Saint Nikolaos Marmarites In Emporeio, Santorini
Located in Santorini, the Saint
Nikolaos Marmarites in Emporeio, is a grave monument with the shape of
a small, square temple, made entirely of gray marble.
Over the time, its architectural structure was preserved intact, along
with its roof which presents certain peculiarities: it is supported by
three monolithic marble posts which are situated inside the building
and it is all made of marble slabs.
The structure of the grave, which has its entrance located on the south
side, dates from the third century B.C. Inside the grave is sheltered
the statue of a goddess by a small niche which is bordered by small Ionic
columns. According to the inscription that is carved below the niche,
the temple was a family tomb and was dedicated to the goddess Basileia.
Nowadays, the monument functions as
a Christian church dedicated to St. Nikolaos. It has been called ‘Marmarites’ after
the material from which it was built.
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