Saint Nicholas
In the past, the red domes of Saint Nicholas stood out along the entire waterfront of the commercial port. Now they are blue, the color of the sea, as Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors.
Saint Nicholas of the Hydriots is one of the largest churches in Piraeus and is located in the historic neighborhood of the Hydriots, on the waterfront, facing Melina Mercouri Square. The one you will see was built in 1879, the third to be constructed at this location. It belongs to the type of cruciform inscribed basilica churches and stands out with its three monumental propylaea on the west, north, and south sides, reminiscent of the ancient Corinthian rhythm. As a remarkable example of architecture from the second half of the 19th century, with neoclassical elements, it has been designated as a monument by the Ministry of Culture.
Originally, in the location of today's Church of Saint Nicholas, there was a small church built on a hill that dominated the area. In front of it was Amalia Square, one of the oldest squares in the city. The foundation was laid in 1844, with voluntary labor from the Hydriots. In 1844, the next church was inaugurated at the same location, again funded by the Hydriots, who implemented the plans of the municipal engineer Lorenzen. In 1879, the foundations of the next church were laid, this time according to the plans of Ioannis Lazarimos, the famous architect of Hydriot origin, who designed, among other things, the Municipal Theater and the church of Saints Constantine and Helen. He supervised every detail of the construction. It was completed in 1902, along with the interior decoration, which includes frescoes, sculptures, and portable icons. The Pantheon of All Saints of the sculptor Ioannis Chalepas (father of the famous Giannoulis Chalepas) and icons by the icon painters of Nea Skete of St. Paul's Monastery on Mount Athos stand out.
In 1868, on the northwest side, ground-level buildings were created to house the Saint Nicholas public market, which were demolished in the 1960s. They can be seen in many old photographs of the city.
Thanks to its good construction, Saint Nicholas withstood bombings by both the Germans in 1941 and the Allies in 1944.
The feast of Saint Nicholas on December 6 is celebrated with great splendor, featuring the procession of the icon and the vessels paying their respects.
Information…
It is located at 2 Agiou Nikolaou Street. Phone: 210 4511247.
After World War II, during the era of the great emigration of Greeks abroad in search of a better life, mainly in America and Australia, the ships would depart from the passenger terminal near Saint Nicholas. Families bidding farewell to their loved ones would light candles at Saint Nicholas and pray for their fortunes.
Scenes in front of Saint Nicholas were shot for the 1971 French film "Le Casse" (The Burglars).
For more information, read here.
Location
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