Grand Changing of the Guard

In real life Every Sunday · 11:00 AM

Tomorrow (Sun, Sep 27)

The Evzones change guard every hour, but on Sunday mornings they march in full ceremonial dress with a military band.

The Evzones, soldiers of Greece's Presidential Guard (founded in 1868), guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Hellenic Parliament on Syntagma Square. The guard changes every hour on the hour, every day.

On Sundays at 11am there is a grander ceremony. The guards wear the traditional white foustanella kilt, whose 400 pleats are said to represent the years of Ottoman rule, and they march with a military band. It is free, takes place outdoors, and is one of the easiest things to see in central Athens.

📍 Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Hellenic Parliament, Syntagma Square
🎟 Cost: Free
🕒 When: Every Sunday, 11:00 AM
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What to expect

The Evzones in full ceremonial dress, including the white foustanella kilt
A larger march and ceremony at 11am on Sundays, with a band
Smaller changes of the guard every hour on the hour on other days
Photography is allowed

Tips for going

Arrive early on Sunday to get a clear view; the 11am ceremony draws a crowd.
Take the metro to Syntagma station, directly opposite the Parliament.
If you miss Sunday, the hourly change is still worth a look.

Upcoming dates

Tomorrow (Sun, Sep 27) · 11:00 AM
Sunday, October 4, 2026 · 11:00 AM
Sunday, October 11, 2026 · 11:00 AM
Sunday, October 18, 2026 · 11:00 AM
Sunday, October 25, 2026 · 11:00 AM
Sunday, November 1, 2026 · 11:00 AM

Questions people ask

Is it free?

Yes. It is a public ceremony outdoors.

Can I take photos?

Yes, photography is permitted.

What if I'm not there on a Sunday?

The guard changes every hour on the hour every day, in simpler service uniforms.

About Athens

The Acropolis rises over Athens with the Parthenon on top, and the old Plaka neighbourhood tumbles down its northern slope.

Getting there: The Akropoli metro station (line 2) is by the Acropolis Museum at the foot of the hill. The main entrance to the site is on the west side, below the Propylaea.

More about Athens and its 3D version →

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Details checked against whyathens.com. Organizers change plans, so confirm there before you go.

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