St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine

The building at 41 St. George Street has been here since 1740, built for the Avero family. In 1777, Governor Patrick Tonyn offered it as sanctuary to survivors of the failed New Smyrna Colony — some five hundred Greeks and three Orthodox priests who had come to Florida in 1768 under British indentured servitude. The second floor became their place of worship under Father Pedro Camps, the only clergy survivor. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America dedicated it as a national shrine in 1982. Over 200,000 people visit each year.