The Greek Parliament Building on Syntagma Square marks the political center of the city. Along with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Evzones Changing of the Guard, it is among the top 10 attractions in Athens.
Read this guide for what to expect at the Parliament Building in Athens, including its history, tours, and how to get there.
What Can I Do at the Greek Parliament Building?
The Parliament Building in the heart of the city center is now the seat of the Greek Parliament. Originally, however, it was built as a royal palace by King Otto, which explains its splendor and grandeur.
The neoclassical, ocher-colored building impresses, above all with its simple elegance and the porch surrounded by Doric columns.
Inside is the main library, which visitors are free to visit.
Guided Tours
All other rooms of the parliament building can be visited as part of a guided tour. The free tours are in English and last 1.5 hours. Among other things, you are guided through the plenary hall while learning about Greece's past, the Greek form of government and the history of the Parliament building. In order to take part in the guided tours, a reservation at least 5 days in advance is required. You can find out more about this here.
Plenary Session
It is possible to attend a plenary session of the Greek Parliament by phoning in advance for permission. Here you will find all further information.
Temporary Exhibitions
Occasionally exhibitions are held in the parliament building, which are intended to commemorate important historical events or important personalities of the country. You can find out more here.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
In front of the Parliament building is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It features an intricate relief depicting warrior figures and several inscriptions.
The memorial is guarded by the Evzones, the former royal Greek bodyguards.
Evzones Changing of the Guard
The Evzones Changing of the Guard, which takes place every hour in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, is a major attraction for visitors . The ceremony draws countless tourists from all countries every day to admire the graceful and expansive steps of the traditionally dressed Presidential Guard.
Syntagma Square
Since the Parliament is located on the lively Syntagma Square, a visit to the site can be combined with a variety of experiences. For example, just a few meters from the Parliament is the National Garden, which is ideal for an idyllic break in the countryside. The area around Syntagma Square is also home to numerous cafes, bars and clubs, suitable for relaxing or partying, depending on your preference. Thanks to the many designer shops and boutiques, you can also go on a shopping spree. Especially since this is where the popular Ermou shopping mile begins, which leads to Monastiraki Square and is surrounded by a number of shops.
How Do I Get to the Greek Parliament Building?
The Parliament Building is located on the east side of Syntagma Square in central Athens. Since Syntagma Square is a major transport hub, it is most easily reached by public transport. The metro station at the square is called "Syntagma" and can be reached by metro line 2 or 3. Alternatively, you can also take the Hop on Hop off bus tour to station A1 "Syntagma Square".
Visitors arriving from Piraeus Port can go to the nearby Piraeus Metro Station and board the M1 line. A single ticket is sufficient for the 16-minute journey to Monastiraki Station. There change to the metro line 2 and go one stop to the "Syntagma" station.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
The Greek Parliament is located on the east side of Syntagma Square in central Athens. The address is: Parliament Mansion (Megaro Voulis), GR-10021, Athens
Since the Parliament building on Syntagma Square is located right in the heart of Athens, it can be easily reached by public transport. The metro station at the square is called "Syntagma" and can be reached by metro line 2 or 3. Alternatively, you can also take the Hop on Hop off bus tour to station A1 "Syntagma Square".
Visitors arriving from Piraeus Port can go to the nearby Piraeus Metro Station and board the M1 line. A single ticket is sufficient for the 16-minute journey to Monastiraki Station. There change to the metro line 2 and go one stop to the "Syntagma" station.
Those interested can take part in the free guided tours of the Parliament building. They last 1.5 hours and are held in English. However, pre-registration by telephone is required.
It is possible to attend a plenary session of the Greek Parliament. However, it is necessary to apply for a permit in advance by telephone.
History of the Greek Parliament Building
The history of today's Parliament building dates back to 1832 when Otto, Prince of Bavaria, was proclaimed King of Greece. With the simultaneous transfer of the capital to Athens, the construction of a royal residence was decided, which should be located in the center of the new capital.
In 1836 the construction of the royal palace began under the direction of the German architect Friedrich von Gaertner. The royal couple Otto and Amalia moved into the neoclassical building on July 25, 1843 and had it and the garden richly decorated.
The building served as a royal residence until 1910. After a fire at the palace, the royal family moved to Tatoi Castle, 20 km north of Athens. Until the abolition of the monarchy in Greece in 1924, the building was officially the seat of the royal family.
Over the next few years, the city palace was used as a reception center for refugees, as a hospital and as a museum.
Finally, in 1929, it was decided that the Greek Parliament would move to the former royal residence. The building was rebuilt accordingly and on August 2, 1934 the first session of the parliament was held. Since then, the former royal palace has served as the seat of the Greek Parliament.
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