Changing of the Guards in Athens

Whether you’ve been to Athens or not, you’re no doubt familiar with the amazing monolithic structures left behind by the Romans some 2000 years ago. What you may not be familiar with is the incredibly unique and entertaining Changing of the Guards in Athens at Syntagma Square.

Acropolis building by MikesRoadTrip.com

Each hour, on the hour, the Greek soldiers of the Presidential Guard at Syntagma Square change positions. The ceremonial lasts for about ten minutes and attracts throngs of bystanders. The official and more elaborate transition, or “Changing of the Guards,” takes place on Sundays at 11am.

Greek Changing of the Guards in Athens by MikesRoadTrip.com

As you can see in the video below, the uniforms and the ceremony are quite unique. What looks like a slow and methodical exchange, is actually a designed performance in an effort to protect the soldier’s blood circulation after a sixty minute guard duty rotation of absolute immobility.

Have you ever seen the Greek Changing of the Guards in Athens? If so, please leave a comment below and share your thoughts and experience.

Changing of the Guards in Athens, Greece by MikesRoadTrip.com

Mike Shubic

Mike Shubic is a seasoned road trip travel video blogger, traversing the byways of the world looking for those hidden gems of the road. From unique destinations, unexpected discoveries, creative cuisine, intriguing inns to exciting attractions…the road is his page. The experiences are his ink. And every 300 miles, a new chapter begins. Whether you live vicariously or by example, Mike will do the exploring so you can have an adventure.
[crp]