.10.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available throughout Athens. A short taxi ride from the city center to the Monument to the Unknown Soldier would typically cost between €4.00 and €10.00, depending on traffic and the time of day. Keep in mind that there may be surcharges for night rides.

Discover more about Monument to the Unknown Soldier

The Monument to the Unknown Soldier stands as a poignant tribute to the Greek soldiers who have fallen in battle, a cenotaph in the heart of Athens. Situated in Syntagma Square, in front of the Hellenic Parliament (Old Royal Palace), this monument serves as a constant reminder of the sacrifices made for the nation's freedom and security.Inaugurated on March 25, 1932, the monument was designed by architect Emmanuel Lazaridis and features a sculpture by Fokion Rok. The sculpture depicts a fallen warrior, a hoplite from ancient Greece, lying in repose with a shield and helmet, seemingly ready to rise again. The monument's design blends classical and modern elements, reflecting Greece's rich history and artistic heritage.The monument is a large Π-shaped structure made of limestone. Inscribed on the surrounding walls are the names of battles where Greek soldiers fought, from the Balkan Wars to World War II and beyond. The monument also features excerpts from Pericles' Funeral Oration, honoring the fallen.The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded around the clock by the Evzones, members of the Presidential Guard. These elite soldiers, known for their distinctive traditional uniforms, perform hourly changing of the guard ceremonies that draw many visitors. The Evzones' uniform is rich in symbolism, with the foustanella (kilt) having 400 pleats representing the 400 years of Ottoman rule. The most elaborate ceremony takes place on Sunday mornings at 11 am and includes a military band.Visiting the Monument to the Unknown Soldier offers a chance to witness a deeply meaningful symbol of Greek identity and to pay respects to those who gave their lives for their country.