Istanbul, Athens, and the Greek Isles Episode 12: Changing of the Guard

Istanbul, Athens, and the Greek Isles
June 2024
Episode 12: Changing of the Guard

Greece’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands in front of the Hellenic Parliament building. The monument is guarded by Greek soldiers in traditional garb with pom-pom boots and a unique slow-motion goose-step marching style. Don't laugh: this was the attire of one of the most fierce fighting forces of the 19th c. when Greece won its independence from the Ottoman Turks. A changing of the guard occurs at the top of each hour, but a much larger ceremony occurs once a week on Sunday when the new guards are accompanied by a company of fellow soldiers and a marching band.

The video ends with a band of a different kind as three teenagers performed outside the Church of Panagia Kapnikarea.