[1] The square is named after the Constitution that Otto, the first King of Greece, was obliged to grant after a popular and military uprising on 3 September 1843.

The metro station underneath the square, where lines 2 and 3 connect, along with the tram terminal and the numerous bus stops, constitutes one of the busiest transport hubs in the country.

[3] The eastern side of the square is higher than the western, and dominated by a set of marble steps leading to Amalias Avenue; beneath these lies the Syntagma metro station.

Syntagma also includes two green areas to the north and south, planted with shade trees, while in the centre of the square there is a large mid-19th century water fountain.

The square was designed and constructed in the early 19th century, shortly after King Otto moved the capital of the newly born Greek Kingdom from Nafplio to Athens in 1834.

[5] Between 2010 and 2012, the square was the site of mass protests by crowds of many thousands of people, due to the worsening economic situation during the Greek government debt crisis.

The square is located near many of Athens' oldest and most famous neighbourhoods and tourist attractions, all within walking distance: Historic churches also dot the area, some dating from the Middle Ages.