We're still in Athens, this time outside the Presidential Mansion, near Constitution Square, at the changing of the guards. Similar to the ceremonies that occur in London at Buckingham Palace, these guards are hand-picked and trained in the formal and traditional marching style shown here. We were told, in Athens, that there was a minimum height requirement for these soldiers, and that the training is lengthy and exacting.
Inevitably, there is something about tradition that causes some people to sneer. "The ministry of silly walks" was a comment we heard about this ceremonial changing of the guard, but I, for one, don't mind the continuance of some traditional rituals; the same as I admire an old building. Once you get rid of it, it's gone forever.
The Presidential Mansion was originally the Royal Palace, and it was completed in 1897 for Prince Constantine and his bride. There seems to have been a rather chequered history after that, as I quote from Wikipedia:
"The use of the building as a Palace was interrupted in 1924 when the monarchy was overthrown and a Republic was declared. It was then used as the Presidential Mansion until 1935 when the monarchy was restored and the King returned. Since 1974, when democracy was restored after a seven year military dictatorship, the building has been used as the Presidential Mansion and the residence of the President of the day."
I'm certainly not in a position to comment on the politics of Greece, so I can only remark that the palace and nearby gardens are well worth a visit if you are in Athens; and that the changing of the guard is a bit of pomp and ceremony that does not seem out of place, even in today's bustling Athens.
EXIF: Canon A620; auto everything.
TFF
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