Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Athens)

 cenotaph, war memorial

Leoforos Vasilisis Amalias 133
Athina 105 57, Greece

Evzone soldiers guard the monument dedicated to greek soldiers who have died in combat. The evzones, dressed in traditional foustanella kilts and clogs, are a popular photo opportunity for tourists and a much-revered symbol of independence for Greeks. On sundays and holidays they wear their dress uniforms, which are the most showy. The changing of the guards ceremony occurs every hour, with larger ceremonies featuring the entire squadron of evzones at noon. The ritualized "dance" performed by the guards as they assume their posts is quite moving.

Tourist crowds are kept at bay by military police, though once the evzones have marched to the square the tourists are let loose to stampede toward the best photo spots.

A convenient metro stop is right across the street. --grecodan


athensdailyphoto.blogspot.com/2006/10/evzones-and-unkno...