We visited Tarpon Springs Florida the other day with the intention of eating an Authentic Greek Meal. Friends had recommended the restaurant "Mykonos" and the sponge docks too. I always check out an area I'm going to visit for any "not to miss" interesting things. St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church caught my attention. From the outside you can see the unmistakable shape of the traditional dome. It was raining so we scurried inside. We lit candles, said prayers for our families, and then had the sanctuary to ourselves to enjoy. We wandered around with our necks craned, looking upwards in awe. The stained glass windows are really beautiful, and there are many, especially the ones way up in the dome. However, what makes this church special are the beautifully painted murals with the vivid colors. I imagine worshiping here would be very special.
I loved this unusual Greek Orthodox Church which you will see as you drive towards the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs. The brick-built exterior has a traditional dome and a tall tower. In the forecourt there is a statue of a boy diving for the cross (a local tradition held in Tarpon Springs each Epiphany).
The church is said to be modelled on that of St Sophia of Istanbul, one of the most beautiful churches in the world. Inside St Nicholas Church at Tarpon Springs the stained glass, gold-topped columns and painted murals were just jaw-dropping. The beautiful colors and fantastically high standard of workmanship were wonderful to admire.
I wish there had been a leaflet or self-guided tour to enhance the visit, but all-in-all it is a great place to visit and admire.
How lovely for this cathedral to be open to visitors to Tarpon Springs. We visited late in the afternoon and were greeted by an older Greek gentleman who encouraged us to walk freely throughout the cathedral. The middle aisle is roped off, but the rest of the church is very open to explore, and that is what we did. How nice to be able to quietly and respectfully view another culture up close. The artwork is stunning from floor to ceiling, and wall to wall. The stained glass windows are amazing in the afternoon sun. A few other patrons sat quietly visiting, but otherwise it is a quiet place.
When we entered the church in late afternoon we could have easily been walking into a church in Greece. Two older ladies were seated in the back pew enjoying a chat in Greek. We quietly walked through the church after a brief welcome from the ladies, enjoying the light streaming in through the stained glass windows. As we reached the altar area we looked up to see a spectacular painted mural on the ceiling.
We truly felt as though we were transported to another place.
Well worth the visit.
We walked over to the cathedral midday during our visit to Tarpon Springs. The peace and beauty of the cathedral was a lovely break from the bustle of activity along the sponge docks. The stained glass windows are so beautiful. You may want to check their hours if you plan to visit. We were going to stop at the cathedral on our way out of town, but discovered the cathedral would have been closed by then. Hence, the midday visit which actually turned out to be ideal.
