Syntagma Square (Constitution Square) is the oldest square of Athens.
Its modelling began in 1836 together with the construction of the palace and hence the original name given was Palace Square.
On the 3rd of September 1843 the people revolted and demanded from King Otto the granting of a constitution. Since then the square took the modern name of Syntagma square which in Greek means "constitution", but also held its original name up to the end of the 19th century.
The square was a perfect place for walks and Queen Amalia was the first one that started its forestation.
After the modelling of the square was concluded in 1856, there was a little pond in the center with goldfish in it, a big squared clock and an octagonal platform where every Thursday and Sunday the Guard's band was playing.
From the beginning of the 20th century, a horse driven tram was functioning around the square.
Due to its position, the square was and is a popular place for celebrations and political demonstrations that often led to bloody conflicts.
The historical coffee places of Zacharatos and Zavoritis, that also stood on the square, were places that people gathered to watch the first silent movies, on big screens.
From 1874 the story of Grande Bretagne hotel begins, a hotel that emerged as one of the most prestigious in the capital and had its name connected with important historical events.