It overlooks Syntagma Square and was originally built as a palace for King Otto, the first King of Greece and Queen Amalia. Its
construction took six years, from 1836 - 1842. The second King of Greece, King Georgios,
also lived in this palace. But during his reign two serious fires destroyed the building
to the extend that it was judged unfit for royal occupation. It was 1924 that the
government decided to house the Greek Parliament in the building. The Tomb of the Unknown
Soldier, in the front of the building, was built in 1929 - 1930. This monument where Greek
officials and visiting dignitaries lay wreaths on major holidays, is guarded day and night
by a pair of elite soldiers called Evzones.
Interactive Map of Athens
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