The Greek Presidential Guard are a big tourist attraction in Greece. But why? Here we explain what makes them so special. 

The division was formed in 1868 and its soldiers, called "Evzones," wear traditional costumes and perform carefully choreographed displays at changing-of-the-guard ceremonies.   

Evzones' uniforms are not just for decoration – they represent a lot more. According to the chief tailor of the Presidential Guard, Vangelis Lazos, every detail of the costume represents the significant battles fought throughout Greece's modern history and the uniform is a symbol of the country's national pride. The formal version of the uniform is white and worn on Sundays and at official occasions, with a doulama, or tunic, worn at other times – khaki in summer and navy blue in winter.

The top of the costume features a waistcoat of intricate black embroidery on white cloth. On the bottom, the Evzones wear a white skirt made of 30 meters of fabric, which must feature 400 pleats, which represent the 400 years during which Greece was ruled by other countries.

The red on the Evzones' hats symbolizes the blood shed by the soldiers' Greek ancestors, who struggled for freedom. While black symbolizes their remembrance and the tassel represents the Greek people, with the knot showing that Greek people will unite when necessary. 

New recruits must be trained for six months before they can perform the unique slow movements distinctive of the Evzones. If they are to participate in ceremonies for foreign leaders, they receive special separate training. 

After six months of training, Evzones must be vigilant when on duty, but should appear indifferent to any surrounding stimuli – no expressions or sudden movements are permitted.

Every Sunday morning at 11:00 local time, soldiers put on their costumes and march to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for a changing of the guard – one of Athens' biggest tourist attractions.