We loved our visit to Athens earlier this year. A highlight was watching the changing of the guards in front of the Presidential Mansion and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square.
The guards belong to an elite light infantry unit, the Evzones. The guards change every hour. Each soldier guards for about an hour, 3 times in a 48 hour period. They must stand perfectly still, without any facial expression or movement.
The guards get some protection from the elements standing beside litttle white huts that offer some shade, but not much. We were there on a fine day, but it was already hot on a spring morning.
Just before the change time 3 soldiers march towards the square.
They turn to face the Square and are met by a couple of soldiers who check their uniforms.
The 2 who have been on guard move away from their positions to face the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
2 of the new soldiers then step forward and move to the centre of the square.
The soldiers finishing their shift move off.
This is a very serious business.
The new guards are checked and they take their places.
…and their motionless hour begins.
The uniform of the Presidential Guard has historical meaning. The official uniform is worn only on Sundays and National holidays. On other days there is the doulamas, a special uniform that the soldiers of the Macedonian Struggle used to wear. This uniform is blue in winter and brown in summer.
I was especially impressed by the shoes, called Tsarouchia. They are red, made of leather with a pompon on the front. Each shoe weighs 3 kilos.
I can’t imagine wearing all those clothes in the heat of summer. If I had to do it I would request a sleeveless cotton top, with a lightweight pleated shirt and a parasol to carry…I don’t expect to get a call any time soon.
It would be great to see the full ceremony which takes place at 11.00 am on Sundays…next time.