Athens Presidential Mansion

The basics

The Athens Presidential Mansion is a premier example of the historical style of German-born architect Ernst Ziller, who designed dozens of buildings in Athens between the 19th and 20th centuries and is considered a major influence in the evolution of the modern city. Visit the exteriors as part of an architectural tour of the capital or stop by to catch the hourly changing of the guard. Since the mansion is just across the street from the Athens National Garden, it makes for an easy stop while exploring this storied park.

Things to know before you go

• The Presidential Mansion is not open to the public, so the building and gardens can only be admired from the outside.
• The daily guard rotation happens at noon, while the more elaborate changing of the guard takes place each Sunday at 11am.
• Photographs of the estate are allowed from a distance, but the residence is heavily guarded and the public cannot approach.
• Herodou Attikou Street is level and paved, making the mansion and changing of the guard ceremony easy to reach by wheelchair.

How to get there

The Presidential Mansion is across from the Athens National Garden on Herodou Attikou Street, an easy walk from Syntagma Square. Join an Athens architecture tour that includes transportation to move easily between this site and other modern landmarks by Ziller and other 19th-century architects.

When to get there

The daily guard rotation at the top of each hour is a main draw to the otherwise inaccessible Presidential Mansion, so arrive at least 10 minutes before the hour to claim your viewing spot. The full changing of the guard ceremony is held each Sunday at 11am, and draws more crowds. Arrive at least 20 minutes before the ceremony to ensure an unobscured view.

Athens’ changing of the guard

Catching the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Syntagma Square or at the Presidential Mansion on Herodou Attikou Street is one of the most popular things to do in Athens. The Evzones (a ceremonial unit of the Presidential Guard) rotate at the top of each hour daily, while the entire garrison in full traditional regalia changes each Sunday at 11am accompanied by a military band. The ceremonies on Syntagma Square are generally quite crowded, while fewer people attend the changing of the guard at the Presidential Mansion.