slothis · English

Syntagma Square to Athens Archaeological Museum

2017-06-03 · Updated: 2026-08-11 · Original (Korean)

This article was translated from the original Korean post with AI assistance. Read the original Korean post →

After enjoying some free time, I took a leisurely stroll toward the Athens Archaeological Museum. While others had SIM cards to stay in touch, I chose a life where I'm completely unreachable without Wi-Fi. So, we just set a time and place to meet up.

This was my first time meeting up with people through an online community while traveling, so I was surprisingly both excited and anxious about who would show up. You might understand why women would be worried, but why was I worried? I was afraid they'd take one look at me and run away...

Looking at the map for things to see along the way, I figured it would be a fun route to check out Syntagma Square one more time and pass by the University of Athens. When I arrived at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament building at Syntagma Square, the changing of the guard was just taking place. What incredibly perfect timing!

Three Greek guards in traditional uniforms are marching through the square holding rifles.
Three Greek guards marching with high steps in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier relief.
The Greek presidential guard is known for lifting their arms and legs almost comically high.
Two guards holding rifles stand at attention on either side in front of a wall with a large relief.
Guards in traditional uniforms are walking down a downtown Athens street as a yellow taxi passes by.
When they get off duty, they walk normally. Why did this crack me up so much?

Having seen the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Kremlin in Moscow, I definitely wanted to see the Greek version too. I had roughly looked up the time and location, and it turns out this is ranked the number one must-see event in Athens by both Korean and international tourists. The Greek guards, called "Evzones," might look a bit silly to foreigners, but every single decoration and movement apparently holds meaning related to Greek independence.

Watching the ceremony in person, it felt less like a typical military guard change and more like an art performance. The onlookers weren't just casually watching like, "Oh, a guard change"; they were watching in quiet, breathless anticipation as if viewing a theatrical show. When the unique "swish, clack!" sound of their wooden clogs echoed out, the only sound from the audience was the collective gulping of breath. It truly was a fascinating sight you couldn't see anywhere else.

Since it's hard to capture in photos, I'm dropping a video below. As my blog title suggests, I'm terrible at taking pictures, so the camera shakes wildly—please don't judge the shaky footage too harshly...

After watching the best performance in Athens, I kept walking until I saw the University of Athens, said to be the oldest in the Mediterranean. But once I got there, I hardly saw any college students. Is it already summer break?

A classical-style building lined with Ionic columns and statues standing on tall pillars in front of it.

Standing in front of the university, my only thought was, "If I went to a school like this, studying aside, it would definitely feel great just showing up." Like Moscow State University, the exterior is incredibly grand, fitting its reputation. I guess this is why all universities care so much about their buildings.

The front of the Academy of Athens building with a Greek flag fluttering among green trees.
A marble statue of Plato sitting with a scroll unrolled on his lap.
He's glaring at me as if telling me to know myself.
A marble statue of Socrates sitting deep in thought with his chin resting on his hand.
Around the university, you can find statues of all the famous mortals and gods from this region.
A grand classical-style building with a fluttering Greek flag and statue pillars in front of it.
Athena on the left, Apollo on the right.
A statue of a goddess wearing a helmet and holding a spear and shield, standing on a pillar.
Athena
A statue of a male god holding a lyre in one hand, standing on an ornately decorated pillar.
Apollo
A relief sculpture intricately carved with various gods and figures in the triangular space under the building's roof.
I used to wonder why they made the pediments I saw at the Acropolis Museum, but seeing them actually attached to a building makes sense. It makes the structure feel complete.
The exterior of a wide classical-style building with colorful murals painted behind the columns.
The exterior of a grand columned building with curved stairs splitting and going up on both sides.
A marble statue of a man in a coat standing against a background of green trees.
While the front features statues of gods and philosophers, the other buildings have statues of regular famous figures. Of course, I have no idea who those famous people are.
A street vendor selling sesame-seeded round bread on a stall made from a modified shopping cart.
Near Onigma Station, there are lots of street bakery stalls. They look incredibly cheap, but I haven't worked up the courage to try them yet.
People gathered on the lawn and square in front of a grand building lined with columns.
People walking up and down the stairs below the tall columns and roof statues at the museum entrance.
My destination: the National Archaeological Museum of Athens

I arrived right on time, and I was just the right amount of hungry. Sitting in the small garden in front of the museum—a paradise for families and dogs—waiting for the others, I could really feel the lazy Greek evening. I think this every time I step outside, but I wish I could pack up the Athens weather and take it back to Korea with me.

Expenses

  • Acropolis Museum €5
  • Dinner €15
  • Water €1

Total Expenses €21.0

Total Trip Expenses 525,936 KRW + 47,999 RUB + $639.96 + €568.07