Changing of the Guards - Parliament

Visitors to Athens always enjoy watching the Changing of the Guards outside the Parliament on Syntagma Square. The evzones, or tsoliades, are young Greeks doing their military service and are chosen for this honorable post depending on their height. Every hour they march down Vasilissis Sofias Avenue from their barracks on Irodou Attikou and change posts with the previous evzones, following an elaborate ceremony with specific military steps and positions of their rifles. On Sundays at 11 a.m. the ceremony includes a larger number of evzones and is more impressive. The traditional costumes and shoes which they wear have special significance and symbolism and are entirely handmade by a special artisan in the barracks.