The history of the Presidential Guard begins on 12 December 1868 as a combatant and at the same time ceremonial force.  Since 1914, the Palace Guard was formed as a special unit of Evzones. In the course of time it changed several names: the Palace Guard, the Flag Guard, the Guard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Royal Guard and finally, since 1974 and the restoration of democracy, the Presidential Guard.

The barracks where the Presidential Guard is based has been in the same place since the force was founded, close to the present Presidential Mansion (formerly the Palace) on Herod Atticus Road .