The Monument to the Unkown Soldier

The Monument is guarded round the clock by two Evzone soldiers dressed in unique traditional uniforms. Every hour, the ceremony of changing the guard at the monument to the unknown soldier takes place.It is one of the 'must sees' on a trip to Athens. The "Grand Change" occurs once a week, every Sunday at 11:00 am, with the participation of a platoon of Evzones, this is a major touristic attraction that is worth attending. The monument central sculpture represents a dying hoplite. On both sides of the sculpture the walls are inscribed with the names of battles and wars fought by the Greek army throughout the history and two quotations by Thucydides Artist Kostantinnos Dimitiradis is the creator of the hoplite sculpture. The monument was inaugurated on 25th of March, 1932. After visiting the monument of the unknown soldier you might continue with a visit of the National Garden or go shopping on Ermou Street and Voukourestiou Street. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located at Syntagma Square,Athens, at the foot of the Greek Parliament. [ locate on map ] Thucydides Quotations On both sides of the dying hoplite sculpture there are two inscriptions which are quotations by Thucydides, from Pericles' Funeral Oration. On the left is written: "Μία κλίνη κενή φέρεται έστρωμένη των άφανων", (... and one bed is carried empty, made for the unknown ones) and on the right "Άνδρων έπιφανων πασα γη τάφος", (For eminent men, every place is (worthy) burial ground). Related Links The Surprisingly Stressful Life of a Greek Presidential Guard The Evzones - Athens Info Guide Evzones (wikipedia.org) Presidential Guard offcial site  (Greek only)