A Spotlight on Impressive Saint Andrew’s Cathedral

When spring rolls around it is magical in Greece.  The trees bloom and the streets…

When spring rolls around it is magical in Greece.  The trees bloom and the streets all smell like a florist shop because everyone has flowers everywhere. 

​It is also a time of reawakening and celebrating the Resurrection of Christ.  I find that this is my favorite time of the year to go to church.  There is a special feeling that permeates the liturgies which are usually held in the evenings leading up to Easter.   With all these sweet memories knocking around in my brain I thought I’d take you back to put a spotlight on the impressive Saint Andreas or Andrew’s Cathedral in Patra, Greece. 

In this photo essay we will be exploring the exterior of the church and next month I’ll be sharing the interior which deserves a post all it’s own. 
Outdoor shot of St. Andrew's Cathedral, A Spotlight on Impressive Saint Andrew's Cathedral, www.theboondocksblog.com
Saint Andrew’s Cathedral is located in Patras, in the Peloponnese, a peninsula in the lower half of Greece. Patra is the third largest city in Greece and the regional capital of Western Greece. It is also a busy port city with ships traveling to Italy and the rest of Western Europe. The annual carnival is also hosted here.  

​But most of all it is the home of this magnificent cathedral.
Central photo of St. Andrew's Cathedral, A Spotlight on Impressive Saint Andrew's Cathedral, www.theboondocksblog.com
Saint Andrew’s Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in Greece and the third largest in the Balkans at approximately 2,000 square meters, or 21,500 square feet with a capacity of 7,500 worshipers.
Looking up at St. Andrew's Cathdral, Patra Greece, A Spotlight on Impressive Saint Andrew's Cathedral, www.theboondocksblog.com
The church style is a Basilica with a central nave and aisles on either side. There is one central dome with windows on the upper level and 12 smaller domes on each tower and at the corners of the main building.
​
The domes of St. Andrew's Cathedral, Patra Greece, A Spotlight on Impressive Saint Andrew's Cathedral, www.theboondocksblog.com
The church’s name is taken from Saint Andrew, who we also refer to as Protokletos or “the first called” because Saint Andrew was the first of the Apostles who was called by Jesus to join him as his disciple.  He was also the brother of Saint Peter. 
​​
Entrance to St. Andrew's Cathedral Patra Greece, A Spotlight on Impressive Saint Andrew's Cathedral, www.theboondocksblog.com
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links .  If you purchase any of these products through the links, I receive a small commission, that way I can continue to provide you with lovely content.  There is no extra charge to you for purchasing through my affiliate links.

​

​Construction of the church began in 1908 by the architect Anastasios Metaxas and was finally completed in 1974.
​
St. Andrew's Cathedral Patra Greece, A Spotlight on Impressive Saint Andrew's Cathedral, www.theboondocksblog.com
This is the cultural center with a book store, where exhibitions are held.
​
Bookstore and exhibition hall, A Spotlight on Impressive Saint Andrew's Cathedral, www.theboondocksblog.com
Detail work of doors at St. Andrew's Cathedral, Patras Greece, A Spotlight on Impressive Saint Andrew's Cathedral, www.theboondocksblog.com
Above the main door is the symbol of the Byzantine coat of arms…
​
Arch above the main door at St. Andrew's Cathedral Patras Greece, A Spotlight on Impressive Saint Andrew's Cathedral, www.theboondocksblog.com
728x90 banner

​… a two-headed eagle with a crown on top.  In this case it symbolizes the Church and State under one Empire, that being the Byzantine Empire. 
​​
Detail work above the main door with the symbol of the two headed eagle, A Spotlight on Impressive Saint Andrew's Cathedral, www.theboondocksblog.com
A detail of the carved marble along the sides of the doors. 
​
Detail of carved marble around the doorway, A Spotlight on Impressive Saint Andrew's Cathedral, www.theboondocksblog.com

​And a fountain to cool us down during the hot summer days. I should mention here that the Cathedral is located a block away from the bay waters.  It doesn’t get better than this. 
​
Marble fountain, A Spotlight on Impressive Saint Andrew's Cathedral, www.theboondocksblog.com

​This is the view on the right side of the Cathedral….
​
The towers of St. Andrew's Cathedral, Patras Greece, A Spotlight on Impressive Saint Andrew's Cathedral, www.theboondocksblog.com
…which also happens to be an exact mirror image of the left side. 
​
The towers on the left side of St. Andrew's Cathedral, Patras Greece, A Spotlight on Impressive Saint Andrew's Cathedral, www.theboondocksblog.com
One last view from the south east side. It was built perfectly symmetrical.  
​
Looking at the cathedral from the other side, A Spotlight on Impressive Saint Andrew's Cathedral, www.theboondocksblog.com
I do wish I was there at this time of the year, in my opinion the best time before it gets sweltering hot.  And now that I have shared the exterior of the church prepare to be wowed next month as we enter the church proper. It truly is a sight to behold.  

I hope you’ve enjoyed these photos of Impressive Saint Andrew’s Cathedral.  If you would like to see more of my photography go to the photo gallery here. 
Picture
Photo Essay of the largest church in Greece and the Balkans, Saint Andrew's Cathedral in Patra Greece, #Architecture #GreekCathedral #Basilica #ChurchDomes #Outdoorcourtyard #Photography #Photoessay, A Spotlight on Impressive Saint Andrew's Cathedral, www.theboondocksblog.com
​If you like what you see, share it with your friends, or save it on Pinterest.  Above is a Pinterest worthy image!

​If you really like what you see subscribe to my photo gallery below.
Picture
More photography from Greece:
<< Adding color with wreaths        HOME      Mid-Century Modern China Cabinet >>    
Linking up to these Link Parties

This blog is for entertainment purposes only; my DIY tutorials are not professional advice. Read my full disclaimer here.​

I love it when I get your comments and I will try to reply to every one of them. ​Please do not add a hyperlink to your comment, otherwise it cannot be published.

Hello, we're Jane & Sonja, sisters, moms and lifelong crafters.

We Think You'll Enjoy These Related Projects:

40 Comments

Comments are closed.