Plizio Visual Lab

Hellenic Parliament

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Hellenic Parliament, housed in the Old Royal Palace, stands as a prominent neoclassical landmark on Syntagma Square in central Athens. Designed by the Bavarian architect Friedrich von Gärtner, the building was constructed between 1836 and 1843 to serve as the official residence of King Otto, Greece's first modern monarch. Its austere and grand facade, built using local Pentelic marble, exemplifies the neoclassical style that dominated early 19th-century Greek architecture. Following a major fire in 1909 and the eventual transition from monarchy to republic, the palace underwent significant renovations in the early 1930s to accommodate the Greek legislature. Located in front of the building is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a cenotaph guarded by the Evzones, whose unique ceremonial changing of the guard occurs every hour. The interior features a majestic debating chamber and extensive historical archives documenting Greece's modern political evolution. As the seat of the Hellenic democracy, the building remains a focal point for national celebrations and significant political events.

Location: Greece
Top sights: Greek Parliament · Tomb of Unknown Soldier · B&M Theocharakis Foundation for the Fine Arts and Music
Nearby: South Athens (6 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	9	10	12	15	20	25	28	27	24	19	15	11
Rain mm	66	58	53	30	21	20	12	8	29	49	69	86

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Hellenic Parliament is well viewable from outside; the interior is open to the public only on certain days. The changing of the guard in front of the building is a popular spectacle.

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Typical hours

The changing of the guard typically occurs hourly, with a larger ceremony on Sundays. Interior tours are usually possible only on selected days and by prior appointment.

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Photography

Photography of the changing of the guard and the exterior façade is allowed. Inside the parliament, photography is generally not permitted.

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Time needed

Viewing the exterior and the changing of the guard takes about 15-30 minutes. For an interior tour, allow an additional hour.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with Syntagma Square and the National Garden. The Benaki Museum and the New Acropolis Museum are also nearby.

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Getting there

The parliament is located on Syntagma Square, well accessible by metro (Syntagma station). Numerous bus lines also stop nearby.

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Insider tip

Come on Sunday morning for the grand changing of the guard with military music. Don't miss the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier right on the square.

Geography

Coordinates

37.97530, 23.73710

Facts

The foundation stone was officially laid on February 1, 1836.
Architect Friedrich von Gärtner designed the palace in the neoclassical style.
The building has officially served as the Hellenic Parliament since July 1, 1934.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was dedicated on March 25, 1932.
The ceremonial guards (Evzones) wear shoes called 'tsarouchia' weighing 1.5 kg each.
The palace was significantly damaged by major fires in 1884 and 1909.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

National Garden of Athens<1 km · SExplore →

National Archaeological Museum2 km · NExplore →

Zografou2 km · EExplore →

Nea Smyrni4 km · SWExplore →

Neo Psychiko5 km · NEExplore →

Moschato5 km · SWExplore →

South Athens6 km · SWExplore →

Peristeri6 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Hellenic Parliament (9)

Greek Parliament

The building of the Hellenic Parliament, formerly a royal palace.

Tomb of Unknown Soldier

Created in 1930 in honor of war victims, in front of Parliament.

B&M Theocharakis Foundation for the Fine Arts and Music🏛 museum

A foundation and art gallery in Athens.

🌐 thf.gr🕒 Fr-We 10:00-18:00, Th 10:00-20:00♿

Syntagma Square

The central square in Athens, in front of the Parliament building.

Zoumpoulakis Galleries

A gallery in Athens, hosting art exhibitions.

Botanical Museum🏛 museum

A museum in Athens, displaying botanical collections.

National Garden🌳 park

A public park in Athens, behind the Parliament.

Theater Vretania

A theatre in Athens, hosting various performances.

Nikos Hadjikyriakos - Ghika Gallery🏛 museum

A gallery in Athens, showcasing works by Ghika.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When does the change of guards happen?

The change of guards takes place every hour in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Is there a special ceremony?

On Sundays at 11:00 AM, a large ceremony takes place with a military band and a full formation.

Can you visit the inside of the Parliament?

Public access is limited to organized tours on specific days and during temporary exhibitions.

Where is the Parliament located?

It is located directly at Syntagma Square in central Athens, easily accessible by metro.

Can I take photos of the guards (Evzones)?

Yes, photos are allowed, but you must not touch or disturb the guards while they are on duty.

Hellenic Parliament: where is it located?

Hellenic Parliament is located in Greece.

Hellenic Parliament: what is there to see?

Highlights include Greek Parliament, Tomb of Unknown Soldier, B&M Theocharakis Foundation for the Fine Arts and Music.

Hellenic Parliament: when is the best time to visit?