Syntagma Station
Syntagma Station was the first metro stop that we got the chance to explore. If you were in a rush you wouldn’t think much of the space other than it is a busy metro station as it has two separate lines running through it and is located in the city center. However we took the time to walk through the upper parts of the station and nothing could have prepared me for what was there. The metro system of Athens was built in a rush to prepare for the city hosting the Olympics so the people were challenged whit the issue of trying to preserve the history they were uncovering while still allowing for the needed addition of the metro lines to allow life to continue on. Thus the mini museums of the metro stations were born. Syntagma station has two notable parts of it’s preservation:a glass wall showing the different levels of ground and display cases.
The glass wall reveals a lot about what once lied where Syntagma now stands. There are different layers of soil as well as remnants of the old roads revealing the different levels the city once stood at. Other notable parts are the clay pipes down low from the old aqueducts that ran under the city, as well as a grave with an open side allowing onlookers to see the human remains resting within it. The open grave was easily the most striking thing within the wall at it lays at eye level and is a strong reminder of how pieces of Athens’ long, rich past can be found everywhere.
The other part of the museum witching the station is the display cases filled with various artifacts. There are many perfume vessels, other larger jars, pedestal tops, a mosaic piece, and more. These types of displays are found in most metro stations.
Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square is the central square of Athens. Syntagma meaning “constitution” is where the Athenians demanded a constitution from the young king at the time after Greece was liberated from the Turks marking the end of foreign domination. It is a large lively area where many events are held throughout the year and is a common spots for tourists as the area holds a lot of historical significance and has a main strip with lots of restaurants, hotels, and shops. For more information on the history of events at Syntagma square visit www.athensguide.com/syntagma.html .
The most time I spent in Syntagma was for the Athens Pride celebration and Parade. A large stage was set up as well as a strip of stands and shops and thousands of people were able to gather for the events. It is a must see event if you are ever in Athens in late June as not only does it allow you to get a feel for how diverse the space of the square is but the people as well.
The most time I spent in Syntagma was for the Athens Pride celebration and Parade. A large stage was set up as well as a strip of stands and shops and thousands of people were able to gather for the events. It is a must see event if you are ever in Athens in late June as not only does it allow you to get a feel for how diverse the space of the square is but the people as well.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
At the top of Syntagma Square sits the Greek Parliament building which was built in 1934. At the front of the building there is the sculpture marking the Tomb of The Unknown Solider, honoring the Greek soldiers that died during war. In front of the tomb stands two guard posts with two Greek guards called Evzones that are dressed in the formal guard uniforms and the guard the tomb for an hour at a time. The ritual for the changing of the guards is very formal and attracts a large audience in front of the building. The area is another great example of honoring Greek history without disrupting or displacing the current population as it is one area that pays tribute to Greek tradition and gives a glimpse into the past, while still integrating current military and life with it.