A Visit To St. Nicholas

The newest addition to the World Trade Center complex is the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church & National Shrine designed by Santiago Calatrava. The original church was destroyed by the collapse of World Trade Center Tower 2 on 9/11. The church opened to the public in December, 2022 and it is beautiful.

Photo of murals and the central dome designed by architect Santiago Calatrava who also designed the nearby Occulus.

The accessible entrance is via a ramp marked “Liberty Park” located on the corner of Liberty Street and Greenwich Street just south of the World Trade Center Memorial.

Continuing up along the ramp you’ll pass a large mural by artist Dragon76. The entrance to the shrine is to your right.

The interior has a beautiful altar screen decorated with murals painted by Father Loukas of Xenophontos. Much of the marble used in the interior is the same marble as used in the ancient Greek Parthenon in Athens.

One of the murals depicts the World Trade Center attack with souls being rescued by Saint Nicholas. According to the architect’s website : "The design for the church must respect the traditions and liturgy of the Greek Orthodox Church, but at the same time must reflect the fact that we are living in the 21st century.' His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios."

NOTE: Please check Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine for informaiton about the open visiting hours. Currently the shrine is closed on Tuesdays.

NEARBY: 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Oculus, Westfield World Trade Center, Brookfield Place New York, Battery Park City and Esplanade, Liberty Park

Accessible Restrooms are located in the Oculus Westfield World Trade Center complex and at Brookfield Place.