Saint Nikolaos Marmarites in Emporio, 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.