Syntagma Square

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 The original plans for the construction of the Parliament Building in Athens were to have it built atop the Acropolis. However, quite thankfully, this did not come to happen, and the Parliament Building was instead erected at the head of Syntagma Square. Built in the neo-classical style, a style that originated in Greece and typifies many of the hallmark Athens buildings, construction of the Parliament Building began in 1836 and was finished in the early 1840"s. It was built under the rule of King Otto of Bavaria with finances produced by his father, Ludwig I. 

 With the Greek Revolution of 1821, the Greek mainland managed to liberate itself from the Ottoman Empire. After hundreds of years living under Turkish rule, it was decided by the ruling faction that Otto of Bavaria would become the new King of Greece. When this was decided, Otto was not of age to rule yet, and so he came with forces and three designated ruling dictators that soon took advantage of their new empire monetarily. Eventually, when Otto reached his ruling age, the Greeks had grown tired of his dignitaries and demanded they be removed and that a new constitution be written. The name Syntagma means “Constitution”, and it is from this historical perspective that Syntagma Square was named.

Syntagma Square Athens is the heart of the city and it is for all intents and purposes the most important square in all of Greece. Syntagma Square is a prime beginning point from which to access many of the main attractions in Athens, and many of the city’s most notable streets begin at the square. Vassilissis Sophias Avenue, also known as Museum Mile, is one of the prolific city arteries which runs out of Syntagma Square. Among the museums found along this strip are the Benaki Museum, the Byzantine Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art. Many of the most expensive Athens hotels are found at Syntagma Square, including the Grande Bretagne Hotel, as well as Ermou Street, the city’s most expensive shopping strip. Ermou Street connects Syntagma Square Athens to Monastiraki, where tourists and Athenians alike shop for bargains at the Monastiraki Plaka flea market. Other notable neighborhoods near Syntagma Square are the chic Kolonaki, and the neighborhood of Psirri. Within walking distance of Syntagma Square Athens are the Acropolis, the Tower of Winds, Lykavittos Hill and a series of other attractions, including many historic churches.