Syntagma Square of Athens

Syntagma Square is the central square of Athens. It was named after the constitution that King Otto was forced to grant in 1843, following the September 3rd uprising, during which the people and the Athens garrison demanded the issuance of a constitution, the fundamental law of the state, in front of what was then the royal palace (now the Hellenic Parliament). Syntagma Square, along with Omonia Square, constitutes one of the two main landmarks of the city. It is bounded by Vasilissis Amalias Avenue to the east, Vasilis Georgiou I Street to the north, Othonos Street to the south, and a street to the west named "Syntagma Square," which connects Stadiou Street with Filhellenon Street. The eastern side of the square is higher than the western side, which is why access from the square to Amalias Avenue is via a central marble staircase. The steps of Syntagma Square, along with its 19th-century marble fountain in the center, are a meeting point for both the people of Athens and visitors to the city. Syntagma Square is surrounded by significant buildings of the capital, such as the Hellenic Parliament building, the historic "Hotel Grande Bretagne," and the Ministry of Finance. Pictured: Syntagma Square of Athens in 1890. ©Municipal Photography Museum of Kalamaria ‘Christos Kalemkeris’.