Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Fort Lauderdale
Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Fort Lauderdale was established in 1988, marking a significant milestone for the local Greek Orthodox community. This Byzantine-style architectural gem in Fort Lauderdale effortlessly mirrors the scenic beauty of southern Greece with its white and blue facade. The church's interior is a testament to the rich traditions of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, adorned with intricate mural paintings and designs that pay homage to its ancient roots.
The origins of this vibrant community trace back to 1946 when a small group of Greek families began to gather in Fort Lauderdale, initially meeting at a beach hotel. Their vision for a communal place of worship led to the formation of an AHEPA Chapter in 1953, culminating in the establishment of the Greek Orthodox Church of Broward County in 1959. This community laid down its roots on Riverland Road in 1960, starting in a modest storefront before growing into the spiritual and cultural hub it is today.
Saint Demetrios is not just a place of worship but a beacon of Greek heritage in Fort Lauderdale. Its design, featuring a Byzantine cross layout with a central dome symbolizing the Dome of Heaven, and surrounded by eight towers dedicated to Old Testament Prophets, reflects the depth of Orthodox Christian tradition. The dome, an impressive structure rising over 50 feet and weighing 215 tons, is supported by twelve columns representing the twelve Apostles, illustrating the church's architectural grandeur and spiritual symbolism.
The church is also renowned for its annual Greek Festival, a celebration that brings the community together through traditional Greek dances, music, and food, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Greece.
The origins of this vibrant community trace back to 1946 when a small group of Greek families began to gather in Fort Lauderdale, initially meeting at a beach hotel. Their vision for a communal place of worship led to the formation of an AHEPA Chapter in 1953, culminating in the establishment of the Greek Orthodox Church of Broward County in 1959. This community laid down its roots on Riverland Road in 1960, starting in a modest storefront before growing into the spiritual and cultural hub it is today.
Saint Demetrios is not just a place of worship but a beacon of Greek heritage in Fort Lauderdale. Its design, featuring a Byzantine cross layout with a central dome symbolizing the Dome of Heaven, and surrounded by eight towers dedicated to Old Testament Prophets, reflects the depth of Orthodox Christian tradition. The dome, an impressive structure rising over 50 feet and weighing 215 tons, is supported by twelve columns representing the twelve Apostles, illustrating the church's architectural grandeur and spiritual symbolism.
The church is also renowned for its annual Greek Festival, a celebration that brings the community together through traditional Greek dances, music, and food, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Greece.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Fort Lauderdale. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church on Map
Sight Name: Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Sight Location: Fort Lauderdale, USA (See walking tours in Fort Lauderdale)
Sight Type: Religious
Sight Location: Fort Lauderdale, USA (See walking tours in Fort Lauderdale)
Sight Type: Religious
Walking Tours in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Create Your Own Walk in Fort Lauderdale
Creating your own self-guided walk in Fort Lauderdale is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Fort Lauderdale Beach Walking Tour
For decades, Fort Lauderdale Beach has been known primarily as a destination for raucous college students to celebrate Spring Break. Today, although a bit calmer and less chaotic than before, this neighborhood still boasts a wealth of opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and enjoyment.
One of the notable local attractions is the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens. This historic estate... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
One of the notable local attractions is the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens. This historic estate... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
Downtown Historical Buildings
Downtown Fort Lauderdale is home to three designated historic districts: The Sailboat Bend, The Himmarshee, and The Stranahan House. Each holds a range of houses and buildings from the mid-19th and 20th centuries that together tell the fascinating story of Fort Lauderdale's evolution over the years.
One such notable institution, preserving the city's heritage, is the Fort Lauderdale... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
One such notable institution, preserving the city's heritage, is the Fort Lauderdale... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Fort Lauderdale Downtown Walking Tour
Fort Lauderdale is known for beautiful beaches and tourism. As part of the Miami metropolitan area, Fort Lauderdale offers the advantage of city culture and convenience along with warm weather, sand and sea.
Fort Lauderdale was originally inhabited by the Tequesta. Like many other native people, they faced disease and expulsion when European explorers made their way to the Florida shores.
... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Fort Lauderdale was originally inhabited by the Tequesta. Like many other native people, they faced disease and expulsion when European explorers made their way to the Florida shores.
... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles