The outside of the Avero House / St. Photios Shrine from St. George Street on a summer day. Tourists walk below Greek and American flags

St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine and Museum

Name: St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine and Museum
Address: 41 St. George Street, St. Augustine, FL, 32084, US
Telephone: (904) 829-8205

Greek Orthodox shrine and museum, dubbed the "Jewel of St. George Street."

St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine and Museum

(904) 829-8205

In the heart of the St. George Street Historic District.
41 St. George Street
St. Augustine, FL 32084

Currently closed.

Mon - Sun: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

+1 more

The Jewel of St. George Street

A short walk from the Old City Gate and the Castillo de San Marcos, the St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine is one of St. Augustine’s most quietly powerful spaces. Tucked between the storefronts of St. George Street, this sacred site honors the faith, art, and legacy of America’s first Greek immigrants. Though not an active parish, the shrine welcomes all for personal reflection, discovery, and a glimpse into the Orthodox tradition.

A Shrine Built on History and Hope

Opened in 1982, the shrine commemorates the arrival of 500 Greek immigrants who came to Florida in 1768 as part of the New Smyrna Colony. Their story of endurance, struggle, and faith is preserved through museum exhibits, sacred art, and interpretive panels.

View the Shrine Chapel, featuring striking Byzantine-style iconography created by artist George Filippakis. These murals portray saints, biblical events, and moments from Orthodox Christian tradition, rendered in bold color and gold leaf. Nearby, a small museum traces the early story of Greek settlers and the growth of Orthodoxy in America.

The shrine is also home to a Wall of Tribute, where you can submit names to be remembered in prayer and commemoration.

St. Photios sees more than 100,000 visitors each year and remains a space of peace and reflection. Whether you're lighting a candle, admiring centuries-old traditions, or stepping in for a quiet moment, the shrine offers a glimpse of Greek American heritage in the heart of colonial Florida.

St. Photios Greek Orthodox Shrine museum located off St. George Street.

Courtyard

Visitors often enjoy the peaceful Mediterranean-style courtyard during their visit. Framed by white stucco walls, brick paving, and potted palms, the space sets a reverent tone. A bronze bust of Archbishop Lakovos, who dedicated the shrine in 1982, stands as a quiet sentinel near the entrance. The courtyard offers seating and serves as a transitional space from the busy energy of St. George Street.

St. Photios Greek Orthodox Shrine in historic downtown St. Augustine, Florida

Plan Your Visit

Hours: Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Admission: Free; donations are appreciated.

Gift Shop: Offers religious icons, books, Greek food items, jewelry, and souvenirs. Proceeds help maintain the shrine and fund educational outreach.

A museum exhibit at St. Photios National Shrine. A row of glass cases displays artifacts on red velvet. Murals and informational panels line the walls

Explore More

About the Building

This coquina home was built in 1740 for the Avero family, who had lived on the property since 1712, and continued to live there until the Spanish evacuation in 1763. After being used by the British, the building served as a chapel for Catholic Minorcans, Italians, and Greeks who were refugees from the New Smyrna Colony. The building was restored in 1970 to house the shrine that honors the indentured Greek settlers of 1758.

Learn About Other Historic Churches

St. Photios Greek Shrine is one of several sacred and historic sites open to the public in St. Augustine. While you're here, visit our Historic Churches page to learn more about St. Augustine's religious history.