The guardians of the Unknown Soldier
The guardians of the Unknown Soldier
When visitors set their eyes on the imposing building of the Greek Parliament, or Syntagma, one of the first things they notice is the two guardians that stand in the middle of the square. They wear the traditional garment of Greece and remain still no matter what happens around them. In Greek, they are called Evzones.
Who are the Evzones?
Evzones are highly trained and disciplined soldiers who guard outside the Hellenic Parliament in Syntagma Square, Athens, around the clock, 24 hours a day. Being selected for this role among other young men is considered a great honor.
Why do they stand in front of the Parliament?
The Evzones stand right at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a war memorial located in Syntagma Square in Athens. It was built to honor all those unknown soldiers who died for the freedom of Greece. The role of the Evzones is to protect the tomb and highlight its importance.
What does the costume symbolize?
The Evzones wear the traditional outfit of Greeks before the 19th century, and each piece of the costume has its own symbolism. The Fustanella (a type of kilt) is made of a 30-meter white fabric which has 400 pleats, representing the number of years of the Ottoman occupation of Greece. The red cap, with its red color, symbolizes the blood spilled by the warriors during the nation’s liberation struggles. The vest is the most valuable piece of the costume, as it is hand-embroidered, and the designs are copies of original vests worn by the great Greek warriors. The shoes are particularly interesting. This type of shoe is called Tsarouchi, and each pair weighs 3 kg.
When and where can you see the Evzones?
The Evzones stand in front of Syntagma 24 hours a day, so you can see them anytime. However, if you are looking for an admirable spectacle, then you can see the ceremony of the Grand Changing of the Guards. For this event, a detachment of Evzones, accompanied by a military band, marches from the Presidential Mansion to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square. The ceremony of the Grand Changing of the Guards takes place every Sunday at 11:00 am.
