See Also
- Top-Rated Lodgings in Athens
- Places to Stay in Athens
- Top Dining Spots in Athens
- Prime Activities to Enjoy in Athens
- Highly Rated Museums in Athens
Changing of the Guard at the Greek Parliament Building
Evzones, also referred to asTsolias, represent an esteemed group of Greek soldiers who serve as members of the Presidential Guard. This distinguished ceremonial unit is trusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the building housing the Hellenic Parliament. Additionally, they perform the symbolic act of raising and lowering the national flag every Sunday on the historic Acropolis, further demonstrating their dedication to the country`s heritage and traditions.
At the Parliament building, Evzones stand guard during one-hour shifts, switching places with another guard three times within every 48-hour period. During each hour stint, they remain completely still until time to swap with another guard. To ensure flawless coordination during the changing of the guard, they work in pairs and execute their movements in slow motion. This not only protects their blood circulation after standing motionless for an hour but also highlights their rigorous military training and the exceptional physical fitness required for these duties.
The distinctive uniforms worn by the Evzones, rich in historical significance, are meticulously handcrafted by hand, with their appearance evolving from the clothing worn by two groups of warriors during the Greek War of Independence in 1821. The guards don more casual versions of the uniform as part of their daily routine, opting for khaki in summer and navy blue in winter. However, on Sundays and formal occasions, they put on the striking formal white uniforms embellished with intricately sewn waistcoats.
The traditional white skirt, otherwise known as foustanella, contains precisely 400 folds, representing the 400 years of Ottoman rule over the Greeks. Their pom-pommed leather footwear, otherwise calledtsarouhia, incorporate 60 nails in every sole, generating a resonant sound with every graceful step taken — a symbolic reminder that the Greeks continue to thrive for their forebears to hear. Each tsarouchia weighs over one and a half kilograms. The Evzones’ red caps exhibit a Greek crest on the front and a long silk tassel on the side.
Athens Changing of the Guard schedule
- Daily: Every hour on the hour facing the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Hellenic Parliament Building.
- Sundays: The formal event begins at 11am, with an elaborate procession of Evzones led by a military band, that marches west down Vasilissis Sofias Avenue before turning left onto Vasilisis Amalias, passing Syntagma Square, and advancing up to the Hellenic Parliament building and the Monument of the Unknown Soldier. Arrive 15-20 minutes early to get a good view.
Hourly Changing of the Guard at Greek Parliament
