The Hellenic Parliament (Greek: Ελληνικό Κοινοβούλιο, transliterated Elliniko Kinovoulio), in Greek known as Voulí ton Ellínon (Greek: Βουλή των Ελλήνων, literally Parliament (or Will) of the Hellenes) is the parliament of Greece, located in the Old Royal Palace, overlooking Syntagma Square in Athens.
The Old Royal Palace (Greek: Παλαιά Ανάκτορα Palaiá Anáktora) is the first royal palace of modern Greece, completed in 1843. It has housed the Hellenic Parliament since 1934. The Old Palace is situated at the heart of modern Athens, facing onto Syntagma Square.
The Parliament is the supreme democratic institution that represents the citizens through an elected body of Members of Parliament (MPs).
It is a unicameral legislature of 300 members, elected for a four-year term. During 1844–1863 and 1927–1935, the parliament was bicameral with an upper house, the Senate, and a lower house, the Chamber of Deputies, which retained the name Vouli. Several important Greek statesmen have served as Speakers of the Hellenic Parliament.
Visitor Info
Rating
★ 4.4 4,300 reviews
Visit Time
~20 min
Best Time
During the guard change or exterior walk
Insider Tips
- · Plan it together with Syntagma Square and the surrounding gardens
- · The exterior is the main attraction for most visitors
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Frequently Asked Questions
What was this building before it became the Parliament? ▾
It was the Royal Palace of Greece, completed in 1843 for King Otto — the first king of modern Greece — and converted to the Parliament building in 1934.
Can tourists visit inside? ▾
The interior is generally not open to tourists, though the Parliament occasionally holds open days; the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of it is always accessible.
Who are the soldiers in the unusual uniforms? ▾
They are Evzones, members of the Presidential Guard wearing the traditional fustanella (pleated skirt) and tsarouchi (shoes with pom-poms) — a uniform derived from Greek mountain fighters of the War of Independence.
What is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier? ▾
Built in 1930, it commemorates Greek soldiers killed in war; the relief beneath shows a dying ancient Greek warrior modeled on a figure from the Temple of Aphaia on Aegina.
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Hellenic Parliament — offline map & tips